Blogcritics The critical lens on today's culture & entertainment
Please welcome Kat Flannery, author of the historical western paranormal romance Lakota Honor. Kat has been pretty busy promoting the release of her book on the blogosphere, and she was generous enough to give us this interview. To find out more about Kat and Lakota Honor, visit her website.
Q: Congratulations on the release of your latest book, Lakota Honor. When did you start writing and what got you into historical paranormal western?
A: Thank you! I actually only saw myself as a historical western romance writer until I started this book. My publisher suggested I try paranormal. At first I was a little skeptic having never written the genre before, but only reading it. But once I figured out the plot, and the characters the story flowed.
Q: Did you have a mentor who encouraged you?
A: Yes, Roberta Laurie. Throughout my writing career she has always been positive and encouraging.
Q: Did you have any struggles or difficulties when you started writing?
A: Of course. If it’s not difficult then you’re doing something wrong.
Q: What was your inspiration for Lakota Honor?
A: My brother. Ten years ago he suffered a massive stroke and his whole life changed. I’d sit and watch as people pointed and stared at him because he walked different and couldn’t talk. People judge, I do it too. I wanted to write a story set within a simpler time, and see that people haven’t really changed at all.
Q: Do you have any plotting secrets? Do you use index cards or special software?
A: I wish. It would make it a lot easier. I generally plot out my book and do a point system; writing down parts of the book that is important. I write to each of these points. Things change along the way; they always do that’s what happens when your book evolves. I use a lot of paper.
Q: What do you tell your muse when she refuses to collaborate?
A: Oh that is so frustrating. I try to soothe her, and comfort her with music, candles and relaxation.
Q: Many writers experience a vague anxiety before they sit down to right. Can you relate to this?
A: Yes! There is a certain amount of pressure to be better than the last book. I’ve always got anxiety when starting a book, and until I can come up with a great plot and sub plots.
Q: Do you have a writing schedule? Do you set yourself weekly goals for your writing?
A: I do. I write every day. When I’m in the middle of a book I have to set goals otherwise I won’t get it done.
Q: How do you celebrate the completion of a novel?
A: A glass of whiskey! I’m kidding. I usually go and get a massage. After sitting for hours over months I’m pretty sore.
Q: What do you love most about the writer’s life?
A: Being able to express myself within my characters, so that my readers can relate. I love that I can tell a story and bring my readers to experience the emotions of the characters.
Q: Anything else you’d like to tell my readers?
A: I love to hear from readers, and I answer back.
