In conversation with editor and author stylist Jennifer Milius on the TufFish show
Catherine and Jen talk about writing in different genres and getting unstuck when your creative juices go AWOL.
8 Fun Facts About the Author You Won't Find on the Back Cover
Hey, Booklovers!
Ever wonder what goes on in the mind of a romance writer? Let's peek behind the curtain and meet the real Catherine–with all the quirks and passions that fuel her heartwarming stories!
Catherine Michaels:
White Oak River, Swansboro, NC
1. From Special Ed Superhero to Love Guru: Yep, Catherine used her superpowers to champion students with learning differences, from kindergarten all the way to college. After publishing five children's books as Cat Michaels, she's now channeling that same passion into crafting unforgettable characters you'll root for in the world of sweet romance.
2. Pizza, Salads, and Rocky Road Dreams: Catherine's a woman who appreciates balance. She can whip up a killer project management plan (thanks, Master's degree!), but her heart (and stomach) belong to a good slice (mushrooms & spinach, please!), a light salad, and a Rocky Road ice cream chaser. Because, dessert is essential for fueling those happily ever afters.
3. Lit Lover Since Diapers: Forget board books, Catherine was devouring primers even before kindergarten, thanks to her parents who read to her every night. She devoured Dickens and Sherlock Holmes in middle school, and now conquers towering TBR piles (mostly digital – audiobooks are a lifesaver).
4. Reading Rainbow: From the witty banter of Jennifer Weiner to the heartwarming escapades of Elin Hilderbrand, Catherine loves a good eclectic mix and romance...Jimenz, Henry, Kinsella, Center, Quinn, and O'Leary to name just a few. Throw in some Jane Austen for the classics and a dash of Sarah Maas, Rebecca Yarrow, and Neil Gaiman for the fantastical, and you've got her bookshelf (or rather, digital queue).
5. When Harry Met Catherine's Movie Marathon: Get ready for a rom-com rendezvous! Catherine's movie nights are legendary, featuring classics like "Sleepless in Seattle" and "Love Actually" to modern twists like "Bridgerton." Basically, if it involves grand gestures, witty dialogue, and a swoon-worthy happily ever after, it's on her watchlist. And did we mention she's a huge Ted Lasso fan?
6. From Couch Potato to Cardio Queen: Catherine believes balance is key. While she enjoys a good Netflix binge, she also prioritizes movement. Daily walks (beach or woods, take your pick!), yoga sessions, weight training, and summer swims keep her mind sharp and her body ready to conquer writer's block. Bonus points for the occasional hula-hooping session that cracks up her nephew Randy (because, why not?).
7. Nature's Muse: Catherine's got a keen eye for capturing the beauty around her with her Panasonic Lumix DSLR camera. Maybe it's a genetic thing – both her great-great and great-grandfathers were photographers. So, if you see breathtaking landscape shots sprinkled across her social media, you know where the inspiration comes from.
8. Mulch Maven: You'll find Catherine digging in the dirt whenever she can. She designs Southern pocket gardens for her North Carolina home, but her favorite is the colorful fairy garden installation along the front sidewalk. It's a showstopper to the enchant the neighborhood kids.
Catherine's curbside fairy garden
There you have it! A glimpse into the life that fuels Catherine's feel-good stories. Now you can picture the woman behind the words, maybe even imagine her curled up with a pizza and a frosty glass of iced tea (unsweet with lemon), crafting the next swoon-worthy romance you won't be able to put down!
Hey, Pinners! Discover more about Cat's writerly life and bookish inspirations on Pinterest.