Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Katrina Jack. I’ve always loved reading, but never thought of becoming a writer, until someone gave me an old diary when I was fourteen. It was out of date, but had large blank pages, which I began to fill with short stories and drawings. I kept this up for a few years, until my father discovered a local writers group, called Rose Lane Writers. I joined and received invaluable advice and feedback, so much so, I expanded into writing novels. A few more years down the line, I came into a windfall, part of which I invested in taking a writing course at Liverpool John Moores University, and obtained a Masters in creative writing. Like most authors, I submitted my work time and again, with no success, until I sent my work to a new and upcoming publisher called Ecanus Publishing. They published my first book, Land of Midnight Days, on Amazon, in August 2012, and my second book, Through the Gloaming, in November 2013, also on Amazon. These books are part of The Silver Flute Trilogy and the genre is Young Adult Urban fantasy. The third book, Dawn Horizon, is a work in progress, and will be completed soon.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is Through the Gloaming, the second in The Silver Flute Trilogy. The original inspiration for the books came from looking out of the window at work, at the Littlewoods Building on Edge Lane in Liverpool, and the 70’s rock band, Jethro Tull.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I tend to be a bit erratic, switching from one routine to another. For instance, I used to type straight onto the computer, without plotting properly, or even making notes. I soon discovered I’m not one of those writers who can produce brilliant prose first time. I then found it was best if I plotted the story from start to finish, then write out the chapters by hand, before committing it to my laptop. Initially, I would get a handful of chapters down, then go over them again and again, thus holding myself up from finishing whatever I was working on. Nowadays I still plot from start to finish, but instead of trying to edit as I go along, I get the whole book on the computer, and only when it’s finished do I go through it and edit.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
These authors: Robin Hobb, David Gemmell, Jack Vance, Jim Butcher, and Terry Pratchett, are my main influences. They all write speculative fiction, but have very different styles. It’s the uniqueness of their writing that catches my fancy, and encouraged me to write The Silver Flute Trilogy. Jim Butcher, in particular, really influenced me to try writing urban fantasy. His Harry Dresden series is an eclectic mix of faerie, fantasy, and realism.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on the third book in The Silver Flute Trilogy, Dawn Horizon.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Well this site, for a start, plus my own website at: http://katrinajack.weebly.com/ and my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/KatrinaAnneJack
Do you have any advice for new authors?
It can be very hard to get published, but never, ever give up. Writing is my passion, but over the years there were times when I wanted to pack it in. However, I kept trying, and whilst I’m not on the bestseller list yet, I achieved my dream of becoming a published writer. So keep your dreams alive, and go for it.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Do the very best you can, and never shortchange your readers.
What are you reading now?
Firelord’s Crown, by Dee Harrison. Dee is a new author, and writes high fantasy. Her work is rich in characterisation, narrative and dialogue – a must for all fantasy fans.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Once I’ve completed my current work, I’m going back to an early work of mine, called Horizon. I was looking at it the other day, and winced when I saw how overwritten and adverb swamped it was. That said, the story is sound, and the characters great, so I think it’s worthwhile applying what I’ve learned since I first wrote it, to an extensive rewrite.
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?
It’d have to be Terry Pratchett, since he always makes me laugh. My favorites would be: Snuff, Thud, Guards, Guards, and The Light Fantastic.
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