Author Interview: MK Mancos
by Tamazon

Apr 01, 2007

Read more about MK Mancos | View MK Mancos's Site

Hello MK,

The girls of Night Owl Romance are pleased that you have granted us an interview

We would love to get to know you

Could you please start by telling us a little about yourself?

My name is Kat, but I write under the name MK Mancos and Kathleen Scott. Hopefully soon, I'll branch out into another persona known as Kate Davison. I live in rural NJ with my husband and cat. No kids. I work in the healthcare field and have for over 15 years, but I've always been a writer at heart. I've lived in different parts of the country as evidenced by my work. I spent the first 12 years of my life in suburban Michigan, then moved to the Florida Panhandle for 14 years. I've lived in NJ longer than anywhere else. And no, I won't tell you how long, that would give my age away. : )

If you could be one of your characters - Who would you be? And why?

Oh Geez, great question. Hard answer. I think I would want to be Gloriana, one of my characters from a fantasy novel I'm currently working on, titled A Conspiracy of Ravens. They call her a sorceress, though she is more of a clairvoyant who has a mind-bond with a gyre falcon, named Josephine. Gloriana is also a princess who would have been queen had she not had `the gift.' She is a strong woman, who sometimes has to make hard choices in order to keep her identity a secret. And though she can foretell the future, she is still just as lost as the rest of humanity. I think it's that human foible that makes her appealing to me. If not her, than Edie from Immorati. Edie is a PhD in anthropology with a specialty in myth and folklore. Right up my alley. I adore anthropology.

What's your favorite genre to read?

I don't have a favorite really. I read everything from Regency to Science Fiction. I've been a fan of John Jakes for years, as well as Dean Koontz. So, I am pretty much all over the map. I go in spurts, though. Lately I haven't been able to get enough of hard sci-fi.

Who or what influences you when you write?

It's hard to say really. Sometimes it can be my mood or if I've gotten enough sleep or not. (I work nights so my sleep schedule is usually screwed up.) Sometimes a song can influence me, or just a spark of an idea I got while taking a shower.

What do you do on a typical writing day?

I have yet to have a typical day. : ) - Usually, I get up and hit the computer straight away. I'll check my emails and hit the message boards I belong to. Take care of any pressing business. Then I open files and decide which one I'm going to work on that day. I usually have several projects going at once, so I juggle them around a bit. Keeps me fresh with the storylines. However, if I'm on deadline, I'm pretty much committed to that one project until it's finished. I'll reread the last few scenes I wrote to sort of jump start my brain and then I get working.

When you have writer's block how do you break free?

Pretty much by doing what I mentioned before. I reread what I've written, or I pull open another file and work on that for a while. Sometimes I get blocked by one character or scene and it takes months to know where the pieces will go. That's why it helps to have other projects to work on. I've always got something on deck and ready to go should I need to submit. Since I'm an avid plotter when I write my novels, I generally know what happens next in a broad sense. I'll skip over the part I'm having trouble with and move on to the next part of the book. The beauty of the word processor is the writer can go back and plug in the holes when they need to. It's a feature that is a true lifesaver for me.

Can you please give us a sneak peek at any of your upcoming books?

My next book out will be my novel By A Silken Thread published through Triskelion Publishing and available for download in July.

Blurb:

On an ice-encrusted road in New Jersey, Tara Johanan loses control of her car and drives off an embankment. At the same moment in Palmetto Springs, Florida, in an unwittnessed attack, Charlotte Durand is shot in the head and left for dead.

Both women die. Both return. But near-death experiences are not always straightforward, for now Tara has the voice and memories of a comatose woman in her head, and can remember a shooting she never witnessed.

Marcus Danforth is a detective with the Palmetto Springs Police Department, and Charlotte's stepbrother. When he walks into Charlotte's hospital room and finds a beautiful stranger with his stepsister, he feels as if he's been poleaxed. He doesn't understand why touching her hand makes him feel better than he has since Charlotte's shooting. And yet, his training tells him that she is hiding something from him, and he's determined to discover Tara's secrets, even in the face of overwhelming desire.

