I’m happy to welcome author Katie Groom. Today, Katie shares interesting facts about her creative journey and new release, Gibbous Moon.

Interview

Besides writing and reading, what are some of your hobbies?

I love music. I’m a clarinet player, though I do admit that I’ve been a little far removed from playing for a bit. I miss it. But I do plan to learn how to play the viola starting in 2024.

I also enjoy collecting teddy bears. I have so many unique ones — even one that is a one-of-a-kind from a small shop in Paisley, Scotland.

Additionally, I love pretending that I’m a good cook (I’m not, but it’s edible); painting (stick figures don’t even look good when I draw them); and doing onewoman-shows of my favorite movies (I should let the actors do their jobs, instead of speaking over them, but I do all the voices).

Any advice for aspiring writers?

I get this question a lot from friends, and my advice is always the same: Do it! The more you write, the more you will improve your craft. One of my favorite things to do is watch Bob Ross, and he always says that more than the tools or the paint, what really will help anyone improve is practice. He says that anyone can paint; they just need to practice. I believe that anyone can write; they just need to practice.

What is your favorite quote?

My favorite quote is actually a song lyric. It’s from “Saturday” by Fall Out Boy. “I read about the afterlife but I never really lived.” It just reminds me to just live my life on my own terms instead of comparing myself to others and trying to get to their own goals instead of mine.

Which authors have inspired you?

I’m inspired by soooo many authors. I would particularly like to give a shout out to Rebecca Crunden. She writes incredible stories — and she’s constantly writing. On top of that, she’s always supporting other indie authors and artists. Like ALWAYS. I’ve never seen anyone more supportive than her. And, on top of that, she really stands against bullies. I appreciate that in a person.

What are you working on next?

I’m currently working on the third book of the Cardinal Moon Saga’s main trilogy. I’m in the editing phase of that. Afterwards, I will start working on the duology that Cade will star in.

Blurb

Werewolf and professor of literature Hugh spent nearly 200 years to find his soulmate, Zoie, but others betrayed him, working with rivals to take her away in only an instant. Revenge was swift and unsatisfying. More people need to pay for what was stolen from Hugh.

Zoie’s death had been orchestrated by powerful beings in the supernatural world. Exacting revenge will require precision and planning.

Biding his time before acting, Hugh reverts to the patterns that finding true love had disrupted. Walking through life in a fog, he does his best to appear as if he is moving forward, though nothing feels the same.

As Hugh tries to start the next chapter in his life with Rosalie, he is haunted by the memory of Zoie. The literature professor cringes every time he’s reminded that Rosalie doesn’t like to read, but he tells himself that opposites should attract. That Rosalie can patch the hole left in his heart when Zoie died. His revenge will take time, and wallowing in grief won’t help.

Just as Hugh is still focused on revenge, his enemies are still plotting to harm Hugh further. It’s dangerous to oppose a bereaved werewolf, but even werewolves can be hurt.

Excerpt

Zoie quickly flew down closer, taking in everything that was going on around her. Hugh had a death grip on her body, and a terrified crowd of hotel employees had gathered in the lobby. One of them was on the phone—undoubtedly calling for emergency help. Not only was it obvious to Zoie that she was dead, but Hugh had literally crashed through a wall of glass to get to her. One police car was not going to cover this.

Stevie and Hugh’s best friend Cade were trying to convince Hugh to leave. They tried to plea from every angle—any excuse to get him to comply. “No!” Zoie cried. “Don’t leave me.” She couldn’t imagine that Hugh would even consider leaving her there.

“You need to leave her, and you need to go,” Cayden stated as they knelt down in front of Hugh. Their face was so full of genuine concern. It became obvious to Zoie that this was the best choice.

Zoie placed her feet on the pool deck and walked over to Hugh—despite everything going on, she noticed that her shoes didn’t make that strange squelching sound that they should have. So her guess was right, then; she was dead.

Hugh ignored Cade’s pleas, but Zoie inched closer and put her hand on his shoulder. She lied, “It’s okay, Hugh. Go.” It was in his best interest and in the best interest of their world for Hugh to leave.

Author Bio and Links

Katie Groom grew up in rural Pennsylvania, where she received her bachelor’s degree in Business Management from PITT and her master’s in Employment and Labor Relations from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. In 2016, she decided to move to Alabama in order to avoid as much snow as possible (and to advance her career in Human Resources).

When she isn’t working, Katie enjoys reading, writing, jokingly critiquing movies and TV, and campaigning that the plural of moose should be meese. She also loves to take in live music (especially Hanson) and traveling, with the goal of reaching each of the continents. Katie’s favorite pastime, however, is spending time with her beloved Shih tzu, Delta.

Website | Goodreads | Amazon Author Page | Amazon Buy Link

Giveaway

Katie Groom will be awarding a $10 Amazon/Barnes & Noble gift card to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour. Find out more here.

Follow Katie on the rest of her Goddess Fish tour here.