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I was born and raised in Maryland and was a public school teacher for several years before transferring into the healthcare field. Then, 7 years ago, I switched careers again and, although hoping to retire soon, I currently oversee the operation of a large commercial art district community in the panhandle of Florida.
I have been a published poet for over three decades and started my new venture of writing my Katie Porter Mystery series in 2019.
I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and a Master’s Degree in Healthcare Administration, both from the University of Maryland. I have a grown son and daughter.
I’m curious why you chose to write under a pen name. What factors went into that decision?
In the early 1990’s, I published my first book of poetry under my real name and donated all the proceeds to a local charity. To my amazement, the book did extremely well and suddenly I realized that I had inadvertently revealed a lot about myself to complete strangers. That completely unnerved me so I decided I would be more comfortable hiding behind a pen name. It ended up being a great decision because now, all these years later, sales of my mystery books rely heavily on social media. A person can’t be too careful these days.
Where did the Katie Porter mystery series idea come from?
From the Nancy Drew mysteries. I grew up reading the series and those books made me fall in love with reading. Then, about 4 years ago, strictly by accident, I ran across a few volumes I had in storage, re-read them, and saw how wonderful they still are. It occurred to me that a slightly older, more mature female detective type character might be fun to write about. So, after thinking about it for several months I decided to give it a try and the Katie Porter Mysteries were born!
Did you intend to write just one book, or did you always know this would turn into a series?
I had always intended to write a series so the pressure was on to make the first book, The Secret at Sunset Hill as good as possible. Before writing a single word, I made sure I had a clear mental picture of Katie, her friends, and her literary universe. Still, honestly, I had no idea whether I would even finish writing the first book, but it turned out to be a blast! I had such fun. The book pretty much wrote itself. I’m now currently writing book number 12 and still loving the series so I’m afraid there’s no turning back!
The 1940s in one of my favorite times in history, and if I could time travel, this is the time I would go back to. Why did you choose this time as the backdrop to the story instead of a more modern time?
Because that was the time of “The Greatest Generation.” A generation that had lived through the great Depression and then World War II. I thought it would be the perfect backdrop in which to place this smart, young, female mystery-solving journalist. I didn’t want to write about the war directly, but even two years after it ended, it did still have an impact on people’s daily lives. This helps give depth to my characters and influences how they make decisions.
Katie contemplates those decisions at the end of each book when she writes in her journal. Like her, I want to give the reader something to think about. Often in life there are no right or wrong answers, as is the case in The Secret at Sunset Hill. I hope people will discuss these over the dinner table or among friends. Good versus evil, greed versus giving, kindness versus cruelty. Serious stuff that is just bubbling under the surface of what I hope is a good mystery!
I found the supporting characters to offer an exciting contrast to Katie’s personality, especially Ruth White and E.M. Butler. Can you tell the readers more about how they serve as literary foils to Katie?
I did make a conscious decision to include a reoccurring “cast of characters” in the series that could provide me with different storylines for the mysteries. It also gave me the opportunity to round out the character of Katie by giving her two very close friends, one female and one male. Ruth White, as Katie’s childhood friend, provides her with some emotional stability much like an older sister. She also often acts as Katie’s conscience. On the other hand, E.M. Butler brings out Katie’s sensitive playful side. He is caring, lovable and loyal, and I love writing the dialog between he and Katie.
It was also important to me to use supporting characters to dispel some of the innate prejudices and stereotypes we tend to place on people. Several of them are not what the reader first expects. Katie’s grandmother is 70 but definitely not “old.” In many respects, she is quite a modern woman. And the masculine Jim Fielding sings, grows roses, is a gourmet cook, and tends to wear his heart on his sleeve. I want the reader to know that it’s OK to be different and that everyone deserves to be treated with respect and kindness.
I made assumptions about the sexual orientation of two supporting characters. This is likely a sensitive issue for 1947, given many people faced discrimination. Will this topic come back up in future books?
I do allude to it in several of the books especially in The Murder of Major Pennington (book 5) and The Mystery at Maplewood Hall (book 9). However, my characters will never openly discuss it because in 1947 being gay could have gotten you killed. But there is always the possibility that someone in a future mystery could end up with a secret partner. One never knows!
Well thank you! I am contemplating writing a novel that deals with the challenges of growing older. It would be a serious book and, I agree, would require a completely different writing style. That may be beyond my ability. I guess I’ll know once I start it.
What’s next for K.T. McGivens? Any future projects you are working on or even thinking about?
Right now, I’m working on book 12 of the series. It’s called The Crime at Covington Corner, and I hope to get it out by March. And I’m also working with a narrator to turn The Secret at Sunset Hill into an audiobook, something I’ve wanted to do for some time. It’s very exciting.
What advice do you have for other indie authors?
It’s tough being an indie author so write because you love it! Don’t do it for money, fame, or to impress others. That probably will never happen. Write because it makes you happy! Write because you feel compelled to do so! Write because it’s in your heart! And don’t let anybody tell you how to write your story or try to talk you out of writing. This is your voice and your story to tell. So tell it. There will be plenty of people out there ready to read it.
10. What is the one question I didn’t ask that you wish I had?
No, I think you covered everything. I do want to thank you for the opportunity to talk about the Katie Porter Mysteries series and for the wonderful review of The Secret at Sunset Hill!
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