Kathy Otten
1. I hear you have a mule in one of your novels. Tell us about the book.
A Tarnished Knight is a historical romance novel about a down-on-his-luck bounty hunter, Ryder MacKenzie, who was ambushed by cattle rustlers. While playing poker trying to win money to buy new stock, he is told about a large reward to capture a runaway wife and return her to her husband. Since his horse was killed and he has no money, he ends up having to ride a mule that nobody wants in order to retrieve and return this runaway wife. Despite being constantly bucked off and having to always catch the mule, Percy and Ryder develop an odd love/hate relationship throughout the book, and in the end as Ryder finds love, so does Percy.
Blurb: Fleeing her abusive husband, Victoria Van der Beck is captured by down-on-his-luck bounty hunter, Ryder MacKenzie. As she comes to love this man who hides his face in shadows, she wonders if he could be the valiant knight for whom she’s been longing. Is he the champion who would save her from the evil prince, or is MacKenzie just a paid lackey determined to return her to her husband?
Available in print and e-book.
Amazon: A Tarnished Knight – Kindle edition by Otten, Kathy. Romance Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.
2. Why did you add a mule to A Tarnished Knight?
For a cowman to be seen riding a mule at that time was somewhat humiliating, so I gave Ryder a mule to further emphasis his run of bad luck.
Over the years, I’ve had horses, cows, chickens, ducks, rabbits, dogs, cats, fish, and a hamster, but never a mule. Currently though, I’m down to one dog, Henry, and one cat, Goofy. Here’s a photo of Henry to the right.
3. What other books have you written?
I’ve written several novels, novellas, and short stories. My latest release is Heart of Ash, a historical M/M [Male/Male] short story which takes place during WWI. It was a little outside my usual genre, but love is love, no matter whom that may be, so maybe it’s not so different.
Blurb: In the skies over France during the Great War, the life expectancy of a pilot in the Royal Flying Corps is measured in days.
Captain Elliot “Ash” Bainbridge is certain he’ll be the next pilot sent spinning to earth in a ball of fire. Not because the Germans will shoot him down, but because God will punish him for daring to love another man.
When Ash met Lieutenant Harry March, their attraction was instant. But Harry hates Ash’s fatalistic attitude. He believes in capturing the moment.
Can Ash set aside his fear of death and take a chance on love? Or should he try to keep his heart safe from hurt forever?
Amazon: Heart of Ash – Kindle edition by Otten, Kathy. Romance Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.
4. How do you promote your books?
I promote mostly through social media, guest blogs, and in-person writers conferences and book signings. I’ve taken out a few ads here and there, through BookBub and Net Galley.
5. Where can readers learn more about your books and connect with you online?
Website: https://www.KathyOtten.com
Amazon Author Page: Amazon.com : Kathy Otten
Facebook: (20+) Kathy Otten Historical Romance Author | Facebook
Twitter: Kathy Otten (@KathyOtten) / Twitter
Marcia James: Thank you, Kathy, for stopping by my Go Pets blog! I look forward to reading your novels!
READER INVITATION: Would you like to win a Marcia James’ ebook? Visitors to this pro-pet blog can join in the fun, comment, and/or share photos of their pets for a chance to win one of my ebooks! Each month, I’ll randomly pick one commenter to win. To leave a comment and/or a photo, click on the word “Reply,” which is just below the social media icons for THIS interview. (Don’t scroll past this interview to the next interview.) Go Pets!
With all the dog and cat books – which I love – a good story with a mule may just be what we all need!!! Percy is a great name for the mule, too!!!
Hi, Nancy! {{waving across town}} Thanks for stopping by my blog. I agree with you that reading about a mule named Percy is just what we need. 😉
Hi Nancy,
Thanks for stopping by. Ryder named his mule Percy after the man who’d sold Percy to him. I actually didn’t intended to make Percy a sort of tertiary character, but my critique partners banded together and threatened to start a “Save Percy” group on Facebook after the hero boarded a train and left Percy behind.
Kathy — I laughed out loud when I read about your critique partners and their “Save Percy” threat. 😉 I’m glad you kept the mule in your story. And thank you for being my February interviewee!
Hi Marcia,
Thanks for having me. Yes, my writer friends all loved Percy. That’s why I thought of him for your blog on pets in a story.
As a member of said critique group, I back this up. I think at least one member got addicted to lemon drops, which were one of Percy’s favorite treats!
Hi, Babs! That’s a funny story. I like lemon drops, too, so I can see how Percy and your group enjoyed them. 😉
Percy sounds like a very interesting and unique character. I have never read any books with a mule playing such an important role in the story. Do you have any plans for a sequel?
Hi, Bonnie! That’s a good question. I haven’t read the book yet, so I don’t know where Percy is at the end of the book. But I think a mule deserves a sequel. 😉 Thanks for stopping by my blog!
Hi Bonnie,
Thanks for stopping by. Sorry no plans for a sequel, but Percy does find love at the end along with the hero and heroine.
Yes, we loved Percy! I remember those critique sessions well!
Long live Percy!!!!
And the Tarnished Knight! Great story! It is part of my Oughta’ have Otten collection!
Amy
Hi, Amy! I’m really looking forward to reading A Tarnished Knight. And I think it’s cool that Kathy has such great critique partners. 😉
I don’t think I could write without them. We even rearranged the chairs in Barnes and Noble to work out the logistics of the fight scene on the train. A great bunch of people, all fantastic writers in their own right. Glad to be a part of the group.
Too funny, Amy. Oughta’ have Otten, Ha ha! I think Percy is happily roaming the pastures of Ryder’s ranch with the jenny Victoria brought home. Thanks for stopping by.
sounds interesting
Hi, bn100! Thanks for stopping by!
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I love books with animals, Henry is very handsome. We have a shepard named Ally Mae.
Hi, Paulette! Ally Mae is a cutie! Thank you for sharing her photo. Have a wonderful Valentine’s Day!
Paulette, you’re the winner of my free ebook this month! Congratulations! I’ll email you to let you know how to get the ebook. Have a wonderful March!