Set Up:

There has been a shooting at Tara's hotel only a few doors down. Marcus and his partner, Rosy Sims, are sent to investigate. Scared and worried for Tara's safety, he heads to Tara's room to check on her.

Tara had been talking on the phone to her brother in New Jersey when she heard the shot down the hall, spiraling her into a psychic vision of the night Charlotte Durand was shot. As happens with most visions, Tara is left with the residual headaches, internal chills, and confusion.

Excerpt: May Vary From Published Edition.

An insistent knocking on the door jarred Tara to consciousness. A dull pain throbbed in her temple. She moved her hand to it and felt a goose egg there. Her fingers came away sticky with blood.

"Tara, are you in there? Answer the door, it's Marcus Danforth." The words were punctuated by more frantic pounding.

Marcus? What's he doing here again?

"J.just a minute," she called back, not even sure if he could hear her.

She rolled to her back and her head spun. She waited for it to settle before she rolled to her knees then stood with the assistance of the bedside table. The trek to the door took a few moments as she supported her unsteady gait by holding onto the furniture.

"Tara?"

She looked out the peephole then opened the door.

"Christ, what happened here?" He charged into the room and swept her up in his arms and carried her to the bed. Her arms linked around his neck not wanting to let go even when he sat her down.

Immediately the shaking started.

"You're trembling." He switched positions and sat with her in his lap instead.

"I'm cold." Tara buried her face in his neck. "And I have a headache."

His hand came up to cup the back of her head against his shoulder. She could feel him swallow. His voice was very low, but harsh against her ear. "I'm sure you do. Were you attacked?"

"No."

"There's blood all over your shirt. And how did your head get banged up?"

"I don't." Tara thought about it for a moment. The sense of falling returned in full. The dark street, the bright lights behind her, blinding her. No, not her - Charlotte. She snuggled more fully into Marcus' unyielding body. His arms were around her now. His hands moved up and down her back.

"I'm going to call an ambulance. You need to have that looked at."

The thought of going back into a trauma room terrified her more than the thought of dying. The pain- there had been so much pain the last time.

"No." She shook her head as more tremors moved through her. "I'm fine."

"Fine? You don't even know who you are right now." One of his large hands found her face and moved her away from his shoulder. "You don't remember what happened do you?"

She did. She just didn't remember the right what.

The room phone rang then and Marcus leaned over and answered it for her.

"Tara! What the hell is going on there?" She could hear Stuart's excited voice come from the phone before Marcus could say hello.

Marcus started to hand the phone to her but she shook her head. Tara did not feel like dealing with her over-excited sibling at the moment. He foisted the phone onto her anyways.

"Stuart?"

"Don't ever scare me like that again! Julianne and I are going crazy here wondering what happened to you."

"Please, don't shout at me."

"You don't sound well."

"I'm fine. I have to talk to the police now. I'll call you later."

"I want you to come home. Now!"

"I don't want to come home. I want to stay here."

"Why? So you can be killed by a stray bullet."

Tara could feel the blood drain from her face. Marcus took the phone away from her, his fury evident in the set of his jaw.

"This is Detective Marcus Danforth of the Palmetto Springs Police Department. I am ending this call, now. Ms. Johanan will return your call if she wishes to. Until then, you will not harass her." With that he set the phone back in the cradle.

Tara could imagine the look on Stuart's face about now and felt bad for him, but was glad that Marcus took matters into his own hands. The same hands that were now lowering her onto the bed.

He followed her down and stretched out beside her, but put some distance between them. "What did he say to you?"

"Nothing of significance." Tara's ability to lie took a sudden dive. She could gauge the barometer of her success by the look on Marcus' face-and it wasn't good.

"Please, don't lie to me." He let his hand trail over her face, moving her hair to expose her injury. "You're hurt, you're scared, and some lunatic just called to harass you. Are you running from him?"

