AUTHOR KAT T. MASEN

BOOKS BY THE BRIDGE

AUTHOR KAT T. MASEN

Founder, Books by the Bridge

Interview by Jasmina Siderovski

Author Kat T. Masen

Can you please tell our readers about your background and life growing up?

I was born in Sydney, Australia, to a German father and Filipino mother. Growing up in the 80s’ is something I remember fondly. I was that little girl who looked Asian but kind of didn’t at the same time, dressed head-toe-in stonewash denim and crimped hair styled in a side ponytail. At the time, I wanted to be Kylie Minogue because she was my idol. Yet that changed as I became a teenager and fell in love with American movies and sitcoms.

Like many others, even when I was young and playing with my Peaches ‘n Cream Barbie, I had this wild imagination. Of course, I had no idea what to do with it, so I followed what others around me did. I got a job in retail, then an office role, got married at nineteen to my then high school boyfriend to divorce two years later.

Not long after that, I met my now-husband. We have been married for sixteen years and have the pleasure of raising four boys. I use the word ‘pleasure’ loosely depending on what mood or tantrum we are dealing with on the day.

As I navigated through adult life and being a mother, I lost my identity like many women. It was all about soccer games, naptimes, school life. As the kids got older, I focused on my career and enjoyed the challenge of being a HR Manager. That was until I stumbled on a certain Vampire who was the latest trend. I’d never been into paranormal books nor movies but wanted to know what the hype was all about. I fell in love, and binge read everything I could then met some friends online who were just as obsessed. We were all reading fanfiction at the time, which then led to a friend asking, “Why don’t you write a book, Kat? I bet it would be so good.”

Then I did. Several, in fact. It’s 2021 and I am officially on book number sixteen.

I left my corporate job in 2018 and have never looked back. I’m now a full-time romance author, founder of Books by the Bridge Author Events and Books Ever After Book Boxes.

Is there any particular moment or memory that stands out for you?

I’ve lived an interesting life. So many great memories, so many not-so-great memories. What stands out? All my children’s births, of course. But coming a close second is my first book signing in New York City back in 2015. I got the invitation while I was at work and couldn’t believe it. I called my husband and said, “Wow, imagine if I could go?”

His response was, “Why wouldn’t you go?”.

Leaving my kids for seven days to travel to a foreign country by myself was daunting. Yet the moment I stepped into Times Square; I truly felt the whole ‘Concrete jungle where dreams are made of.’ This was a dream come true. I’m signing my books at Times Square. My life changed forever after that moment. I knew I found my passion, and there was no way I would ever give up now that I got a taste of what it’s like to follow your dreams.

You are a successful and renowned author, how many books have you published to date?

Published sixteen books in total, been part of several anthologies, and currently writing book number seventeen.

What are the most valuable lessons you have learned as an author?

It’s not enough to write a book; you need to master marketing. In the digital era we find ourselves in, learning about online advertising, targeting audiences, algorithms of major players like Amazon or Facebook—is crucial to your brand’s success.

Then there’s the balancing act of writing what you want versus market trends and reader’s expectations. I’ve done both separately and can tell you it was a very steep learning curve.

And quite possibly, the biggest lesson I have learned is to stay humble no matter how successful you become. I’ve witnessed too many authors in the industry forget their roots and who helped them along the way. If you’re fortunate to be in a position to help others, why not do it? In the current state our world is in, we need to support our peers more than ever.

Is there any useful advice you would like to offer anyone else who may be interested in pursuing the same path?

I could host a whole workshop on this very question. The weekend before Australia went into lockdown in March 2020, I hosted a day workshop in the Yarra Valley because it was a question I’d been asked often. With the help of some very talented peers of mine, it was quite a success.

But what advice would I give? Think long and hard about why you’d like to publish a book. Is it just a hobby? Are you looking to make money? These are two very different paths to take. Often, people think authors write a book and make a few bucks on the side. Let me tell you this—it can generate you an income if you treat being an author as you would of launching any business. Did I know or even want that back in 2014? Not really. I wanted to write books, sign them, and meet readers. I never envisioned it being a business, let alone make enough money for me to quit my job.

What are three aspects that you learned about yourself along the way?

I work best under pressure. I’m deadline driven. During the pandemic, with events being cancelled and supply for merchandise low, I was forced to focus only on writing. The other two parts of my business were paused indefinitely. I love writing, so I spent the time re-branding plus also added more books to my catalogue. But writing non-stop can lead to burn-out. I’m a multitasker, and juggling multiple businesses brings out the creative side of me. I love book signings and packing book boxes. They all fulfill me for different reasons and challenge me to grow my business to something even more significant. No one can stop you from dreaming big, and boy do I have some plans.

You are the Founder of the icon brand Books by the Bridge, could you guide us through your journey How did the name originate?

