Kathryn Lilley

Female

Southern California

United States

Profile Information:

Hometown:: Southern California, by the beach
About Me:: As a pre-teen, I had two passions: Nancy Drew mysteries and Pralines ’n Cream ice cream. So it was perhaps inevitable that I grew up to write a series called the Fat City Mysteries.

My stories are set in Durham, North Carolina, the self-proclaimed “Diet Capital of the World.” And like my journalist sleuth, Kate Gallagher, I understand the Battle of the Bulge all too well. I once lost 90 pounds to land a job on camera as a TV reporter. And even today, I avoid the street that goes past 31 Flavors.

The first book in the Fat City Mysteries series is Dying to Be Thin, was published in October 2007 by Signet/Obsidian. It’s a story about dieting, sex and murder set in a residential diet clinic (read: “fat farm”). In this clinic, the only things more dangerous than the food are the fondue forks…
I Am A:: Reader, Writer, Editor
Website:: http://www.kathrynlilley.com
Books And Authors I Like:: Currently I'm on a Stephen King kick.
Movies And TV Shows I Like:: Vertigo, Rear Window, The Sixth Sense, CSI Miami

Comment Wall:

Steve Allan

Hey there. Which King book are you on now? I've read almost all of them (being a Mainer, it's a state law).

Mar 19, 2007
Kathryn Lilley

I've gone all the way back to The Shining and am re-reading it. Just finished Misery. I keep hearing King's works referred to as great examples of such-and-such in terms of writing. I haven't read all of his books and am realizing now what a mistake that was.

Mar 19, 2007
Angie

Hi Kathryn - welcome to Crimespace! A Stephen King kick, huh? Personally, I love his characterizations (though is use of "armed" as a verb to show wiping sweat from the forehead annoys the crap out of me). Still, enjoy THE SHINING. It really is a great book.

Mar 19, 2007
Kathryn Lilley

Oops, looks like I deleted my previous response. I was saying, Angie, that I also loved Misery because it really dramatizes the writer's challenge, which is to push a story beyond cliches, and turn it into something believable and strong.

Mar 19, 2007
M.G. Tarquini

Hi, Kathryn. I loved The Sixth Sense. It took me by surprise. When I watched Signs, I reminded myself that everything is important to Shayamalan (sp?), so tried to pick out what would be important. I was so proud of myself to know that those glasses of water laying around on every flat surface would play a pivotal part.

Yeah, yeah - I'm easily fascinated.

Mar 19, 2007
Kathryn Lilley

Hi M.G.,
Yes, you're right about everything being important. I think that's why I loved the Sixth Sense (although I've been disappointed by Shayamalan's other films). By the same token, as writers, everything we put in our stories must contribute to the plot, suspense, or other important aspect of the story. It's so hard to do, though! What's really frustrating to me is when I hear a writer (in a critique group, usually), say "I don't know, this is just what he was doing. It didn't have any real purpose or meaning." Those words should cue the DELETE gun!

Mar 19, 2007
Lynette Hall Hampton

I couldn't resist the cat. Of course, I love the furry things. I live with one. Thanks for being my friend.

Mar 21, 2007
Kathryn Lilley

His name's Smokie. He's going to have his literary debut (under a different name and gender, much to his dismay) in a story that's coming out next fall.

Mar 26, 2007
Leann Sweeney

Smokie, meet Indigo. Indigo, Smokie. (Maybe they're related!)

Leann

Apr 10, 2007
Kathryn Lilley

Omigosh, Indigo! Smokie had no idea there could be TWO such glorious beasts in the world, lol! Welcome!

Apr 10, 2007
Leann Sweeney

If both Smokie and Indigo have no idea each has a clone, it's best we don't tell them. Indigo believes she rules all cats ... or rules everyone, especially the dog. :-) And she wouldn't want to compete for best looking cat in a Trivial Pursuit box. She thinks she's won that award.

Apr 10, 2007