This post was originally published at Novelicious.com and is now at WritingTipsOasis.com. WritingTipsOasis.com acquired Novelicious.com in June 2022.
1. Can you tell us a little bit about your average writing day?
I like to start the day early – earlier in summer – and get a good chunk of writing done before the phone or doorbell rings. I usually stop at midday though. I need to time to think up what I’m going to write the next day.
2. When you are writing, do you use any celebrities or people you know as inspiration?
I never have used anyone really famous as inspiration but I might borrow part of a hero’s look if I need to.
3. What is your favourite Women’s Fiction book of all time and why?
This is such a hard question! I think it has to be Friday’s Child by Georgette Heyer because it was the first one I read and started a life-long passion. If I could write like her I’d be a happy woman!
4. What is your writing process? Do you plan first of dive in? How many drafts do you do?
I like to have some sort of idea and always try to write a plan but often I just dive then and then plan when I come to a halt. Plans are useful but they change all the time. It’s hard to say how many drafts when you edit and change all the time but at least three by the time I’ve done a couple and then my publishers have had their say. It’s probably about five really.
5. What was journey to being a published author?
The journey was long and in the wrong direction but I learnt so much on that journey I don’t regret it. It took me eight years to accept I couldn’t write Mills and Boon novels. They are terribly hard to write but they do teach you to keep the pages turning and not have too much in that’s ‘just for fun.’ Everything needs to further the plot.
6. What do you think is the biggest myth about being a novelist?
I think the biggest myth is that you ever feel you can really do it. We’re all racked with doubts about our abilities to do it again and yet lots of people think we just sit down and write, full of confidence.
7. What advice can you give to our readers who want to write a novel of their own?
Reading a lot is a very good start. Then you need to write and keep writing. If you’re really determined you’ll get there. Accept criticism with care – it may be wrong – but make absolutely sure it is wrong before you reject it.
8. What are you working on at the moment?
I’m working on my 19th novel. It has an antiques background and I’m having fun. I didn’t realise how little I knew about antiques though!
Good Luck with the new book, Katie. Thanks for visiting Novelicious!
Katie's latest book RECIPE FOR LOVE has just been released. Katie's first digital short, THE UNDERCOVER COOK is also out now for only 84p!