Multi-author book signing events were more common in the United States than they were here in Australia many years ago. I tried my best to get an invite to a local signing but was a very small fish in a big sea of authors. So I decided to host my own event and give other small fish an opportunity. How hard could it be, right? I’m from a big extended family and planned many events. Not only that, I was still in HR at the time. Part of my role was being the social butterfly and uniting employees through BBQ’s, Christmas parties, and other celebrations.

I knew I needed a stand-out venue. Luna Park Crystal Palace was perfect and just beside the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge. With the help of a friend throwing a casual “How about Books by the Bridge?” that’s how the name and business were born.

Books by the Bridge will be hosting in many exciting cities, can you tell us where and when?

We’ve previously hosted in New York City, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Barossa Valley, Sea world Resort in Gold Coast, and Yarra Valley.

Our Barossa Valley signing is 15th May 2021. The next signing after that is Sea World Resort on 21st August 2021. The big Sydney signing, which was postponed due to lockdown, will be held in January 2022.

How many authors will be attending BBTB Barossa Valley?

We have 21 authors signing and a special appearance by photographer Michelle Lancaster including Lochie Carey— a well-known book cover model.

Unfortunately, the world has changed drastically overnight due to the global pandemic COVID-19 and has played havoc in the world economy and mental health. What’s a goal you have for yourself that you want to accomplish in the next year or two?

Writing books will always be on my goal list. It’s a part of who I am. I can’t envision myself without a story to tell. However, I would like to host more author workshops—a combination of inperson and digital. I’ve learned a lot over the years and believe my knowledge—combined with that of my fellow successful peers—would be of value to many authors trying to grow their business.

As a professional in media, I am more and more aware that this is the time for growth and change in the way we as individuals/organisations think, operate and face challenges in a changing era. Up-skilling is vital for survival – what are some other ways we can grow and learn to overthrow stagnation?

I think it is essential to watch and listen. As an example, during the pandemic, many readers were voicing their mental health concerns. They could not unwind and read a book like usual or gravitated towards light-hearted reads to immerse themselves in humour. That didn’t bode too well for my darker books.

BOOKS BY THE BRIDGE

Sydney, Australia

How we, as authors, would market our brand—played a crucial role in many of our readers’ lives. I’m not just selling you a book. I’m that author who shares funny memes or opens discussions on ‘adult’ topics in my readers’ groups. As the group is all ladies (over 2000 members), it is a safe place to be online and air our grievances about the husband who leaves the toilet seat up, or perhaps the one who snores like a freight train. More than ever, we needed to connect in whatever way we could just to stay sane.

If you observe, your audience or consumers are telling you something. And more than ever, compassion can mean the world to someone who is fighting a battle quietly. Human connection is being tested, so we need to get creative on how we can continue, given the state of the world during the pandemic.

Who is someone you admire, and why?

I’m always nervous when asked this question because there are so many and for very different reasons! If we are talking business and authoring, I will have to say Alessandra Torre. While I haven’t met her in person, she has gone above and beyond to help me. Not only is she a well-known author and founder of Inkers Con, but she also genuinely helps authors grow their business and provides many free (and paid) tools to do so.

She is very much about giving back to our book community.

What do you consider to be some of your greatest achievements?

My children. Each one of my books. Hosting events that allow authors and readers to connect, making lifetime memories. Overcoming trauma and being able to share these experiences to help others.

Tell me three pet peeves.

The person who goes online and says they are going to quit but never quits. Only to say it again next week, and then so on. People who constantly put themselves down. Women who think they are just a wife or mother. They can’t possibly be allowed to dream. Hello! What year are we in?

Do you have any other skills or talents that most people don’t know about?

I’d love to say that I can sing, dance plus play the piano. Oh, that’s right…I’m not Taylor Swift! Sadly, no. Unless you count my potato salad which apparently—is delicious.

What are some of the things on your bucket list?

My bucket list has tripled in size since the pandemic. Visit the Norwegian Hot Springs, and have a jolly good swim, float— or whatever you’re supposed to do. New Years’ Eve in Times Square. Drive through the French countryside and visit chateaus I can’t afford but still write on my list of goals because a girl can dream, right?

What are some causes you care about, support or play a role?

I’ve always been an advocate for empowering women and promote that through my own social media platforms, raising awareness in our community of gender inequality. As someone who has been subjected to this, I feel strongly about changing the world we live in to create equal opportunities.

At our previous Books by the Bridge Sydney events, we would support the Women’s Community Shelter by raising money through raffles and donating supplies needed. The event would work closely with the shelters team to ensure we could help with donating the items needed to help women and children staying at the shelters.

Website: www.kattmasen.com www.bbtbauthorevents.com www.bookseverafterbookbox.com

21 | eYs Magazine, Autumn 2021