The thought of anyone running from Stuart struck her funny, but she still had enough presence of mind left to keep from laughing at Marcus' suggestion. Truth be told, the only person she was really running from was herself. Or was she running to herself, it all seemed much more complicated now.

Her memory cleared enough she could offer him an explanation of how her injury occurred. "I was talking to my best friend, Julianne, and my brother on the phone when I heard screams and then shots outside the door. It must have scared me and I tripped. I probably hit my head on the bedside table. I woke up when you were pounding on my door."

He didn't say anything but pulled his cell phone from the holder and hit a button. "Yeah, this is Detective Danforth, I need an ambulance at the El Dorado."

Tara put her hand over her face to hide the tears that started to gather in her eyes. She rolled on her side so her back was to him. The paramedics could check her out, but she would not consent to going with them.

"Don't be angry with me. You lost consciousness after hitting your head. That constitutes a head trauma."

The irony of that statement didn't escape her. She snorted.

"Head injuries can be tricky. Sometimes you don't realize how bad they are until a few days later when they've had a chance to bleed internally." His hand cupped her shoulder, massaging it gently. "You don't want to have permanent brain damage or die because of something you could have prevented."

Tara looked at him over her shoulder. "Marcus, I don't fear death. I only fear pain."

She could see the disturbed look in his eyes right before he shuttered it from her view.

***

Marcus left Tara shortly after to inspect Dean Jones's room for clues as to the dead woman's identity, and what possibly could have transpired for such violence to erupt. They walked through the room, doing a visual before having the photographers in to take pictures. Sims sorted through the abandon luggage while Marcus looked for a purse or wallet, anything that could hold clues to the woman's identification.

Even as he worked, his mind kept shifting to the look on Tara's face when she told him she didn't fear death. It was the look of someone who had an intimate knowledge of such things, and that thought scared the hell out of him.

When he finished for the evening he was going to go back to her room and insist she check out of the hotel and move to a more secure location. Not that that mattered. Charlotte had been shot on a residential street in town. Having Tara change hotels would only serve to make Marcus feel more secure. Normally in such situations, the police would interview the hotel guests then move them away from the crime scene, this time Marcus would do one better.

The room was a disaster. Food containers were strewn from one corner to the other. Dirty clothes littered the floor. A lamp had been knocked off the table. It appeared a struggle had taken place in the room then escaladed into the hall.

Marcus could see the direction the fight took by the placement of fallen objects. How could no one have heard the fight before it spilled out into the hall? Tara's room was only two doors down and she admitted to not hearing anything until it was in front of her door.

After the room had been photographed and searched, they were still no closer to finding the identity of the dead woman. Perhaps the medical examiner's office would have more luck with fingerprints and dental records.

The lab came in and dusted the room for prints then crime scene tape was placed across the door. Sims left to go to the station and write reports and Marcus stood in front of Tara's door waiting for her to answer.

"Just a minute."

His heart thumped painfully against his ribs. He left her with the paramedics and told them to take her to the hospital no matter what she said. It appeared they hadn't listened to him.

She opened the door in her nightclothes. An expensive silk robe was tied over what looked like a matching nightgown. She looked soft and feminine and Marcus longed to get closer to her. He put his hands into his pockets, his palms tingling with the need to touch her.

"Hi," she said, looking up at him with her big green eyes large and uncertain.

The sound of her voice and the way she said the `hi' made his toes curl. He almost couldn't speak, and when he finally found his voice he surprised himself by issuing a command. "I want you to move to another hotel."

"Excuse me?"

"Please. I want you to move to another hotel."

"Why?" She moved back from the door and allowed him to enter. Her hand went to her temple and rubbed at the lump there.

Pain gripped his stomach again. What was it about her that made him feel so possessive? Even if she said the injury occurred from a fall it still made him sick to his stomach to think of her hurt in any way.

"There was a murder in the hall down from your room," he stated in an attempt to stop the argument before it began.

"Thanks for the reminder, but it was unnecessary."

Frustrated, Marcus turned from her and muttered under his breath.

"What was that?"

