Today we’d like to introduce you to Kathryn Schleich
Hi Kathryn, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
In my third crime novel, Missing Pieces, the story evolved from my personal experience suffering and episode of Transient Global Amnesia in August 2020. In the midst of the pandemic I was building a new home and working to sell my former residence. Three days before closing on both homes, I was staying at the Marriott in Woodbury. I have no recollection of coming to the front desk clad in my pajamas and robe. I asked the night manager for a cup of coffee. While she was brewing the coffee, I walked away from the hotel, leaving my purse on the desk. Marriott personnel are trained to recognize a guest in distress and she immediately called the Woodbury police. Over the next 4 hours, while the police searched for me, I wandered the streets. When they found me I was filthy, had clearly fallen multiple times, my entire body covered in cut and bruises. The officers who found me wanted to take me to the ER but suddenly clouds parted. I had movers coming in four hours, and they reluctantly agreed to let me stay. I was shocked at my appearance, but kept focusing on the movers and closings. A friend brought me to the ER where the doctor explained what had happened and that TGA is stress induced. From that experience sprang the idea of using TGA as the basis for my next book. The protagonist’s TGA closely resembles my own, but Maddie discovers or thinks she discovers bones related to an old crime.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There were many challenges as the fictional story developed. I had used a real life Minnesota case as the centerpiece which had proven far more complicated than I realized. My publisher, Chris Olsen, founder of Publish Her Press wanted to be certain all of the legal details were accurate. There were several drafts because of the complex story line. Chris and I didn’t always agree, but there was a lot of compromise. In the end, Missing Pieces is dedicated to that hotel night manager and the law enforcement officers who worked so diligently to find me.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I have always loved to write. Part of my career involved working in communications for both corporate and non-profits. It wasn’t until I wrote my masters thesis on the image of Catholic women in Hollywood films that I realized how much I missed writing. I self-published my thesis as a college textbook and a 2nd expanded edition in 2012.
After my divorce in 2011, I began writing short stories. Two of them: Grand Slam chronicling the end of my marriage and Reckless Acts were published and my courage increased. My first crime novel, Salvation Station, developed from a screenplay I had written years before. My second book, Darkness and Grace, is a domestic thriller based on true life events that occurred within my family in the 1990s. And Missing Pieces sheds light on a serious ailment that although short-term (12-24 hours) affects many people under great stress.
My specialization is crime novels with strong, fearless females in positions to make a difference. All of my works spring from seeds planted by real events. I am most proud that women are central to all of my narratives. With Missing Pieces I’m especially proud to portray enduring friendships among a diverse group of women who respect and love one another. I think that element sets me apart from others in the crime genre.
Any big plans?
Depending on how Missing Pieces is received, my next book may very well be a follow-up with the same characters. I participated in two fundraising auctions in which the winning bidders will have characters in my next book named after them. I was surprised and humbled at how excited people were to bid on these packages, and have two thrilled winners. I hope the characters I create will do them proud.
I also have written a fourth crime novel, Cheshire Grin, that I set aside, but falls under an upcoming project. This story is set in a Midwestern college town, modeled on a community where my former husband and I lived. As with all my other books, I set them in the Midwest/Northland as I’m a Midwestern girl who discovered Minnesota and fell in love. My adopted home, winters and all!
Pricing:
- Soft covers for all books $18.99
- Hard covers limited availability $25.99
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kathrynschleich.com
- Instagram: @authorkathrynschleich
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorkathrynschleich/
