How are things in YOUR neck of the woods? We’re still observing social-distancing, and there is some relief in sight for some – Chiropractors are back in business as of today!
But today we’re focusing on a very special person to me: author and publisher, Kathy Cretsinger. She and her husband Jerry are the founders of Mantle Rock Publishing, with whom I had my first, second, and third contracts!
In fact, I’m so excited to have Kathy with me that I’m going to feature her in TWO blog posts! One today, and one tomorrow! Today is an interview, and tomorrow she’ll tell us about her upcoming book, Nothin’ Shady Ever Happens in Shady Valley! I hope you’ll check out both! There’s a giveaway, which I’ll get back to at the end of the post!
An Interview with Kathy Cretsinger
Welcome, Kathy! I’m excited to have you today AND tomorrow!
What inspired you to write, initially, and what encouraged you to continue?
That’s a good question. My inspiration for my first book was to tell the story of the race of people who were my ancestors. All of my life I had heard of the Melungeons. I remember my dad had told me to be careful with a family of Melungeons who had moved close to us. He said they were not to be trusted. They were a large family and had lost a daughter in a car wreck soon after they moved into the community. Yes, a couple of the boys were rowdy, but most of them were nice people who kept to themselves.
As with most people, we decided to trace our roots. In researching my great-great-grandfather, we discovered he was half Melungeon. Although my dad did not trust them, he had the same blood running through his veins.
I love research, and the more we studied and traced, the more we began to know the Melungeon people were like the rest of us. There are good and bad. This was the beginning of the Melungeon Series, and the first book, Callie’s Mountain.
It’s amazing the things you find when you start digging! Callie’s Mountain was a good book – very interesting!!
What is your favorite Bible verse, and why?
Romans 8:28, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
This verse has stuck with me through college. I still think of it when things are not going like I want them to. Like at this time with the COVID 19 virus. If I love God and follow His laws and paths, everything will be all right, whether in this life or the next. We Christians are His “called” children. He died for us, and we should have a positive attitude and love everything He does for us.
Amen. During this time I’ve thought a lot about 1 Thessalonians 4:13 — But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope.
What is your favorite movie and why?
I always loved Pretty Woman. Yes, she was a prostitute, but she wanted to get out of that state in life and become something. Go to beauty school. She had a desire. I love the scene where she goes shopping in her “hooker” clothes. Love it! Then we see the change in her when she has respect by having decent clothes to wear. I love the change from a prostitute to someone who had respect for themselves. And, she helped her best friend to get out of the same rut! It has a good story.
I need to watch that one again. Seeing the 80s hair and clothing would be a treat, not to mention the great acting!! Good choice! I like “Working Girl,” too. She’s not a prostitute, but she climbs across that invisible barrier to something better!!
If you were on a deserted island with a laptop and no wifi, what are two programs or apps you would have to have on your computer?
We would hope to have electricity on that deserted island, wouldn’t we? Maybe an extra-large battery. What programs or apps I’d want is “Microsoft Word.” I’d have to write and that would be the best to do that with. I’d also have to have music. It would have to be already installed on my computer, my playlist, or a music app. I could live with that.
Sounds good! I’d need my Kindle app, too, or an audiobook app!
Are you looking for romance? 😉
I found my true love over 57 years ago. I think we dated for two years. That would mean I found him 59 years ago. We’ve had a wonderful marriage, and I would not want to spend it with anyone else. Jerry Cretsinger is the greatest.
I agree! He IS the greatest! Love Jerry!!
Most people/characters have a secret of some kind. Tell us something about yourself that only very few people might know. (No spoilers, please!)
Years ago, I worked for a company that held their conventions across the US. One time we were in Palm Springs, CA, and the vice president got me under the shade of the overhang of a building and said quietly, “Kathy, I want you to make an extemporaneous speech about how you became a Regional Manager. And, you’ll be speaking on the stage where Elvis sang.” I stood on the stage before my speech and stared at the wood. I almost forgot what I was supposed to say, because I’m an Elvis fan, and I stood where he stood.
Haha!!! I love it!! I’ll bet Pam Harris would be right there with you!
What’s your favorite vacation spot in the U.S.?
My favorite vacation spot is Tybee Island, GA. In fact, I had reserved a condo with some friends when the virus began. Still waiting to go. We have all of 2020 to decide on a date. I’m ready to get there before the hurricane season begins. My favorite place in the world is Scotland. We have family there. Love the country and the people. Beautiful green place.
