The Writer's Life Chats with Marta Perry, author of "Katie's Way"

About Marta Perry

A lifetime spent in rural Pennsylvania, where she still lives, and her own Pennsylvania Dutch roots led Marta Perry to write about the Plain People and their rich heritage in her current novels. The author of more than forty novels, with over five million copies of her books in print, Marta is active in her church and community. She is a member of Romance Writers of America, American Christian Fiction Writers, and Pennwriters. When she’s not writing, she and her husband enjoy traveling, gardening, and visiting their six beautiful grandchildren. For more information, visit Marta on the web at www.martaperry.com, on Facebook at Marta Perry Books, and check out her blog at www.booksbymartaperry.blogspot.com.

Q: Welcome to The Writer's Life, Marta. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and how long you’ve been writing?

A: I’ve been making up stories in my head since I read my first Nancy Drew book at age eight, but I didn’t start writing them down until I had children of my own. In the past I worked as a teacher and as a church education director, but I’ve been a full-time writer for the last fifteen years, and I couldn’t be happier. I love the opportunities I have now to write both Amish romance and Amish-set suspense novels.

Q: Can you please tell us about your book and why you wrote it? 

A: Katie’s Way is the fifth book in my Pleasant Valley Amish series from Berkley Books. I have lived around Plain People for many years, and I love introducing other people to their world. In addition, I have always been fascinated by the role women’s handwork plays in their lives, and this story about an Amish quilter and her quilt shop allowed me to explore the way women’s quilting both expresses their artistry and preserves their traditions.

Q: What were some of the biggest challenges you faced writing it? 

A: Although I’ve done a great deal of sewing, I’ve never attempted a full-size quilt, so I had to rely on the expertise of the many quilters among my friends and family. Fortunately the answers to my many questions were never more than a phone call away! In addition, Pleasant Valley has grown throughout the series to include so many Amish and Englisch residents that I’ve started lists to keep track of them all!

Q: Do you have a press kit and what do you include in it? Does this press kit appear online and, if so, can you provide a link to where we can see it? 

A: My web site, www.martaperry.com, includes full information, including excerpts, about Katie’s Way and all my other books. It also includes a longer bio, a publicity photo, book covers, review quotes, and awards.

Q: Have you either spoken to groups of people about your book or appeared on radio or TV? What are your upcoming plans for doing so? 

A: I was the kick-off speaker this fall for Read Across the Valley, a celebration of books sponsored by a library consortium in central Pennsylvania, where I spoke about my Amish book series and this book in particular. I’ve been interviewed about my Amish books by a cable station in West Chester, PA and by local television news in the Lancaster County area, as well as Inside Pennsylvania magazine and various newspapers and web sites. I will be doing several book signings in central Pennsylvania in November.

Q: Do you have an agent and, if so, would you mind sharing who he/is is? If not, have you ever had an agent or do you even feel it’s necessary to have one? 

A: My wonderful agent, Danielle Egan Miller of Browne and Miller Literary Agency, is responsible for both my sales and my sanity! I think an agent is crucial in this time of constant change in the publishing industry.

Q: Did you, your agent or publisher prepare a media blitz before the book came out and would you like to tell us about it? 

A: My publicist at Berkley Books has been busy sending copies of Katie’s Way to reviewers and has been supporting my blog tour. Berkley is also providing book giveaways for a contest on Goodreads. Katie’s Way also appeared on the cover of the Christian Book Distributors fall catalog.

Q: Do you plan subsequent books? 

A: Katie’s Way is Book 5 in the Pleasant Valley series, and at least four more books are planned. The next in the series, Hannah’s Joy, will be out in May, 2012. I am also writing an Amish suspense series for HQN Books, and the next book in that series, Danger in Plain Sight, will be out in June, 2012.

Q: Thank you for your interview, Marta. Would you like to tell my readers where they can find you on the web and how everyone can buy your book? 

A: Visit me on the web at http://www.martaperry.com, on Facebook at Marta Perry Books, and on my blog at http://www.blogspot.com/BooksByMartaPerry. E-mail me at marta@martaperry.com, and I’ll be happy to send your readers a signed bookmark and my Pennsylvania Dutch recipe brochure.

About Katie's Way

After a thwarted romance, Katie Miller starts over by moving to Pleasant Valley and opening a quilt shop. Soon Amish and Englisch turn the store into a lively spot...to the consternation of Caleb Brand, who crafts furniture next door. Then Katie's sister joins her, to escape rumors of her wild rumspringa, and Katie feels the burden of responsibility for a restless teenager. Even worse, her efforts to bring more people to Main Street arouse resistance among local businesses. When acts of vandalism threaten Katie's shop, she turns to Caleb for comfort, and their friendship deepens. But will Caleb's secret past prevent him from embracing a future with Katie? Or will their fragile romance develop the strength to last a lifetime?