For the final installment of my 2013-24 Pitch Wars “Meet the Bombshells” Series, I’d like to welcome to the blog Katie Bono, author of the New Adult contemporary (medical) novel, RUNNING WITH NEEDLES.

V: First off, I’d just like to say how much I ADORE the title of this book. People in the industry love telling writers how unimportant their title is, because chances are it won’t always be the title if your book gets picked up by a publisher. But sometimes, a title so perfectly describes what a book is, you just can’t fathom calling it anything else. That’s this book. It’s a little bit funny, but also real and a little bit hazardous. Like running with needles would be, I imagine.

V: So, Katie. Take it away, and tell us about you!

KB:  I’m a writer, mother, and amateur photographer.  I graduated from the University of Kansas (go Jayhawks!) with a degree in psychology, but later returned to school to become a RN.  I live in Kansas with my husband, 18-month-old daughter, and our two mischievous cats.

V: *Resists making ‘not in Kansas anymore* joke* Tell us why it’s unsafe to run with needles? And/or talk about your Pitch Wars entry:

KB: RUNNING WITH NEEDLES follows college student Morgan on her journey to become a nurse. It’s much harder than she ever imagined, and she finds herself in many embarrassing situations. To complicate matters further, she has a crush on her cute classmate, and flirting and patient care don’t mix well.

V: I can add an amen to that. (But don’t worry, I won’t hijack your moment by admitting why I know that adage to be true.) Tell us, who or what inspires you to write?

KB: I started blogging when I was struggling in nursing school. I remember one day, not long after I’d started my blog, I was taking care of a rude patient who made me feel incompetent. Instead of crying about it, I started thinking, “How can I make this sound funny on my blog?” I tried to focus on and remember every detail to help me turn my day into the funniest story possible. Writing quickly turned many frustrating situations into humorous ones simply by changing my outlook on things.

V: That’s way more productive than crying into a pint of Ben & Jerry’s, IMO. Also, a lot more interesting. What is your favorite thing about Morgan, your main character? 

KB: I love Morgan’s reactions to the different situations she encounters. She is witty, sometimes overdramatic, and has a lot of fun.

V: A good term for people like us, I think, is larger than life. (That’s what my friends called my writer reactions to things, when my mom just said ‘overdramatic.’) What do you hope to accomplish as a writer?  

KB: I would love to inspire people. Not necessarily to become nurses, but to keep working at whatever goal they want to achieve.

V: Agreed. What’s the biggest obstacle you’ve had to face so far, on the road to publication?

KB: I had to learn how to handle constructive criticism. The first time someone pointed out a problem with my MS, I was ready to complete give up when I realized that she was right. But after sulking for a few days, I made the suggested changes and LOVED how they turned out. So now when someone points out an area than can be improved, I’m excited to see what I can come up with to fix it.

V: LOL, we’ve ALL been there. I wish I could say it gets easier, but no, it’s better if you just saddle up and prepare to live in “constructive criticism land” forever. Speaking of which, what is the best piece of constructive writing advice you’ve ever received?

KB: This was from the amazing Veronica Bartles and has stuck with me: “Don’t give up on your writing. That moment when you feel like you’ll never make it might be one step away from achieving your goals.”

V: LOVE it! V Bartles is awesome. (But we’re still going to crush her team in this year’s Pitch Wars. Just saying. Sorry, V.)

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Want to find out more about Katie and RUNNING WITH NEEDLES? Check out her online habitats:

Website:  lilk8tob.wordpress.com

Facebook: Katie Bono O’Bryan

Twitter: @lilk8tob

Pinterest: Katie Bono O’Bryan