Kate Franklin lives in Sarasota Florida, where she teaches college English and Creative Writing. Kate enjoys reading, writing, gardening and driving her Subaru Cross Trek to the beach in her spare time. She loves to travel. Kate's travel adventures have included Europe, Argentina and Antarctica. Kate's mystery and science fiction short stories have been published on-line and in print anthologies. Her story, "Coin Karma," was a featured podcast from the Liars' League in London. The Tattooed Mermaid, her first novel, won a silver medal from the Florida Authors and Publishers Association. She is working on the sequel, Mermaid Park. Kate is a member of the writing groups Sisters in Crime and Saturday Sleuths. 

When did you know you wanted to become a writer?
    When I was about six, but it took me decades to actually write.

Can you tell us a little about your writing process? 
   Generally, I postpone writing as long as possible. Then when, as Julia Cameron says, it becomes "more painful to avoid writing than actually writing," I sit down and start something. Usually, it goes well once I face the blank screen.
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Where did the inspiration for "Ghost Heist" come from? 
    I wish I knew.

Tell us about The Tattooed Mermaid.
  The Tattooed mermaid is a murder mystery, but I see it primarily as a novel about relationships: A mother and daughter; two best friends estranged for years who come back together; a romantic relationship tested by life, some very dysfunctional relationships and a peek at a brand new relationship that will come in the next novel.

Are you writing something at the moment? Tell us about it.
    I'm thinking about a couple of things I've started but I'm still in the postponing, or gestation period. The one I like best is what I hope will become a series about a witch who has inherited a number of familiars/entities from her mother. These entities are under spells to make them appear to be dogs. Each one has a special gift and will have his/her own novel. They all help solve mysteries. The series is called "The Witch's Daughter."

You recently took a trip to Antarctica. What part did you enjoy the most?
     By far, bouncing around in the Zodiacs was the best. Getting up close and personal with huge icebergs, seals, whales, and penguins was fantastic. Zooming in and out of rock and ice caves was a total thrill.

Thanks for visiting with us!

Strangely Funny VI is now available in print and Kindle on Amazon, and is currently free on Kindle Unlimited.

Be sure to read Kate's story, "Ghost Heist" for a good laugh. Bed and breakfasts have found a new way to attract customers: by advertising that they're haunted. And if they aren't really haunted, the ghosts better watch out.