Author Q&A: Cat Gilbert

Today we’re interviewing Cat Gilbert, who writes paranormal thrillers.

Gilbert is fascinated with the idea of doing something no one else can, which she explores in her books.

Both her Taylor Morrison psychic thriller series and Molly McMurray psychic mystery series are based in reality with a touch of the paranormal — what she calls ”psychic twists.”

SADYE: How did you come to see yourself as a writer, and what inspired you to seek publication? 

CAT: I got my love of storytelling from my grandfather. 

He was a spry red-haired Irishman, who could spin a yarn that would keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. 

Or in my case, perched on his knee, completely enraptured. 

For years, I did the same thing. I made up stories, weaving tales about distant lands for my daughter every night at bedtime. 

I never even thought about writing until someone suggested it and the seed was planted. 

It wasn’t until years later when we moved to Suzhou, China, that I finally had the time to actually sit down and put words to "screen." 

By the time we moved back to the states, I had written a full length thriller, the first of the series. 

I wanted to publish, but looking at the restrictions and control the publishing houses put on authors, I chose to go the indie route. 

This way I can write what I want, when I want, and how I want. 

SADYE: Tell us something about your writing process that’s unusual or that you haven’t revealed before.  

CAT: I start a book knowing the beginning and the end. 

I have no idea how one melds into the other, which is somewhat scary in the beginning. 

There’s that blank page staring at you… but once it starts, it just takes off, and the characters write the story for me.

SADYE: What has been the most surprising, rewarding, and challenging parts of your writing career? 

CAT: The most surprising part is also the most rewarding part, and that’s the amazing support from my readers. 

They’re incredible. I have a newsletter, Facebook page, and a “spoilers abound” Facebook group called Cat-alyst (they got to name the group) where we can all connect and have some fun. 

Then there’s the Brainstormers (they also named themselves), who help with the book launches. 

When I first published, I had no idea what to expect. Their support was totally unexpected and came as a complete surprise. I feel truly blessed. 

As for most challenging part? Finding time to write. Life happens no matter what. 

I put that concept in the books. You may be fighting evil, but you still have to deal with everyday life. 

My characters accept that fact and work around it, but I still have problems dealing with it from time to time. I need to be more like Taylor!

SADYE: What message or theme would you like readers to take away from your work? 

CAT: The books are fast-paced and loaded with action, but they are about more than just the battle between good and evil. 

They're about the importance of friendship, loyalty, and trust — about surviving the curves life throws at you and hopefully, coming out the better for it. 

SADYE: What advice, as relates to your writing career, would you give your younger self? 

CAT: Start writing sooner. There are so many books in my head, waiting to be written. 

I waited for time to write, when I should have made the time. Now it’s gone and there’s no getting it back.

Carpe diem!

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Learn more about Cat Gilbert on her website, where her books can also be purchased; like her on Facebook, and follow her on Pinterest. 

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