Katy’s Song is a witty rom-com, offering a backstage glimpse into the life of Noe Burke—a Seattle rock star who’s looking for long term commitment. But the women he attracts seem more interested in his celebrity than getting to know him as a person. That changes when he encounters Katy Moore on a food forum, and he hires her to help him become healthier. But his best friend Rebecca thinks Katy is just like the others, so she inserts herself as their pesky chaperone. Will she manage to keep them apart or will true love prevail?
This book will appeal to a diverse audience, especially music enthusiasts, armchair travelers, and/or homestyle cooks. But above all else, Katy’s Song is a kind-minded love story that’ll feed the soul and warm the heart.
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Signed paperbacks of Katy’s Song are available at Arundel Books, located in Seattle’s iconic Pioneer Square. Third Place Books – Lake Forest Park was first to offer the book in store. Paperbacks and ebooks are also available online at Barnes & Noble, Amazon, iTunes, and other fine retailers.
Katy’s Song was reviewed and recommended in My Edmonds News by author Wendy Kendall who wrote the cozy mystery “Kat Out of the Bag.”
For a vegan’s take on this novel, please see author Midge Raymond’s review on EcoLit Books.
For other reviews, please visit Goodreads, BookBub, Amazon, and Amazon.uk.
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Blurb: Two years after the death of his wife and child, multi-award winning musician and Seattleite Noe Burke is ready for love and commitment. But the women he attracts seem interested only in his celebrity, so he decides to concentrate on his health and takes a hiatus at his cabin on Bainbridge Island, Washington.
Thirty-something vegan Katy enjoys experimenting with recipes and volunteering at an equine therapy center in Fort Worth. She dreams of building an animal sanctuary, but money’s tight, and options are dwindling.
When Noe encounters Katy on a vegan forum, he hires her as his consultant, offering a generous salary along with an all-expense-paid trip to Seattle. But his best friend Rebecca suspects he is dangerously close to handing his heart to the wrong woman, and she begins to manipulate their relationship.
Can the two lovers overcome her scheming, or will her interference destroy their chance at happiness?_______________________________________
Special Doodle: On July 27, 2019, I drew this doodle specifically for Katy’s Song to represent the one Noe gives to Katy as a souvenir. Noe uses doodling as a way of coping with tragedy and staying focused on tasks that are within his control. While talking with Katy on the phone about how rainy Seattle can be, he quips, “There’s no bad weather, just bad clothing.” To which she replies, “Says the man wearing a duck suit.”
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Inspiration: During lunch at a juice bar in Seattle several years ago, my coworkers and I glimpsed musician Dave Matthews with his family. I wondered what it might be like for someone famous to live a “normal” life, especially where dating was concerned. When I added the vegan element, the story took flight.
Although the Noe character is fabricated from composites and imagination, certain elements of Noe’s backstory were created after I listened extensively to a few of his songs, particularly Grace is Gone, The Space Between, and Two Step. I emailed a thank-you note to his fan club, and they kindly responded that they’d pass it along.
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Disclaimer: This story is a work of fiction. Although real-life companies, public figures, locations, and/or products are referenced, any resemblance to real-life situations, behaviors, choices, and/or lifestyles are purely coincidental. Certain scenes were included for comic relief and were never intended to cast a negative light. Also, song lyrics not otherwise credited were written by me in the early stages of the creative process. As to research, I was diligent, but because I’m human, a few mistakes might’ve slipped past. I apologize for any inaccuracies.
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Writing Process: I worked on this novel for years, honing my craft and meeting other writers through workshops and conferences. Over time, I queried agents with four different versions of it. None offered representation, although a few seemed on the verge. So, naturally, I thought my only other choices were to toss the manuscript into a drawer or self-publish. I learned of a third option while attending the Pacific Northwest Writer’s Conference in September 2018. That’s when I pitched to an editor. Much thanks to Ally Robertson and The Wild Rose Press for taking a chance on me!
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Quick note of encouragement: Although I’m usually confident in my ability to learn new things given enough time, this process humbled me. But, what a ride! Having met so many amazing and talented people, my struggles would’ve been worth every minute even if this book hadn’t gone to press.
If you’re wondering what your hidden talent might be, I implore you to jump into the deep end and start swimming with your eyes wide open. I’m not encouraging anyone to quit a paying job, but rather to set aside time and ego to explore possibilities. You just might find allies along the path at the exact moment you need their guidance. And, it’s never too early or too late!