Welcome Author Kate Foster – Giveaway Alert

I am very excited to welcome author Kate Foster to the blog today. She is a a wonderful presence on Twitter and has brought many people in the writing community together. As you’ll find out below, what she hopes readers will get from her books is what I’ve gained from our interactions on social media. And as I’m sure you can tell from the title of her brand new MG book PAWS she loves dogs just like I do. Kate lives in Australia and is generously offering one lucky winner an unsigned copy of PAWS. Comment on the blogpost to enter the giveaway.

What were you like at the age of your target audience?

Hmmm, I can’t really remember precisely. But, I think I was much like I am now, to be honest! I actually wonder sometimes if my brain never fully moved on from those middle grade years. I was hyper focused at times (frighteningly so!), full of hopes and dreams often, and a bit lost always: Who am I? What am I doing? What is my purpose? Short hair or long hair? How can I get out of going to school today? etc. I’ve always been a big thinker and worrier – and dog-lover! I was also a keen gymnast, a flautist, and most definitely a writer even back then. I loved reading, and would often hole up in my room with a book and create fantasy worlds, or I’d be hanging with my big fluffy beloved golden retriever. 

What inspires you?

Oh goodness, so much! I find inspiration everywhere, and quite often don’t see it coming. I’m not one for thinking things like “I’ll just pop into the bookstore to be inspired” (I go to the bookstore to buy all the books). If I try to force it, it backfires! My inspiration tends to leap out at me from a conversation I might be having or overhear (eavesdrop), or from a scene in a TV show, or a song lyric, from an ad or poster, and so on. My brain is forever on the move, and I’ve a habit of creating scenarios from just about anything and everything I come into contact with. I mean, a lot of the time those scenarios are just my mind considering every possible outcome and they fizzle out, but sometimes they have the promise of something more. I’ve 100% gone on to write whole books from that one small sticky idea. 

What is something you hope your readers take away from your books?

A warm, friendly, light feeling. The desire to spread some kindness. The need to reach out to another person so they know you’re there for them. To take a moment to think before you speak or act. My book may very well offer insight into the thoughts and experiences of one autistic person, but it’s also so much more than that. It’s about empathy and understanding, kindness and friendship, smiles and dogs. A little bit of hope and dreams and acceptance too. I just want people to enjoy the story and it to brighten their day. 

What’s next for you?

Well, I’m not sure if I’m allowed to share ALL the things I have coming up (wink wink secrets!) but I can tell you that I’m continuing to write more middle grade contemporaries with plenty of dogs, revise a few of my old kids’ horrors that I hope will find a home some day too, and maybe even look to collaborate on a book idea with a very good friend of mine. I’m always mentally on the move, always working on something new. I don’t stop … unless it’s to watch a few episodes of GBBO of course! 

To connect with Kate and learn more about her books:

Website: kate foster, children’s AUTHOR! – Home (kfosterbooks.com)

Twitter: Kate Foster 🐾 (@kfosterauthor) / Twitter

Instagram: Kate Foster (@kfosterauthor) • Instagram photos and videos