Interview With Author Kathryn Brown
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi there! My name is Kathryn Brown. I live in the pacific northwest, and the scenery here definitely had an influence on the settings in my first series. I’ve written three books so far.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is actually still unnamed, as I’ve just started it pretty recently. It is inspired by a number of things, including my interest in other cultures and areas. Part of it has been drawn from an idea I’ve wanted to write about ever since I was a little girl, and it’s pretty exciting to be fleshing out the details of it as an adult!
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
It probably isn’t unheard of, but I absolutely must write my first drafts with paper and pen. I’ve tried many other ways, and nothing comes close for me. Aside from that, my favorite way of beating writer’s block is to simply jump ahead in the story and deal with the hole left behind later.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Richard Adam’s Watership Down is arguably what started my descent into writing, especially into writing novels that center on non-human protagonists and characters. I’ve also realIy enjoyed Brandon Sanderson’s work, and I enjoy how “typical” the story of his rise to prominence is.
What are you working on now?
I have plenty of projects going on, not limited to writing my new book, continuing to learn car maintenance, working in my garden, learning more about horse care, reading, caring for my pets, and hunting for mushrooms whenever I find time to go hiking!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still learning in this regard, but so far my newsletter has helped me a lot with promoting my books.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
To take the feedback of others seriously, and to try not to view critiques from others as a personal assault. We are all deeply bonded to our texts, but publishing means you’re sharing your story with others; it’s okay to let them help streamline that process if they are giving meaningful input!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I’ve ever heard is that you only fail when you stop trying. So much in life requires fine-tuning whatever you were doing before, and then venturing out with the data you’ve learned. It’s important to know when to quit, but I believe that becoming discouraged too early can end a lot of great opportunities.
What are you reading now?
Oof, you got me. I haven’t started a new book as of now!
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m hoping to continue writing quality works, and would like to try entering a few contests eventually!
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Well, I feel like Watership Down immediately falls onto that list, followed by SAS Survival Handbook, and lastly, The Good Earth. I pick the latter just because I want to read it again sometime, and I wouldn’t be able to use not having enough time as an excuse if I were stranded! I was going to make a joke about bringing the thickest book to ever be printed with me so that I could have plenty of paper with which to start my fires, but I digress!
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