"Nothing. Why are you being so stubborn?"

"Why are you coming into my room at this time of night and insisting I uproot

and move somewhere else?" She sat on the bed and looked up at him as if her question

were perfectly logical.

"Going back to what I said before: There was a murder outside your door. Isn't

that explanation enough for you?" Marcus moved towards her. He loomed over her

trying to impose his will on her by the sheer force of his size.

Tara looked up at him. If he intimidated her, she hid it well. His glacial stare seemed to have no effect on her. "I appreciate what you're saying, but do you honestly think the killer is still hanging around the hotel somewhere waiting to be caught? If you can make a convincing argument then I'll leave, but not until."

"You make me want to scream."

"An interesting assessment after so short an acquaintance." Tara smiled at him,

all innocence and light. "Usually people become frustrated with me much further into a

relationship."

He leaned over her and placed his hands on either side of her, bracketing her in

the cage of his arms. "I can't wait to find out how true that is."

He watched her gaze fix on his mouth. Her lips parted slightly and Marcus could

hear her take in a slight breath. Christ, he wanted to kiss her. Just plant one on her smart

mouth and keep kissing her until she would do anything he asked of her - without

question.

"Please, get your luggage and let me move you to another hotel. The police are going to insist you move anyhow, might as well make it count."

Tara nodded dumbly, still staring at his mouth.

"Good girl," he breathed before he brushed his lips across hers. It wasn't exactly a kiss. It wasn't even a taste. It was barely a sensation, but it ignited a fire that ran from the top of his head to deep in his groin. "Get some clothes on while I pack your suitcase."

She nodded again but didn't move. Baby blue silk gapped open and Marcus had a

clear view of high, sweet breasts. Her nipples were tight little peaks. Desire exploded

through him. If he didn't take a step back he would be on top of her, making love to her

instead of getting her to safety. Such blatant lack of control was not like him at all.

With much regret and the hard on of his life, Marcus moved back and allowed her to get up from the bed. He watched her graceful movements as she gathered an outfit from the dresser and disappeared into the bathroom. It wasn't until she turned to look back at him that he noticed Tara wasn't as cool as she seemed. The closeness and almost kiss had unnerved her as much as it had him.

Please tell us what you have planned next?

I'm currently working on the sequel to Immorati. Tentatively titled, Corpesetti. I go deeper into the world of the Jersey Devil in this one.or at least my version of it. We actually get to see inside the culture and lair of the Corpesetti.

In 5 years, where do you see yourself? -In general and in you're writing career

I hope I'll be on the bestsellers list and able to write full time, in between traveling the country to speak at conferences. My husband will be a world famous cartoonist and we'll be deliriously happy. However, this business can be totally whimsical so I just concentrate on writing the best book I can each time and hoping there is an audience who enjoys reading it as much as I did writing it. If I keep doing that.who knows where I'll be in five years.

Who is your perfect hero? And why?

That's so difficult for me to answer. The heroes I write are terribly flawed in some respects. Not that they're bad men, but not perfect. I don't think perfect heroes are very interesting. However, I think some of the heroes in Karen Marie Moning's Highlander series were pretty close to perfection. There is just something about a hot guy in a kilt with a Scottish accent that screams perfection to me.

What do you do for inspiration?

I dream. I tell myself stories before I fall asleep. Sometimes just driving around and running errands will inspire me in some way, or jar an idea. I've also gotten a lot of good ideas sitting in front of the television with my hubby. He and I are documentary junkies, so there is always something on that we sit there and hit pause (think God for the dish!) and have a 20-minute conversation over some point made on a show we're watching. Then one of us will say.. "Oh my God! That would make such an awesome story." - Since he writes graphic novels and screenplays, along with his daily comic strips, he's always looking for story fodder as well.

Is there a genre of book you would like to write but haven't yet?

Historical. I've had millions of ideas for them, but the research is overwhelming to me. I do have a reincarnation story that will allow me a brief foray into writing history. Though I love reading them, I take my hat off to those who write them. And I love history. I'm watching the History Channel right now as background. I just don't think I could write an entire historical novel convincingly enough to pull it off.

