This is me. Yes, I know I look exhausted. It's a look called: "permanently relies on coffee".
I have always loved to write books. I remember the first story I ever wrote, I was seven-years-old and I told a tale about my dad, uncle Leo and I drowning on the Titanic. I recall the look of awe that crossed my dad's face on parents night when my teacher had him read it. He had been so proud of me, and I knew then that I wanted to keep making him proud. I wanted to make myself proud.
When a sexal assault changed my life 2 weeks prior to my 21st birthday, I focused my emotions into writing a book about a dorky girl falling in love with a grumpy werewolf. I fuelled all of my hurt, betrayal and anger into a story that would bring readers joy, love, and happiness. I titled this book Alpha's Bane and published it in autumn 2016. Since then, I have managed to publish another five books. I NEVER would have thought myself capable of self-publishing. It is honestly much harder than publishing traditionally (with a publishing house), because you do everything on your own. From hiring an editor, a cover designer, proof-readers, publishing the book on Amazon, formatting the paperbacks, and distributing the book to as many retailers as possible. . . Yeah, with a full-time job and suffering from PTSD and depression, I really struggled.
But I did it! Yay!
These are all the books I published under Katze Snow. From romance to psychological thriller to horror, Katze has it all! These are also published in the gay #LGBT category in Amazon, because love is love.
I also have two under Nora Winters. These are mainstream cozy mystery. Think of Agatha Christie! I LOVED writing these books. They're so funny, light-hearted and the characters always make me smile. Plus, I'm also co-writing this series with a close friend of mine who is an amazing writer. It's like a fangirl's dream come true! These books are child friendly and are compatible with ALL ages. A slight change to my Katze Snow books!
On my social media accounts, I'm honest and open about my battle with mental health. I was. . . Well, let's just say I felt "normal" before the assault. I had just started an amazing job working in the Scottish Parliament, I shared a beautiful flat with a close friend, and I was in a good place mentally and spiritually.
Sometimes life has a funny way of reminding you of your path.
After the attack, I focused on my writing as a way to stay sane. I never imagined I'd actually publish, but lo and behold, little old me actually managed it! Meanwhile, I had moved jobs, moved homes a total of 12 times, and I WON in court. My rapist was sentenced to six years in jail. It was the hardest, scariest thing I ever had to do, but it truly did make me a stronger person. I still struggle with the aftermath of everything, the attack, court case, and losing my job and home, but I am steadily building myself back up!
I have two gorgeous furkids, the wolf and kitty, and surviving every day is a battle I strive to win. My pets keep me sane. Next, I'll post an article about the wolf, Kiba.
This was taken a week after the court case. I had pulled my gladrags on, my warrior paint, and I was ready to fight another day!
~Wolf and Kitty