Cathy writes futuristic romances. Her first book, Shielder has won numerous awards, including:
Winner--2000 Laurel Wreath Award, Paranormal Category
Winner--2000 Aspen Gold Contest, Paranormal Category
2000 Holt Medallion Finalist, Best First Book
1998 Golden Heart Finalist, Paranormal Category
Winner--1998 Emily
Winner--1997 On The Far Side Contest

Both Shielder and her second book, Shadower, have received Honorable Mention in the 1999 and 2000 P.E.A.R.L. awards. They are both great stories and should NOT be missed. Cathy is an author that you will want to keep an eye on! I'm going to hold onto my copies because I believe that they will be very collectable one day as her writing reputation grows.

Question: All of your books have been "futuristic romances" how did you come to choose this sub-genre?

That’s a good question, and I’m not sure I know the exact answer. I do believe that I was greatly influenced by the fact that my father worked on the space program at NASA, on Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama. I grew up surrounded by talk of space travel and its possibilities. Then later, I discovered the Star Trek series on T.V. (both the original and the Next Generation), and was enthralled by the stories set in space and strange, exotic worlds. There was never any doubt that I’d write romance, though, since I adored reading it. I started with reading fairy tales as a young child, and progressed to Mary Stewart, Victoria Holt, and then on to Kathleen Woodiwiss, Rosemary Rogers, and all the wonderful romance writers who followed. When I began writing, I guess it was a natural progression for me to combine romance with stories set on other worlds.

Question: Have you ever considered writing something other than futuristics?

Yes, as a matter of fact. I have written a children’s book (safely hidden beneath my bed ), and would like to try writing contemporaries. Since I like to write steamy romances, I’m considering the Silhouette Desire or Harlequin Temptation lines. But I’d never give up writing futuristics.

Question: When you're writing which comes first--the story, the characters or the setting?

The characters, absolutely. All of my stories have begun with a character sparking in my imagination, then growing larger than life. This is great for romances, as they are generally character-driven. As the characters form, I begin to wonder about them and ask questions, and usually come up with the setting next. The story, and subsequent plotting, are the last thing to fall into place. SHIELDER began with me envisioning a young woman suffering from a physical handicap of some sort. Thus Nessa came to life, and the story evolved from there.

Question: What does your family think of your writing? Do you ever ask their advice or opinion on one point or another?

They’re very proud of my accomplishments. My husband is extremely supportive, and my two teenagers like to brag to their friends that their mom writes books, and is published. My kids are a little embarrassed, however, by the sensuality in my books (they haven’t read them, but they know it’s there), and the off-color comments some people make. And I do brainstorm with my husband, or bounce science fiction possibilities off my son, who reads SF and Fantasy. But most of my advice and opinions come from my fabulous critique partners.

Question: When you have the time what do you do for fun or relaxation?

Gee, when I have time . . . what’s that ? I love to read, and devour books in my free time. I also catch up on e-mail and family matters. I work with my critique partners on their works in progress and attend writers’ meetings and conferences. I really enjoy networking with other authors, as well as booksellers and reviewers. I don’t watch much TV, and I’m not very athletic (unfortunately), but I can definitely read and socialize!

Question: Will you tell us about the Think Pink campaign?

Originally, the “Think Pink” idea was inspired by the distinctive pink lettering of Shamara’s cover (which is also graced with the ultra-sexy John DeSalvo). But, as ideas have a way of doing, the theme expanded, especially when Cy Korte of Book Isle and PNR suggested that I create a story explaining the significance of pink to the Shielders. I thought a lot about the color pink and realized it has a strong spiritual significance. It represents love and healing and peace, and the color of the heart chakra is a deep rose, which is in the pink color family. I also realized I had used the color pink a great deal in Shamara, especially in the part of the book dealing with karma and spiritual growth. Then Jenna dan Aron spoke to me, whispering of her destiny, and I knew I had the perfect “Think Pink” story. It’s titled
THE SHIELDERS . . . LEGEND OF DESTINY, and is on my web site at www.catherinespangler.com. It is my gift to my wonderful readers. I’ve also incorporated “Think Pink” into many of my promotional items, and have Weepuls (Don’t know what those are? Check out my site!), and “Think Pink” coffee mugs I’m giving away. I’ve really had a lot of fun with “Think Pink”, and I’ve received many positive comments about it.

Question: With the release of SHAMARA in September, do you have another book in the works?

Yes! I’m working on the proposal for Celie Cameron’s story, tentatively titled SHADOW CROSSING. It’s very different from my other Shielder stories, first because neither Celie nor the hero are Shielders; and it’s set in a different world. Poor Celie! She’s searching for some excitement and meaning to her life, and instead she gets an android. Or at least she thinks he’s an android . . . . Does Rurick have some surprises in store for her!
I’m also planning book five in the Shielder series, tentatively titled SHADOW FIRES. It’s Jenna dan Aron’s story. She’s the young woman in the “Think Pink” story on my web site. If you read that, you’ll have a pretty good idea what Jenna’s story will be about. Life with a Leor hero (breathless sigh), which many readers have requested.
As always, my goal is to provide stories with deep emotion, believable conflict, and larger-than-life characters. If I can be caught up in my characters’ stories, then hopefully my readers will be as well.

Question: Is there any way we as readers can help to promote authors such as yourself, ones who write outside the mainstream romance genre?

That’s a great question, but a tough one, because there’s no set answer. I believe the first thing is to buy the books. Sales speak very clearly to publishers. Unfortunately, books have to be purchased new for sales to count. I’m not knocking used book stores-I believe they fill an important niche-but authors don’t get royalties on used book sales, and the publishers have no record of them. So buy the books new, if you possibly can. Secondly, tell your friends about these non-mainstream romance books, maybe even loan them one or two (then make them buy their own ). Or discuss the books on line. Word of mouth is a powerful selling tool, and creates recognition for these types of books. I truly believe that word of mouth is why my sales have been steadily growing, and I thank everyone who has promoted me. Write to the publisher and tell them what types of stories you want to see, and which authors you particularly like. In short, speak up and buy the books (I hate to sound mercenary, but that’s the bottom line).

Question: Is there anything you would like to add to this interview that I have not asked?

You’re asking this question to a writer ? I always have something to add! I want to take this opportunity to thank all the readers and the booksellers who have supported me and shared the news about my books. And thank you to all of you who have visited my web site, written me, encouraged me in so many ways. I hope you will continue to visit and write, and let me know what you want to see in future stories. I also want to thank the great reviewers like you, Jo, who spend hours of their time reading our books and writing thoughtful, comprehensive reviews. Book sales are truly a team effort. We can write the books, but the effort is useless without our readers and our supporters. Also, support your local booksellers, either independents or chain stores, if you can. These dedicated people hand sell our books day in and day out. Again, nothing wrong with going online to Barnes & Noble or Amazon, but our booksellers are an important part of a writer’s success. As always, I wish you all happy reading!

Thanks Cathy for taking the time to do this interview and best of luck in all your future endeavors.

Thank you, Jo. You’re a wonderful, special person, and I’m blessed to know you.