Interview with Kat Summers

I have had the absolute joy of working with Kat on all three of her contemporary sports romance novels. We’ve had some of the most ridiculous grammar debates (come vs. cum, lesbian vs. a lesbian), and I’ve truly enjoyed watching her come into her own as an author. Even if we’re often arguing over the “right” number of pop culture references she can sneak into her books. I’m excited to share her interview here, and I can’t wait to see what heartwarming and steamy stories she throws my way next!

Name/pen name:

Kat Summers

If you publish/write under a pen name, how did you come up with it?

It closely resembles my name but is also based on a fake name I used once. Consider it my Regina Phalange. 

Tell us a little about your book(s) like its title, genre, and where readers can find it:

My most recent book is Scoring Position. It is a reformed playboy, sports romance available on Amazon and KU. My other novels, Behind in the Count and Stepping Up to the Plate, are carried in a few other places, including a local bookstore. People can check my website for links to non-Zon places to buy!

What does your writing routine look like? Silence or noise, pen or computer, snacks and drinks, time of day, etc.?

I typically write with a specific writing playlist or TV in the background. If it's TV, it is usually sports as they are easy to drown out and my husband watches a lot of them. I write exclusively on my computer and always need at least one beverage. I have a 9-5 so my writing is done at night and on weekends, but I am a night owl anyway so it works out. 

Plotter, pantser, or in between?

If my author buddies are right, I am the Queen Plotter Supreme™. My outlines are very detailed as is the layout of my book "universe." My books feature cameos from future series so there is a lot to track.

Where do you keep your writing ideas? Notebook, phone, email thread?

It's all in Google docs. 

Who reads your writing first? Your spouse, friend, CP, etc.?

I have done it several different ways. I have a friend who alpha read for me, but now I mostly skip straight to betas or developmental edits. I have a group of writing friends who I send passages to, and they often act as betas/alphas when needed. 

Does reading help you write or distract you?

Both! I read significantly less on months that I heavily write, but it also gives me inspiration for ways to phrase things, scenarios, and generally serves as a mental health escape. 

What (if any) research went into writing your book?

Scoring Position is the first book where the FMC had a job I wasn't as familair with, so that took a good deal of research. Seeing as it is my thrid baseball book, I had most of my research from the other two to lean on. I probably did the most research on Kent's backstory and his half-Filipino heritage. I wanted to do his background justice. Even though it isn't a factor in the plot, there are still a lot of considerations to make when writing about someone who is part of a group you are not. Thank God for sensitivity readers!

Being as specific as you want, who is your target audience?

My target audience is me! Millennial (and Gen X/Z) women looking to laugh, clench their thighs, and maybe get a little misty-eyed. My books aren't game-play heavy so I think even non-sports fans will enjoy them. Anyone who loves a dirty-talking MMC, sassy FMC, and character growth is welcome!

What advice would you give your earlier self?

Start sooner and focus on finding your people. The ride is so much more fun with people who *get* it. Also, craft books are your friends.

What monetary or numerical goals do you have for your book?

Sky's the limit, really. The base level goal is to break even, but I hope to write full time one day, so as much as I can get. I would love to knock my earnings from last year out of the park. Hitting one million page reads in 2024 would be pretty amazing, too.

How long did you work on your book from the first idea to the date of release?

Most of my ideas already have a high-level outline, but I would say I spend anywhere from 4-6 months on each book. I am about to start a new series, so I know that the first one will take longer, but with standalone serial writing, a lot of details get ironed out in previous books. I can write pretty quickly, it's editing that takes me forever.

How did you decide on your publishing method (self, indie, trad, etc.)?

I chose self-publishing because I am impatient. I have ideas now and I wanted to get them from my head into the hands of readers. Trad can take a long time and I have much less control in a lot of the factors and less ownership. Would I write trad books in the future? Of course, but I think I'll always have self-published projects brewing. 

What else do you want to share about yourself or your writing?

I am a vorcacious reader of most romance genres. I'd love to tell readers they don't have to pigeon hole themselves in a specific category. Read the faerie smut then dive into a baseball romcom then an alien fated mates story or mafia why choose. There are so many good stories out there. Don't write them off until you give it a try. 

Where can readers connect with you?

You can find me on IG, TikTiok, and Threads at @katsummerswrites. I also have a Facebook I hardly use (same handle) and a newsletter that gets you access to juicy bonus content! I love connecting with readers so don't be afraid to reach out!