So today, we're having a bit of a Q&A sesh with Cat, and since this month is NaNoWriMo (and since yours truly is crazy enough to try to take part, even in the middle of a huge move), I thought we'd focus on some writing & process bits!
So if, like me, you always find other people's "process" fascinating, or you're in the middle of the NaNo doldrums and need a kick in the pants, then please to enjoy: this. =D
-Advice for aspiring authors
From one of my six-year-old daughters: “Think of something that happened to you. Touch and tell across pages. Write a quick sketch so you don’t forget. Then write the words.”
I’m not kidding. She just said that.
For me, I think the most important thing is to just do it. I hear from people all the time: “I want to publish a book.” And they haven’t written the book yet. Also, unlike my kiddo, I purposely don’t write down book ideas—or sketch them. If I forget them before it’s time to write then you’ll forget them before it’s time to read.
-Do you have a special time to write? How is your day structured writing-wise?
As a mom, I have to be really flexible. Ideally, though, I write first thing in the morning before anyone else is awake, in my jammies. I’m definitely most productive in the morning.
-When you start a book, do you already have the whole story in your head or is it built progressively?
Most times, it’s built progressively. I outlined Revived, and it was the most difficult book I’ve written.
-Writing mentors?
I find inspiration from every good book I read. I’d recently finished Justin Cronin’s The Passage as I was getting going on Court, and it inspired me to be more thoughtful about description of landscapes, for example.
-Does music play any type of role in your writing?
I find inspiration from alternative bands like The National, Arcade Fire and Band of Horses, but I can’t write with music or noise of any kind. My daughter wants to tell you that she is inspired by, “we will we will rock you.”
-What’s your favorite snack when you’re working on a deadline?
Something crunchy, like gluten free pretzels or popcorn, and something warm, like green tea or coffee.
From one of my six-year-old daughters: “Think of something that happened to you. Touch and tell across pages. Write a quick sketch so you don’t forget. Then write the words.”
I’m not kidding. She just said that.
For me, I think the most important thing is to just do it. I hear from people all the time: “I want to publish a book.” And they haven’t written the book yet. Also, unlike my kiddo, I purposely don’t write down book ideas—or sketch them. If I forget them before it’s time to write then you’ll forget them before it’s time to read.
-Do you have a special time to write? How is your day structured writing-wise?
As a mom, I have to be really flexible. Ideally, though, I write first thing in the morning before anyone else is awake, in my jammies. I’m definitely most productive in the morning.
-When you start a book, do you already have the whole story in your head or is it built progressively?
Most times, it’s built progressively. I outlined Revived, and it was the most difficult book I’ve written.
-Writing mentors?
I find inspiration from every good book I read. I’d recently finished Justin Cronin’s The Passage as I was getting going on Court, and it inspired me to be more thoughtful about description of landscapes, for example.
-Does music play any type of role in your writing?
I find inspiration from alternative bands like The National, Arcade Fire and Band of Horses, but I can’t write with music or noise of any kind. My daughter wants to tell you that she is inspired by, “we will we will rock you.”
-What’s your favorite snack when you’re working on a deadline?
Something crunchy, like gluten free pretzels or popcorn, and something warm, like green tea or coffee.
So, any fellow WriMos out there who want to weigh in? I'm a bit process-obsessed at the moment, so I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
And of course, don't forget to go enter to win in the big ole' Cat Patrick giveaway!
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Court by Cat Patrick
Get It | Add It
277 pages
Published October 23rd 2014
For more than 300 years, a secret monarchy has survived and thrived within the borders of the US, hiding in plain sight as the state known as Wyoming. But when the king is shot and his seventeen-year-old son, Haakon McHale, is told he will take the throne, becoming the eleventh ruler of the Kingdom of Eurus, the community that's survived for centuries is pushed to the limit. Told through four perspectives, Court transplants us to a world that looks like ours, but isn't. Gwendolyn Rose, daughter of the Duke of Coal, is grudgingly betrothed to Haakon -- and just wants a way out. Alexander Oxendine, son of the Duke of Wind and Haakon's lifelong best friend, already grapples with internal struggles when he's assigned to guard Haakon after the king dies. And commoner Mary Doyle finds whispers in the woods that may solve -- or destroy -- everything, depending on your bloodline.
Money. Love. Power. Community. What's your motivation?
Money. Love. Power. Community. What's your motivation?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Raised in a house that was struck by lightning–twice–Cat Patrick is the author of young adult books Forgotten, Revived, and The Originals, and the co-author of Just Like Fate.
As a child, Cat could be found making up stories like her first book, Dolly the Purple Spotted Dolphin; growing corn in the backyard; or performing with a traveling sign-language troupe. She earned a journalism degree from the University of Wyoming and a master’s degree from Boston University, and worked in public relations for fifteen years. She lives outside of Seattle with her husband and twin daughters, and is on Twitter @seecatwrite, or Facebook at authorcatpatrick.
As a child, Cat could be found making up stories like her first book, Dolly the Purple Spotted Dolphin; growing corn in the backyard; or performing with a traveling sign-language troupe. She earned a journalism degree from the University of Wyoming and a master’s degree from Boston University, and worked in public relations for fifteen years. She lives outside of Seattle with her husband and twin daughters, and is on Twitter @seecatwrite, or Facebook at authorcatpatrick.
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