Welcome to the fourth installment of (some of) My Favorite Authors! Cat Lavoie is my (much younger) twin, in that we both published our début novels on the same day. And since we’ve both just celebrated our two-year anniversaries of that date, today is a very appropriate time to introduce you to my friend Cat.
Cat Lavoie lives in Montreal, Canada with her tempestuous cat, Abbie. Her début novel, Breaking the Rules, was published in August 2012 by Marching Ink. Her second book, Zoey & The Moment of Zen was published in October 2013. If Cat isn’t reading or writing, she’s most likely watching too much TV or daydreaming about her next trip to London.
To find out more about Cat and her books, please visit www.CatLavoie.com and follow @Catenabi on Twitter.
So Cat, welcome! And let me start with what might be a difficult question:What is the hardest thing about writing, based on your experience?
CL: The hardest thing about writing for me is actually sitting down to write. I’m easily distracted and prone to procrastination so I constantly have to fight the urge to check my email and Facebook and Twitter. (I don’t often win that battle.) I usually get more work done when I’m writing during my lunch break or before heading off to work in the morning… When my time is limited, I have no choice but to focus.
I get that. The distractions are endless and require a lot of discipline to turn them off. Conversely, what is the easiest thing about writing?
CL: I wouldn’t say it’s easy, but the part I enjoy the most is editing. Give me a finished first draft, a red pen, and some Post-its and I am happy. (Mostly because the hardest part–actually writing the first draft–is over!) I’m so looking forward to getting to that point in my current WIP!
Do you use beta readers and what valuable feedback have you received from them?
CL: My first two novels were beta-read by my best friend, Mary. She’s always very honest with me and isn’t worried about sparing my feelings when giving me feedback. In my second novel, there’s a scene where two best friends have a fight and, after reading the first draft, she told me “that’s totally NOT how this fight would go down.” So we recreated the fight (so much fun!) and I instantly knew she was right. Also, she’s not a chick lit fan… so if I can make her like a chick lit story, it feels like a victory.
Cat has offered to gift a digital copy of Breaking the Rules to one lucky reader. And remember, everyone who enters ANY of these weekly contests is automatically entered to win the big prize at the end!
I am the bestselling author of nine novels, including the Swiss Chocolate trilogy and VILLA DEL SOL, which won the 2018 Book Award in Literary Fiction from the Independent Publishers of New England.
My newest series includes the books A JINGLE VALLEY WEDDING, APRIL IN GALWAY, and ALL’S WELL IN JINGLE VALLEY.
Find my books online at Amazon, locally at Stillwater Books (Pawtucket, Rhode Island) and Ink Fish Books (Warren, Rhode Island).
View all posts by Martha Reynolds
21 thoughts on “Meet Author Cat Lavoie”
M, It cracks me up how so many of us writers are so easily distracted. I think the point of it all is……….oops, so sorry, gotta go; Star Trek is on!
Martha, I love these interviews, and Cat is one of my favorite authors and people. I have had the pleasure of hanging out with her in person, and she is as funny, warm, and lovely as she is in print. I loved both of her books, and anyone who wins Breaking the Rules is in for a fantastic read!
M, It cracks me up how so many of us writers are so easily distracted. I think the point of it all is……….oops, so sorry, gotta go; Star Trek is on!
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Congrats on the 2-year-anniversary, Cat! Just bought a copy and look forward to reading it.
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Thank you so much, Shelly! 🙂 I really hope you enjoy it!
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Enter this contest! And if you don’t win, buy the book, anyway. You’ll love it.
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Thank you, Brea! 🙂
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Love, love, LOVE both of Cat’s books and highly recommend them to everybody. Great interview, Martha!
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Can’t wait for her next book!
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Thanks Martha! 🙂
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Thanks, Tracie! 🙂
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Martha, I love these interviews, and Cat is one of my favorite authors and people. I have had the pleasure of hanging out with her in person, and she is as funny, warm, and lovely as she is in print. I loved both of her books, and anyone who wins Breaking the Rules is in for a fantastic read!
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Awww, Sam! You are too kind! You know I’m such a fan of you and Finding Lucas and hanging out with you was so much fun! We must do it again soon! x
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Well put, Sam! I look forward to the day I meet both of you!
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Cat sounds delightful. I’m planning to buy a print copy since I prefer it to digital.
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Thank you so much, Bonnie! 🙂 I hope you enjoy Breaking the Rules!
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That’s wonderful, Bonnie 🙂
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Sounds like a really fun read. I also enjoyed the interview.
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Thank you, Ann! 🙂
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Ann is a fast reader, and always posts thoughtful reviews
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Thank you so much for having me on your blog, Martha! It’s an honor to share a book birthday with you and Chocolate for Breakfast!! 🙂
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You’re my younger twin, Cat! I want to go to Montreal! xxx
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That would be awesome!! 🙂 x
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