Workspace Wednesday welcomes Kathy Altman

 

I have a treat for you today – the awesome Kathy Altman. Kathy writes contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and (in her words) “the occasional ode to chocolate”. She’s published by Harlequin Superromance, and contributes to USA Today’s “Happy Ever After” blog. And she does this on top of her day job as a computer programmer for the Air Force. (Told you she was awesome. She’s not just a Super woman, she’s a superwoman!)

Take it away, Kathy!

 

KATHY ALTMAN:  I’m so happy to be hanging out today with the fabulous Norah Wilson! She’s ultra-talented and uber-generous, and I’m hoping some of her romantic suspense savvy will rub off on me.  🙂

At the same time, I can’t help but wonder why I thought it would be a good idea to invite readers into my writing space. Said space tends to be…dusty. And, shall we say, less than tidy. The disorder is usually easy for me to ignore, until the whole post-a-photo thing comes up. Although really, I should be celebrating rather than cringing, because not only do I get to visit with Norah and her peeps, but after some mad action with a dust cloth, a trashcan and the vacuum cleaner, I get a clean workspace! For a day or two, anyway…

 

 

But I’ll ’fess up and show you the reality first. So here’s my writing space in all its dust-ridden glory, tucked into the corner of my bedroom. Note the comfy, sturdy, high-dollar office chair. Yeah, I hurt its feelings on a regular basis by choosing to kick back with my laptop in a recliner in the opposite corner.

The stack of books on the far left of the desk are releases I’m getting ready to read and review. I always feel so special when I receive an Advanced Reader’s Copy! The gorgeous lavender mirror leaning up against the file cabinet (because I haven’t decided where to hang it yet) was made by fellow Superromance author Jeannie Watt, and it reminds me that everyone has hidden talents. Some are better hidden than others. Like my flair for speaking Italian and scoring free trips to Venice. Still waiting for those to make an appearance. Here’s a closer view of some of my favorite items:

 

 

The ceramic cat sits on top of the filing cabinet. My critique partner, suspense author Toni Anderson, gave that to me for Christmas the year my sweetie and I lost two of our kitties. No way you can look at that little guy and not smile. Beside it is my special Happy Ever After mug, a gift from USA Today blog curator Joyce Lamb. The perfectly pink message reminds me why I write. The timer helps make sure that I do. The paperweight keeps me going when I want to slap the laptop closed (it reads “Never Never Never Quit”). And that magnificent, tumbled rock-encrusted candle holder prompts me to remember that it’s not all about the writing—my nephew Stephen made that for me, so of course it brings to mind all the fun times we’ve had together, and how I’d better hurry up and have some more before he turns 13 and doesn’t want anything to do with me.  🙂

When I feel the need to stand (which isn’t anywhere near as often as it should be), I perch my laptop on top of the television in the den and type away. How handy, that I can watch Gilligan’s Island reruns while I type! (Just kidding. I wouldn’t get any work done that way, right? Although there are always exceptions. Like Castle. And Leverage. Maybe Person of Interest. And let’s not forget Rizzoli & Isles or Army Wives or…well, you get the picture.)

 

 

Relocating to the den means walking past my inspiration wall. Stephen painted this when he was nearly five, and when I asked him what he planned to call his masterpiece, he answered promptly, “The Promised Land.” Great name, right?! Every time I walk this hallway, I admire his creativity and energy and allow myself to ponder—why isn’t this kid selling paintings so I can write full-time?

 

 

Behold the view from my bedroom window. If you look closely, you can see a kitty under the willow tree. Peaceful scene, isn’t it? It’s also deceptively alluring. Believe me, I’ve tried the whole up-against-a-tree thing. Okay, that sounds naughty but what I mean is, I’ve tried writing outside. Sitting at the base of a tree, bellying up to a bistro table on the deck, kicking back in a webbed lounge chair in the shade—all epic fails. Ants, mosquitoes, sunburn and moss stains on your jeans are unpleasant enough. No doubt you’ve already attempted to balance both a laptop and a cat in your lap? How about when the cat is longhaired and your arms and legs are bare and it’s ninety degrees outside and you’re sweating enough for five people? You end up looking like Sasquatch and nothing but a shower can cure that itchy feeling. Which provides the perfect excuse for going back inside.

 

 

This is what my desk looked like the ninety seconds it was clean. So much for that!

Thank you so much for hosting me today, Norah! And to anyone who might like a copy of my recent release, Staying at Joe’s, please leave a comment. I’ll pick two names at random to receive either a digital or softcopy version. Thanks, everyone! I appreciate your being here today!

 

Thank you for the tour, Kathy! That was a blast. BTW, I have also tried the outdoor writing, and it was a bust for me too.

To learn more about Kathy, find her online here:

Website  |  Facebook  |  Goodreads

 

Okay, to the fun stuff! Giving away two copies of Kathy’s book. It’s hot off the press – just published yesterday! As ever, comment for your chance to win. Here’s a blurb.

 

A deal she can’t refuse!

Allison Kincaid can make a great sales pitch. But showing up at Joe Gallahan’s motel asking for a favor is her toughest challenge yet. A year ago they were more than just colleagues at a big PR firm. When work came between them, Joe put the blame on Allison…and his opinion hasn’t changed.

She’s shocked, however, when Joe agrees to help. Even though she doesn’t love his terms, she accepts them because she’ll get what she needs. If striking a deal with him means donning a pair of coveralls and swinging a hammer, so be it. Working side by side with Joe again, they might be able to repair the past. They just might get a second chance, too!

