About Kat Satava:
I am an indie author of epic fantasy and supernatural fiction. I love exploring the human connection through fiction. I live in the fiery hot state of Arizona with my family of three sons. I am also a grandmother. In addition to writing, I have worked in the mental health field for a decade. It has led me to a passion for inclusion, cultural diversity, and self-awareness. I am an avid supporter of the LGBTQ+ community. I love to read and binge-watch true crime documentaries, comedies, and fantasy dramas. I lettered in show choir in high school. I did renaissance re-enactment and played Dungeons & Dragons. I still love board games. I have been creating stories since I was little and realized that they have power!
What inspires you to write?
I was and still am an avid reader. I have been inspired by many authors. I have always been a story teller and enjoyed the freedom of letting characters in my head live out the things I couldn't do. It was a way to see my life in different ways. I could write a different ending to an argument or feel powerful defeating a monster or better yet, understanding what the monster needed to not be a monster.
What authors do you read when you aren’t writing?
Stephen King, Libba Bray, Mary E. Pearson, Kim Harrison, Thomas Harris, Cassandra Clare, Keirsten White, Susan Carroll, Kendare Blake, Neil Gaiman, Sarah J. Maas. There are so many!
Tell us about your writing process.
I am a road mapper. It is a bit between outliner and pantzer. A technique I learned from Elizabeth Sim's book You Got a Book in You. Similar to souvenir Route 66 Maps used in restaurants across the iconic route as placemats, you start with a basic beginning, an ending, and then the major scenes you want to see along the route. I have a general idea of where I am going in the story, but still have opportunities to explore the things in the middle, like any good road trip. I come up with characters as I am introduced to them as I draft, like meeting new people as you do in real life. I write in Scrivener and edit using Prowriting Aid, before sending segments to my beta readers for developmental editing. Then I rewrite and rewrite until I think it is the best it can be before sending it off to my editor. Then rewrites and proofing. I use Pinterest boards for inspiration on characters, time periods, settings, and mood throughout the process.
For Fiction Writers: Do you listen (or talk to) to your characters?
I more see my characters like Jane Goodall observed gorillas. I am reporting what they are doing and explaining their roles in their worlds, but I wouldn't say I talk to them. If I am not getting it right the scene will feel wrong or unfinished and I just picture everyone standing around like they are waiting for changes in a script.
What advice would you give other writers?
I have learned to accept that nothing is perfect the first time no matter how badly you want it to be. Just get it out. Then go back and see what you missed or could make clearer. Read it out loud! You will hear where it is not clear, confusing, or repetitive. This forces your brain to slow down and keeps it from filling in the story it knows you are trying to tell.
How did you decide how to publish your books?
I decided to independently publish for several reasons. One, I wanted creative control over my title and cover art. Two, I wanted control of when my work came out not waiting for when the material was trending or the market looked good for the stories I wanted to share. Three, I wanted to decide what I could share of my own work when I wanted to without having to ask permission. That being said, I work hard to make sure that my work is able to stand side by side with traditionally published work and hold its own.
What do you think about the future of book publishing?
I think it will continue to reach a balance between traditional publishing and independent publishing. People still like going into book stores and discovering new stuff and finding their favorites. Although self-publishing still has a bit of a stigma, I have seen awesome quality work and storytelling from many independent authors and as their audiences discover and keep coming back for more and more of their work, the less quality work tends to sell less and less. I think the two camps will reach a happy medium of co-existence.
What genres do you write?: Fantasy, NA/YA Fantasy, Supernatural Fiction including horror/thrillers
What formats are your books in?: Both eBook and Print
Website(s)
Kat Satava Home Page Link
Link To Kat Satava Page On Amazon
Your Social Media Links
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All information in this post is presented “as is” supplied by the author. We don’t edit to allow you the reader to hear the author in their own voice.
