Photo: The Brilliant Storyteller Kate Damon: Mastermind Behind Memorable Historical Romances And Intriguing Mysteries
Faith And Redemption Through Fiction
Kate Damon shares her creative process, research inspirations, and genre evolution while discussing humour, spiritual depth, and the compelling characters in her bestselling historical romances and cozy mysteries.
Kate Damon, writing as Margaret Brownley, exemplifies creativity, resilience, and an unparalleled talent for captivating her readers. Her extraordinary journey as a New York Times bestselling author—replete with more than forty-six novels and numerous accolades, including being a two-time finalist for the coveted Romance Writers of America Rita Award—highlights her enduring impact on literature.
From the rich laughter woven into her Western historical romances, like Calico Spy and Cowboy Charm School, to the faith-infused tales of redemption in her Rocky Creek Romance series, Margaret’s characters and narratives resonate deeply with readers worldwide. Her remarkable ability to seamlessly blend history, humour, and authenticity creates unforgettable stories that both entertain and enlighten.
Now, as Kate Damon, she’s ventured into contemporary cozy mysteries with Jury Duty is Murder, demonstrating yet again her uncanny knack for crafting compelling tales and memorable protagonists. Her pioneering spirit, seen in the creation of versatile heroines inspired by history’s boundary-defying figures, such as Pinkerton detective Kate Warne, continues to inspire readers and aspiring authors alike.
Through her versatility as a storyteller, whether penning tales of love and intrigue or mysteries laced with wit, Kate Damon invites readers into unique worlds that challenge societal norms, celebrate resilience, and embrace both faith and the simple joys of life. In this exclusive interview, you’ll gain insight into the creative brilliance behind her works, her fascinating research methods, and the themes that shape her beloved series. This is a conversation you won’t want to miss.
Kate Damon is a literary treasure, masterfully blending history, humour, and heart to create unforgettable characters and award-winning narratives.
In “Calico Spy,” you explore a Pinkerton operative’s undercover journey—what drew you to blend historical mystery with humor in this final installment of Undercover Ladies?
The humor in the writing was not planned but emerged from the characters, particularly Katie. The primary source of humor is the contrast between her skills as a Pinkerton operative and her difficulties with the duties of a Harvey Girl. She is a skilled Pinkerton operative but has trouble memorizing orders and understanding the Harvey cup-handle code.
Your research on Kate Warne inspired the series—how did uncovering her real‑life Pinkerton role shape Jennifer Layne’s character arc in Petticoat Detective?
Women were not allowed to join the police department until 1890. But it was only 1856, when Kate Warne approached Allan Pinkerton for a job. Originally, he thought she was applying for a secretary job, but somehow she convinced him to hire her as a detective. I wanted to create a character similar to Kate Warne—a woman who defied societal norms and wanted to do what no other woman had done.
The iconic shoe‑fight scene in your latest novel echoes real childhood antics—how do you balance authenticity and comedy in your Western romances?
The first step is to establish a solid foundation of historical accuracy. This involves thorough research into the time period, including the language, customs, and social norms. It’s important to let the humor rise organically from the characters and situations and use it to enhance the story rather than detract from it.
Cowboy Charm School introduces a Texas Ranger with romance—how did you develop Brett Tucker’s dynamic relationship with his unconventional heroine?
The initial dynamic between Brett and Kate is shaped by their differing personalities and professional demands. Brett’s occupation necessitates a more serious and focused demeanor, while Kate embodies a more carefree and spontaneous approach to life. As Brett and Kate spend more time together and share experiences, their bond deepens, and trust begins to form. They begin to understand and appreciate each other’s perspectives, even when they don’t agree. Eventually, of course, they fall in love.
Having written more than 46 books, what inspired you most when transitioning from Western historical romance to the contemporary cozy mystery penned under Kate Damon?
I initially intended to write a courtroom romance about a sequestered jury set in the 1800s. I wanted to delve into how being away from family, friends and work for weeks and even months affected juror members. However, after conducting research, I discovered that the first sequestered jury did not occur until 1907, which is quite late for stories set in the Old West. This knowledge led me to abandon the idea—or at least attempt to do so, but the characters kept popping up in my thoughts. Finally, I gave in and began writing the story alongside my other projects. Much to my surprise, what started out to be a historical soon turned into a contemporary mystery, which I named.
Your quotes often reflect faith and joy in simple moments—how do spiritual themes influence character development across series like Rocky Creek Romance and Brides of Last Chance Ranch?
Spiritual themes serve to shape character development by providing a moral compass, and offering a source of strength, resilience, and purpose. For example, in Cowboy Charm School, the hero’s sense of guilt is what drives the narrative. Just as important, spiritual themes also help to foster a sense of community.
In The Outlaw’s Daughter, you explore legacy and redemption—what is the most challenging aspect of revisiting the ‘Haywire Brides’ world with that heavier theme
Readers familiar with my books have certain expectations. They expect humor, romance, accurate historical facts and clean entertainment. So whatever I write, I have to be sensitive to what readers know and want from me. So to answer your question, the most significant challenge is to maintain the core appeal of the original series while introducing new elements. This requires careful management of tone, character development, and plot integration. By understanding and respecting these elements, an adaptation can successfully introduce new themes.
What single piece of advice would you offer aspiring authors hoping to craft clean, humorous historical romance or cozy mysteries in today’s market?
Don’t try chasing the market because it’s always changing. However, the thing that never changes is the appeal of well-written stories. So familiarize yourself with what readers want in your chosen genre and give it to them.
