Katka by Stephen Meier

About the Author:

Stephen Ross Meier was born in Fort Sill, Oklahoma, the first of many places he would live worldwide. He received his Bachelors in English from Arizona State University. He currently resides in Las Vegas, NevadaInspired by music, films, books, and the world around him, he is currently working on several projects, with his next book, Teaching Pandas to Swim, ready to be released soon. A huge fan of such writers as Charles Bukowski, Milan Kundera, Irving Welsch, Irving Stone, Chuck Palahniuk, and Brett Easton Ellis, Stephen has always been drawn to writing and story telling.Having been diagnosed with Heart Disease on May 10th, 2006, Stephen has been reminded that life void of passion is really not a life at all.

For more information please visit http://www.stephenrossmeier.com

About the Book:

Katka by Stephen Meier is a gritty, edgy novel of greed, love, and swindles gone very wrong. When Gavin and his girlfriend team with her best friend Simona to pull a phony mail order bride scam in the Czech Republic, Gavin gets in way over his head in the high-stakes and dangerous business of selling wives. When Gavin talks Katka, his girlfriend, into becoming part of the merchandise, planning to bait-n-switch the client in the end, things go awry and Katka disappears with the client. Partnering with the jealous and volatile Simona, Gavin begins to lament this risky life he has chosen, but finds the money is something he can’t walk away from. Gavin’s doubts grow; the con begins to consume him, and he finds himself thinking of Katka, the fate he dealt her, and whether he can undo the biggest mistake of his life.

Written with staccato grit and streetwise savvy, Katka reads like a Quentin Tarantino movie. Stephen Meier’s work will leave you begging for more.

I had the pleasure of being able to interview Stephen - here is what he had to say:

Did something specific happen to prompt you to write this book?

Yes. I was living in Prague, Czech Republic and happened to run into a Mail Order Bride Conference by complete coincidence and was completely blown away at what I saw! The girls were absolutely stunning, and it was well organized. Very professional.

Who is your biggest supporter?

My friends. I'm lucky to have some great people in my life who have always encouraged me to write, and who say all the right things at all the right times.

Your biggest critic?

My brother. He's probably the most well read person I know, and the smartest. But he's also very supportive and could have been listed above. But he pushes me to be better. His knowledge on writing, the English language, and storytelling is unbelievable. You will hear from him one day. Scott Meier, book it!

What cause are you most passionate about and why?

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. It's an organization I was a part of about ten years ago, and I love what they do, and the people involved.

Who has influenced you throughout your career as a writer?

Bret Easton Ellis and Quentin Tarantino. I love the way they write dialogue. Their wit and humor is truly amazing.

What is the most important thing in your life right now?

Wow, tough question. But I would say to live each day to the fullest. Three years ago today, and exactly today, I was diagnosed with Heart Disease and had to undergo a procedure that completely changed my view on life. You always hear people say this, but many don't practice it.

What are you currently working on?

Two other stories, Suicide Blonde and Four Days in November, as well as the screenplay for KATKA as a movie. It's coming soon!!!

What do you feel has been your greatest achievement as an author?

You know, I like this question, and the first thing I think of is how I saw a girl on Facebook list KATKA as her favorite book! I was awe struck. I have no idea who this girl was, but the fact that she had that listed was such a huge achievement to me. I mean, I looked at the other books she had put down, and to have my book as her favorite was mind blowing. Thank you for that.

What do you feel is your biggest strength?

Writing dialogue. I write what people actually say...and sometimes it's not always nice.

Biggest weakness?

Grammar!!! Haha. There is probably grammar mistakes now!

What do you feel sets this book apart from others in the same genre?

It's style! It's a dialogue driven book, that is a very quick, raw, edgy read. Most people can finish it in one sitting. Plus...i let the reader be a big part of the story...

Are you a different person now than you were 5 years ago? In what way/s?

Yes, very. Five years ago, I was obsessed with a career that I never truly had any passion for! Now my entire life is about passion. And as far as i'm concerned i'm going to make it happen!!!

What is the most important lesson you have learned from life so far?

Tomorrow is promised for no one.