Interview with Jon Katz, Author of Rose in a Storm

Joining us today is author Jon Katz. Jon lives on a farm in upstate New York with his wife Maria Wulf, the artist, four dogs – Izzy, Lenore, Rose and Frieda – and two donkeys, Lulu and Fanny and a couple of barn cats. Rose In A Storm is his nineteenth book. He is an author, a photographer and is at work on a series of children’s books.

Where did you grow up?

Providence, R.I.

What is your fondest childhood memory?

The beach.



When did you begin writing?

I began writing at a local library, where the librarian encouraged me to tell stories, and put them down on paper.

What is Rose in a Storm about?

It’s about a border collie abandoned on a farm during an awful blizzard, narrated from the dog’s point of view. I talked to many behaviorists over a long period of time to figure out how a dog thinks and to try and capture it in a narrative. It was tough.

What inspired you to write it?

My border collie, who is also named Rose, and who helps me run the farm I love on in upstate New York, Bedlam Farm.
Who is your biggest supporter?

My wife, Maria.

Are you a member of a critique group? If no, who provides feedback on your work?

I don’t really like writing groups. They often become therapy groups. I have feedback from my editors, which is quick, clear and challenging.

Who is your favorite author?
Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Do you have an agent or are you looking for one?

I have one.

Was the road to publication smooth sailing or a bumpy ride?

It’s always a bit bumpy to write a book and get it published. Part of the process.

If you knew then, what you know now, is there anything you would have done differently?
No, I always feel as if I could use more time, but I’m very happy with the book.

Where can readers purchase a copy of your book?

Anywhere books are sold, online or in bookstores.

Do you have a website and/or blog where readers can find out more?
www.bedlamfarm.com
Do you have a video trailer to promote your book? If yes, where can readers find it?

On my website, www.bedlamfarm.com

What is the best investment you have made in promoting your book?

My blog has been by far the most valuable investment in getting my work out there.

What is one piece of advice you would like to share with aspiring authors everywhere?

Writing is a job like any other. Keep writing, show it to people, take criticism as if it were all true.

What is up next for you?

My next book is a short story collection, “Dancing Dogs.” And a book on animal grieving, both to be published by Random House.

Is there anything you would like to add?

Rose In A Storm is my first novel in a decade, and I think (I hope) it achieves what is a daunting goal – to bring us into the mind of a dog, and show us some of the emotional landscape there, from a dog, not a human perspective. From the early reviews, I see I’m hitting that nerve. I appreciate feedback. See my dogs and farm on bedlamfarm.com. We are considering a sequel.