An Interview with Katherine Williams

Katherine Williams was born on the Wirral Peninsula in England. She now lives in rural Connecticut, USA, where she likes to write, work in her vegetable garden, and hike in the surrounding countryside with her new puppy Maus.

Tell us the story of your book’s title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?

The book title, Lost Family, came before the story. I met someone who told me about the time he’d ‘found’ his family. He described this family as ‘lost’ until he unearthed them in an old trunk. After his grandmother passed away, he was clearing out her things when he came across an envelope of old correspondence. After extensive research he discovered the letters were from members of his family he never knew he had. Lost Family seemed like a good title for a book and so I began my story.

How did it feel when you first saw your book cover? Or when you first held your book in your hands?

It was a very special moment. I remember I had tears in my eyes. Years of writing in a perfectly designed book!

Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?

I’ve always liked telling stories and friends told me that I should write them down. I had no idea how to write a story and took some online writing courses which helped enormously. I’ve always loved to read and that helped too.

What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?

I owned a vintage store for several years and before that managed a twelve thousand square foot antique shop. It was a lot of fun and was a way for me to channel my creativity.

What was the most rewarding/meaningful part of publishing your book?

I think the most rewarding part for me has been that I have achieved something later in life I never knew I was capable of doing. Atmosphere Press has made that possible.

If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?

I’m not sure about a soundtrack, but “You’ll Be in My Heart” by Phil Collins would be the perfect song for Amelie and Georges.

What is one thing you hope readers take away from reading your book? How do you envision your perfect reader?

Firstly, many stories are set in World War II, and most people reading this genre of book are aware of what happened during those years. However, in today’s divisive times, I wanted to bring attention again to what happens when ordinary people are pitted against each other for power and political gain. If we are to honor the sacrifices so many made for our freedom, we can never let hatred prevail again.

During that horrendous war, innocent people were persecuted or killed simply because they were perceived to be different due to their religion, ethnicity, political beliefs, or sexual orientation. In my story, Amélie Maurois and her family were regular people who demonstrated extraordinary love and courage by rescuing those in danger. In doing so, they showed us one fundamental truth: we are all human beings born under the same sun and moon.

What new writing projects are you currently working on? Or, other projects that are not writing?

I am finally getting back to writing a story that I started years ago. It’s based on the life of my great-grandmother who started work as a cotton weaver in Lancashire, England, in the late 1800s. I won’t give anything away, but it’s quite a compelling story! Watch this space!

How was working with Atmosphere Press? What would you tell other writers who want to publish?

Working with Atmosphere Press again has been wonderful. Their team of highly skilled professionals makes the process seamless from start to finish. If you’re thinking of publishing your novel, look no further—Atmosphere Press is the way to go!

Are you a writer, too? Submit your manuscript to Atmosphere Press.