Kathleen M. Rodgers
author of The Flying Cutterbucks
Kathleen M. Rodgers is a novelist whose work has appeared in Family Circle Magazine, Military Times, and in several anthologies. A professional writer for more than forty-five years, her novels have garnered many awards and favorable reviews from readers. She’s been featured in USA Today, The Associated Press, and Military Times. The Flying Cutterbucks is her fourth novel and is the April 2021 Book of the Month for The International Pulpwood Queens and Timber Guys Reading Nation. It released June 2020 from Wyatt-MacKenzie and is represented by Diane Nine, President of Nine Speakers, Inc. Rodgers is working on her fifth novel and is a grandma to grandsons Reader (8) and Colton (2). Her two big rescue dogs, Denton and Jav, offer emotional support along with her husband, Tom, a retired pilot and her biggest champion.
Me: Tell us about The Flying Cutterbucks.
Kathleen: The deal announcement in PublishersMarketplace called it “A serving of Fried Green Tomatoes set against the backdrop of presidential elections.” Friend and colleague Johnnie Bernhard summed it up best: “When national politics triggers a buried family secret, the Cutterbuck women do what they do best, persevere.” Willa-award-winning author Ann Weisgarber says, “With sensitivity and an insider’s awareness, Rodgers honors the resiliency of military wives and children.” NYT’s bestselling author Kathleen Kent says, “The Flying Cutterbucks is a rousing, timely novel of hope and solidarity among women in a family wounded by the tragedy of war and the trauma of sexual assault. Their resilience gives testament to the power of forgiveness, and the heroism among sisters.”
Me: What inspired you to write it?
Kathleen: To empower other women. To speak out against male predators at the highest levels of our government. To give voice to military families whose loved ones are still missing in action overseas. To tell the stories of women who will never see fifty again.
Me: Which part of your book was most challenging to write about?
Kathleen: Honestly, creating a romantic element into my narrative. Protagonist Trudy Cutterbuck, a retired flight attendant, returns home and reconnects with Clay Cordova, her high school boyfriend. They haven’t seen each other for forty years. It was scary but fun to explore their relationship and to entertain my readers. ☺
Me: When did you know you wanted to become an author?
Kathleen: I declared myself a writer when I was fifteen and received on-the-job training as a student writer on my high school newspaper. I’ve been building my writing portfolio for decades. In my work as a novelist, I am always the daughter trying to write my way home.
Me: What message do you hope readers will take from reading your book?
Kathleen: To find HOPE despite loss and COURAGE in the face of adversity. Oh, and sometimes furry family members keep the best secrets.
