Author Interview: Sharon E. Cathcart

Sharon is the author of You Had to Be There

BB: Tell us what made you decide to write this particular story.

SC: I was reminiscing about the good ol'/bad ol' days with a group of friends on Facebook. A Portland nightclub where we all spent time, Satyricon, was about to be torn down to make room for condos and we were sharing stories. It occurred to me that I actually could write a book about it. So I did.

BB: Was it difficult to write, or did it all come to you at once?

SC: Some parts of it were really hard to talk about, such as domestic violence, youth homelessness and the like. It took me about six months, all told, to write the book.

BB: How did you come up with your character names?

SC: I changed some names to protect the not-at-all-innocent (or people with whom I was no longer in contact). Otherwise, I used first names for the most part.

BB: Do you prefer to write one genre or do you like to bounce around genres?

SC: I'm primarily an essayist, although I have done some fiction. This is the first real memoir I've done, although some of my essays have autobiographical content.

BB: Do you write the same genre that you prefer to read? If not, why?

SC: I'm incredibly eclectic in my reading habits, so I would be hard pressed to figure out an accurate answer. I love to read police procedurals, although I've never written one.

BB: How does your family feel about your writing? Friends?

SC: Everyone seems to be okay with it. So far.

BB: What is the craziest thing you've done to promote your book? Did it work?

SC: I had a release party for my historical fiction book in an absinthe bar. Several people said they'd be there; one friend actually showed.

BB: Have you been compared to any other authors? Do you agree with the comparison?

SC: If someone has compared me to another author, I'm blissfully unaware of it.

BB: Do you enjoy fanmail? If so, where do you prefer to get your fanmail?

SC: I get some very nice notes on my Facebook fan page from time to time. That would be the best place to send it. (fans can talk to Sharon on her facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sharon-E-Cathcart/89114451914)

BB: Why should we read your book?

SC: If you want to know what it was like to be part of Portland's burgeoning music scene in the early 1980s, or if you were actually there and want to reminisce for yourself, this is the book for you.

BB: Thanks for sharing with us Sharon.