What type of book have you always wanted to write?

I pretty much write the type of books I want. I would love to write a blockbuster, though. That would be nice. : )

What kind of research do you do for your books? Do you enjoy the research process?

I usually work backwards. I write the book then do the research. That way I don't get hung up by reading things I don't need. I find if I do deep research I end up coming up with a plethora of new ideas for other books and plots. It bogs me down. I have a hard time concentrating on the project I'm working on when I do that. For instance, I recently wrote a novel I sold to Samhain with characters who were alchemists. Now, I really didn't know anything about the ancient art of alchemy, so I bought some primers and read them. The study was so very interesting, and sure enough I marked up the margins of the books with notes on another storyline. But I couldn't go forward with the project I did the research for until I got all the other clutter onto a page to use later. I wrote a novel about an archeological find in Florida and read books about different dig sites over the state. In all the years I lived there, I never knew about half the items in that book. It was very enjoyable for me, but again, I ended up getting bogged down by details. Very few of which actually made it into the story.

Do deadlines help or hinder your muse?

It all depends. It usually helps, but I've noticed something about myself lately. When I start to near the end of a project, I write slower and slower and get less productive. It's almost like I don't want to finish writing the story. Those last few chapters are almost like pulling teeth that aren't loose yet. And yet, I get the work done. So, it all comes together in the end.

When did you first decide to submit your work? Please, tell us what or who encouraged you to take this big step.

I always knew I'd eventually submit. I did submit before I was technically ready. I wrote a fantasy novel that I sent to DAW back in '97. I was rejected, but it was a lovely rejection letter. They said the project wasn't for them, but they liked my style and wanted to see something else. Unfortunately, at the time I had nothing else to send. I still haven't submitted anything to them since, but I will. - My husband was a huge cheerleader for me. I don't think I would have ever gotten this far without his support. I owe a lot to him. Also, my father in the early days. I used to write these horrible short stories back in high school. He was an avid reader and would always ask when I was going to get something published. I only wish he would have lived to see me published. He'd have gotten a real kick out of it.

What would you like to tell your readers?

Enjoy yourselves. Reading is the ultimate escapism. And please write to me and let me know what you think of my books. I'd love to hear from you.

What is the best and worst advice you have ever received?

The best advice: Allow yourself to write crap.

The worst advice: Follow the rules and color inside the lines.

Do you outline your books or just start writing?

Depends on the length of the project. I make character sheets and chapter outlines for my novels. Novellas, I might have a basic idea where things are going, but no real outline. Short stories I generally pants.

Do you belong to a critique group? If so, how does this help or hinder you?

I have been a member of critique groups in the past and found them very beneficial. At present, I have 5 people I send my work to who read it and kick me in the ass if they have to. Tell me I'm stupid if it's needed, or praise me if it's warranted. I really lucked out with my crit partners, but they aren't part of a group. I think it really helps me. I need that extra set of eyes looking over my grammar and punctuation in case I get sloppy. Or to tell me if I'm not making my point understood.

What was your first published work and when was it published?

It was a poem when I was in the fifth grade and we made a book that we had to learn to typeset on. (Does that count?) I wasn't published again until a few years ago when I wrote an article for a university magazine. Right on top of that I won a Write to Win! Contest with Writers' Journal magazine.

What would be the best way for readers contact you? Do you have a website? Email address? MySpace site? Blog? Message Board? Group?

They can go to my website: www.MysticKat.com (but be aware that I'll be taking it down soon and revamping it.)

They can email me directly at MysticKat1965@yahoo.com go to my blog at:

Katwriter.blogspot.com, join my friends group at www.myspace.com/Katwritesromance or visit my other blog that I share with other authors. Star-crossedromance.blogspot.com How can readers find out more about you and your books?

They can go to my website, or meet me at the various groups I belong to. The Triskelion reader groups. Samhain readers groups. Romance Junkies.

Thank you for this opportunity!