My daughter and her husband were supposed to be getting back HOME from Scotland this week, from their delayed honeymoon. They’re thinking about rescheduling for October, but we’ll see how things are! Tybee is a place I’ve wanted to go for a long time! It’s just down the coast from MY favorite, Pawleys Island!
What kind of music do you like to listen to?
I love all kinds of music, but when I want to unwind and relax, I listen to Celtic. Love the bagpipe, lyrics, accent, pipe, fiddle, all the instruments.
I have a Christmas CD of Celtic instrumental music, and it’s my favorite! Good choice!
Thanks for the interview, Kathy!
About Kathy Cretsinger
Kathy Cretsinger is has been the owner of Mantle Rock Publishing LLC, a small Christian publishing house, for the past seven years. They publish Christian Romantic Suspense, Christian Historical Romance, Christian Cozy Mysteries, and Christian Contemporary Romance.
Kathy and her husband, Jerry, live in Kentucky. They have two grown children, five grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Their time is spent in the fall between football games and other activities involving the grands.
Kathy speaks at writer’s conferences and is deeply involved with KenTen Writers Retreat, which will have their next retreat August 6-8, 2020. You can find more information about the retreat at kentenwriters.org. She is a member of KenTen Writers Group.
Kathy and Mantle Rock Publishing LLC are devoted to helping the author find their way in the marketing industry. Kathy is also an author writing under the name of Katt Anderson and now Kathy Cretsinger. Her latest book, Coastal Promises, released in 2019. Another book will be out soon, Daisy’s Story, Nothin’ Shady Ever Happens in Shady Valley. You may reach her through http://mantlerockpublishingllc.com. She will have a new website, http://kathycretsinger.com coming soon.
Giveaway!
Kathy and I are giving away a copy of Coastal Promises! This is a collection of four love stories, each taking place on the Southeastern seaboard! Here’s the blurb for Kathy’s story:
“For the Love of Dolphins” by Kathy Cretsinger.
Sadie Miller inherited one of the dolphin tour boats when her father passed away suddenly. She was determined to make the tour as successful as her father had, even with the problems with her dad’s brother Uncle Joe. When her old middle school flame. Ian Glover returns from England, and her life takes her places she’d never dreamed.
See the full blurb tomorrow!
To be entered for the drawing for a print OR eBook copy of Coastal Promises, answer this simple question: If you could write about any location (ANY means on this world or not!), where would it be?
Tomorrow we’ll learn a little more about Kathy’s upcoming book and why she decided to write about the little town of Shady Valley, TN!
Stay tuned, and stay safe!
If you could write about any location, where would it be?
When I hear a question like that, I alway add, “And why aren’t you writing about it now?” I start my 80th year next month, so I’m definitely in the “life is too short, eat dessert first” category. So why aren’t I writing about the place I’d most want to spend six monhs or a year, even if only in my mind as I write on my laptop?
In my case, that place is the Kona Coast of Hawaii, the Big Island. In spite the occasional volcanic eruption, it’s the most heavenly location I know of. What’s stopping me from writing about it now is my lack of in-depth knowledge. That needs a longer and more focused stay than my six idyllic weeks there on three different vacations.
I think six months sounds just lovely. But I need to publish a viable novel or two first, my accountant tells me, before such a trip would be partially tax deductible as a business expense, which would make it so much more affordable.
So my answer to the second question is, “Because of those dang IRS regulations.”
Meanwhile, I’m writing about my second favorite location, a small town in rural Kentucky. It’s an acceptable tradeoff.
Nancy, that is exactly what I thought. I’m writing my Shady Valley series to begin being released in August. I love the first story, but the rest of them will be very interesting. Hope you will grab one when it releases and enjoy it as much as I do.
Thank you for the interview!
I would write about small coastal town, like Carmel by the Sea! It’s so charming ❤️
Coastal Promises is about four islands from Georgia to North Carolina. Such a rich places to write about. Can’t wait to get back to the area. Shady Valley is my husband’s home. We love it there.
Natalya, Carmel-by-the-Sea sounds wonderful!! My sister visited Monterey, CA once, and said it was the most beautiful place she’d ever seen! It’s definitely on my list!
I love it – it’s our getaway place 🙂 three hours away
I would write about Hawaii. that means I’d have to visit, spend some time there.:)
Kathy, you never know. It can happen. Thanks for the comment.
I would love to visit Hawaii, too! Thanks for stopping by!
Coastal Promises is about four islands from Georgia to North Carolina. Such a rich places to write about. Can’t wait to get back to the area. Shady Valley is my husband’s home. We love it there.
I would write about small towns in New England because it is what I know, and we have all four seasons here. I enjoy reading about other places, aka traveling via books.