Today I’d like to welcome author Kathleen Denly to the blog to share a little about herself, her writing journey, and her next release: Harmony on the Horizon. She’s also offering a giveaway, and a bunch of goodies to anyone who preorders the novel. Welcome!
First, please tell us a little about yourself. Where are you from?
I’ve spent the majority of my life in sunny Southern California. Technically born in San Diego, I only lived there the first two weeks of my life until I moved back again in 1999. Six months ago our family moved to the mountains in Central California. It’s been an adjustment, but we love our new home.
Which of your books is your personal favourite, and why?
This is not a fair question. LOL It’s so difficult to choose because my third book, Harmony on the Horizon, only recently finished its final edit and by the time you’ve read a story fifty times and analyzed it to death, it can’t be your favorite story no matter how wonderful it is. It’s like eating ice cream for breakfast every day for a month. Sure it seems fun for the first day or even week, but by day twenty-five, if not sooner, you’re ready for some eggs already! All of which means Harmony on the Horizon can’t even be in the running here. That leaves me with Waltz in the Wilderness or Sing in the Sunlight if we’re only counting published novels.
But I’m going to cheat and say that my favorite is the one that hasn’t been published and may never be published because it needs such a major overhaul. My working title for it is First Stone and it’s my favorite because it was so much fun to write. Plus I learned a lot about my craft in the process. Even if it is a major train wreck.
Great answer!
It’s said that authors should write the kind of book they like to read. What is your favourite genre? Who are your favourite authors?
My favorite genre is historical Christian romance. Some of my favorite authors in this genre include Mary Connealy, Melissa Jagears, Elizabeth Camden, Pepper Basham, Rachel Fordham, Tara Johnson, Cathy Marie Hake, Roseanna M. White, Regina Jennings, Kim Vogel Sawyer, Carolyn Miller, Erica Vetsch, Kristi Ann Hunter, Kelly Eileen Hake, Misty Beller, Carrie Turansky, Karen Barnett, Judith Miller, Tracie Peterson, Jen Turano, and Cara Grandle. I know I’m forgetting some, but this list is already so long I think I’ll stop here.
I love it when authors list so many other authors I already know and love … and a few new-to-me authors to check out.
What was the last book you read? Would you recommend it? Why/why not?
I am currently reading Rachel Fordham’s A Lady in Attendance and I definitely recommend it. I’ve yet to read a novel by Rachel that I didn’t love and this one is calling me to quit typing and go read.
About your book
What kind of books do you write? Where and when are they set?
I write historical Christian romance set in nineteenth century America, with a particular focus on California.
Tell us about your latest book. Who will enjoy it?
Harmony on the Horizon is the third book in my Chaparral Hearts series. Unlike the previous two books, this novel follows four point of view characters and is largely split between the two settings of San Diego and San Francisco, although it all comes together in the end. I think it’s a great choice for readers who enjoy history, urban adventure, and complex characters with real, relatable flaws facing seemingly insurmountable challenges. Here’s the official description:
Her calling to change the world may be his downfall.
On the heels of the Great Rebellion, Margaret Foster, an abolitionist northerner, takes a teaching position in 1865 San Diego—a town dominated by Southern sympathizers. At thirty-seven years of age, Margaret has accepted spinsterhood and embraced her role as teacher. So, when Everett Thompson, the handsomest member of the School Board, reveals his interest in her, it’s a dream come true. Until her passionate ideals drive a wedge between them.
After two decades of hard work, Everett Thompson is on the verge of having everything he’s dreamed of. Even the beautiful new teacher has agreed to his courtship. Then two investments go south and a blackmailer threatens everything Everett has and dreams of.
As Everett scrambles to shore up the crumbling pieces of his life, Margaret unwittingly sets off a scandal that divides the small community and threatens her position as teacher. With the blackmailer still whispering threats, Everett must decide if he’s willing to risk everything for the woman still keeping him at arm’s length.
What was your motivation for writing Harmony on the Horizon?
I went on a field trip with my kids a few years ago at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. While we toured the restored schoolhouse, the docent shared the story of the Mary Chase Walker scandal which occurred in 1865. Mary was the first teacher to teach in San Diego’s first schoolhouse, but her position was short-lived due to the “mistake” she made of inviting the “wrong person” to dine with her in the town’s nicest hotel. As a result of this choice, many parents refused to send their students to school until she was fired and an emergency board meeting was held to determine what to do. While records of the result of that meeting have since been lost to history, we do know that she was no longer teaching one month later and shortly thereafter married one of the board members. Needless to say, my writer’s imagination was captivated.