 

 

 

24 Responses to “Workspace Wednesday welcomes Kathy Altman”

  • Thanks so much for sharing your writer space! I love the view from your window. That tree is amazing! I’m a master of zoning out the clutter in my office, too. It’s working for us so others shouldn’t knock it 🙂 in fact, maybe they should give it a try.

    Can’t wait to read your new book. (The cover is absolutely adorable!)
    Hugs and happy writing~
    Nancy

    • Kathy Altman:

      Hi there, Nancy! That poor tree fell over during Hurricane Isabel–it was small enough to pull back upright and replant, but we doubted it would make it. We were so glad to be proven wrong. Good point about what works for us shouldn’t bother others! Long live clutter! 🙂 Hugs back atcha!

      -Kathy

  • How did you keep that view a secret from me? Because I CAN visit 🙂 So sweet to see the kitty 🙂 And I am so happy to see where you create and review. Now I want a guided tour of the rest of your place 😉

    I love this feature, Norah 🙂

    • Kathy Altman:

      Toni! Great to see you! A personal extended tour is available to you anytime! 🙂 And I’m about to use this space to dig into the latest version of your WIP, so picture me sitting at that desk with a big cup of tea and a handful of gingersnaps. (Okay, maybe two handfuls.)

  • Congrats on your second release!!! I’m soo excited to see Joe’s story out. Good to know writing outside isn’t all its supposed to be. I think about it, but the mosquito thing keeps me from following through.

    Hm, Toni, I was thinking the same thing about the view!! Funny, that doesn’t come up in the discussions with Kathy about the cats.

    • Kathy Altman:

      Thank you, Rowan! Yes, I like that we have a decent sized yard, but then again, I’m not the one mowing the grass. 🙂 I appreciate your stopping by!

  • That’s absolutely gorgeous… the willow tree looks so inspiring. I’d wear off 24/7 to keep the mosquitoes at bay. And I have no cats, so i’d be all set. We have three apartment buildings behind our house, and though it’s fairly quiet, your space looks more inviting/inspiring.

    Awesome space and congrats on your second release. Exciting stuff. 🙂

    Blessings,

    Renee-Ann

    • Kathy Altman:

      Hi, Renee-Ann! Thank you so much for the congratulations–I appreciate it! And good point about using OFF–that would probably even keep the ants away. Maybe I should be adventurous and try again. I have always wanted to put a bench under that tree–maybe now’s the time. Thanks for commenting! 🙂

  • Catherine Scott:

    I love your view and the blurb. I can’t wait to read your new book!
    Best wishes-catherine

    • Kathy Altman:

      Thank you so much, Catherine! We often have deer in the yard but of course my timing is always off with the camera. It’s an especially nice view when you get to enjoy watching a doe and her fawn pass through. Thanks for stopping by! 🙂

  • Kathy I love your comments… Especially the promised land … So sweet. I’d keep that forever!!
    And trying it under the willow tree…LOL. Too funny. I’m a friend of Joyce’s snd I can see
    That you two must be a hoot when you get together.
    I’m looking forward to reading your books.

    • Kathy Altman:

      Lina, hello! I have threatened to take that entire piece of wall with me whenever we move. In fact, I’m pretty sure I will. 🙂 You’re right, Joyce *is* a hoot–my sense of humor doesn’t stand a chance when hers is around 🙂 So nice to “meet” you!!

  • eli yanti:

    Congrts on the release, happy dance for you 🙂

    the blurb sounds interesting 🙂

    • Kathy Altman:

      Thanks for the happy dance, Eli!! I can always use one of those! 🙂 Thank you so much for taking the time to comment!

  • LOL. My desk looks similar to yours. Except I have more coffee cups and chocolate wrappers than space. Great to meet ya. XO

    • Kathy Altman:

      Hi there, Kelly! Nice to meet you, too! I don’t know why there isn’t a mug of tea and my own set of candy wrappers on the desk–I must have done *some* cleaning. 🙂

  • Christy Thomas:

    Thanks for sharing your work space with us. I’ve also tried to work outside, but found the playful squirrels distracting. 😀

    congrats on your release Staying at Joes. I’m sure I’ll pick up a copy and read. 🙂

    • Kathy Altman:

      Thank you so much for your congrats, Christy! The squirrels at my mom’s house are especially distracting–she has a pair of albino squirrels that hang around her yard. They’re the neatest thing! So yep, I totally get the temptation to watch squirrels rather than write. 🙂 Thank you so much for taking the time to comment!

  • Well, this is perfect. Just walked in from a three day sailing trip and guess whose book I was reading? Staying At Joe’s is soooo good. So in good, in fact, that I missed seeing a golden eagle, among several other incredible birds of prey.

    Congrats on Book #2, Kathy!

    • Kathy Altman:

      Kate! You are much too good to my ego. 🙂 Thank you for your kind words! Wow, a three day sailing trip–that sounds fabulous! Way to make use of that gorgeous view you have outside of *your* window! And I’m looking forward to reading ALL about Adam next month!

  • Lori Gallagher:

    I loved getting a look at your work space – both the before and after – and that amazing view. Thanks for sharing and best of luck with the new book. It sounds great!

    • Kathy Altman:

      Hi there, Lori! Thank you for the luck–I’ll take all I can get! 🙂 It has been a busy week and I can’t believe it’s already almost Friday! Thank you so much for stopping by–I hope you have a fabulous weekend!

  • Kathy Altman:

    Congratulations to Kelly and Eli, who each won a copy of “Staying at Joe’s!” And thank you so much to everyone for joining me here at Norah’s place. 🙂 And Norah, thank you for being such a wonderful hostess!

    Happy reading, everyone!

    -Kathy 🙂

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