Where did the characters and story come from? What were your influences?
Well, I’ve already mentioned where Margaret and Everett come from in my previous answer, so I’ll tell you about Katie. She comes from a combination of Anne Shirley (complete with red hair) and the things I learned about childhood trauma through my training to become a foster parent. In Harmony on the Horizon, Katie struggles to keep a job due to compulsive daydreams that are a type of coping mechanism stemming from an extremely traumatic childhood.
About your writing
What do you see as the main differences between fiction written for the Christian market compared with the general market?
While I’d love for a nonbeliever to enjoy my novels and learn more about God, I view my stories as a ministry to the church body. To me, that’s usually the difference between the two markets–who the stories are written for.
Do your novels have an overt faith element?
Absolutely. While I strive to keep story first and never be preachy, there is always a strong faith element in what I write. I can’t seem to help it. It’s how I see the world and where the Spirit is leading me.
Is writing for the Christian market harder or easier than writing for the general market? Why?
For me, I think writing for the general market would be more difficult because of the need to censor my natural tendency to view everything through God’s Word. Trying not to directly mention Him or my character’s relationship with Him would feel incredibly constricting.
About your publishing journey
What is the hardest part of getting a book written, edited and published?
Formatting! Blech. Click, scroll, click, scroll, for what feels like an eternity, just to make sure the chapter headings are in the exact right spot and I didn’t miss an indent here or a hashtag there. Soooo tedious! LOL
How is self-publishing different from working with a publisher? What made you choose the traditional publishing option?
I’m traditionally published through Wild Heart Books and it was the best decision I’ve made so far on this writing journey. My publisher’s support in both tangible and emotional ways has been invaluable. They have an entire team dedicated to making my work the best it can be and getting it into as many readers’ hands as possible. I know my novels are better and have reached more readers for being published through Wild Heart Books. I’m very excited to have recently signed a contract to publish three more novels for the Chaparral Hearts series through Wild Heart Books.
What advice do you have for someone seeking to write and publish a novel?
Pray, practice, and study your craft. Learn what all the industry experts recommend, but before implementing it, submit your plans to prayer. Just because one person tells you to follow a certain path (even if that person is an expert and the path is objectively excellent), doesn’t mean it’s the path God has for you.
Thank you, Kathleen!
About Kathleen Denly
Kathleen Denly writes historical romance to entertain, encourage, and inspire readers toward a better understanding of our amazing God and how He sees us. Award winning author of the Chaparral Hearts series, she also shares history tidbits, thoughts on writing, books reviews and more at KathleenDenly.com.
Kathleen lives in sunny California with her loving husband, four young children, and two cats. As a member of the adoption and foster community, children in need are a cause dear to her heart and she finds they make frequent appearances in her stories. When she isn’t writing, researching, or caring for children, Kathleen spends her time reading, visiting historical sites, hiking, and crafting.
Find Kathleen online at
Website | Newsletter | BookBub
In celebration of Kathleen’s upcoming release, Harmony on the Horizon, book 3 in her Chaparral Hearts series, she is offering a giveaway!
One winner* will receive:
- 1 ebook copy of either Waltz in the Wilderness or Sing in the Sunlight – winner’s choice
- 1 Pair of Earrings – Purple Glitter Studs
- 1 Faux Leather Bookmark – Purple Rose Clusters – Purple Tassle
- 1 Sing in the Sunlight Bookmark
- 1 Harmony on the Horizon Sticker
To enter, leave a comment on this blog post and sign up for Kathleen’s Readers’ Club here: http://bit.ly/KRCMemberSignUp
Deadline to enter is 11:59pm December 15, 2021. Winner will be announced in the comments for this post and contacted via email.
*Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.
Kathleen Denly lives in sunny Southern California with her loving husband, four young children, and two cats. As a member of the adoption and foster community, children in need are a cause dear to her heart and she finds they make frequent appearances in her stories. When she isn’t writing, researching, or caring for children, Kathleen spends her time reading, visiting historical sites, hiking, and crafting.
