About Kathy Miner:
I’ve called myself a writer since I was 8 years old, when I won a prize for the only good poem I ever wrote. In the nearly 40 years since then, I’ve worn a lot of hats – Mom and high school English teacher, to name the two most important – but never once stopped thinking of myself as a writer. I live in beautiful Colorado with my children and my Rob, as well as my insanely fluffy dog Luna and my imperial cat, Katniss. When I’m not playing with my imaginary friends, I love to read, hike and hand-craft.
What inspires you to write?
Writing is, to me, like an extension of the people-watching I love so much, even though those people exist only in my mind. I’m fascinated by sociology, relationships, the faults that make us human, and the strengths that help us survive adversity – I can’t imagine ever exhausting the stories that can rise out of these themes.
Tell us about your writing process.
I always have an idea of where I’m going, and general events that will occur along the way, but I’m surprised almost daily by the development of something I didn’t see coming – a character shows up, or something comes together that I didn’t even realize I was weaving. I create preliminary character sketches, but very quickly, my characters begin to act and think in ways that I didn’t expect. I LOVE that element of surprise – it tells me a story and the people that inhabit it are really working
For Fiction Writers: Do you listen (or talk to) to your characters?
When I drop down into the story, I see it as a movie in my mind – I see and hear my characters, and just record that information. Sometimes I feel a little like a fraud, calling myself a “writer” – I’m more like an observer, eavesdropping and spying on these people and writing down everything I observe.
What advice would you give other writers?
READ. And WRITE. Writing isn’t about inspiration – it’s about applying your behind to the writing chair. Also, work constantly to perfect your craft. Seek out readers who are willing to offer you constructive criticism, then LISTEN to what they have to say. This can be so difficult to do, but in my experience, it is the difference between amateurs and pros. Amateurs want to justify or explain when someone criticizes their work. Pros listen, nod, and thank the the criticizer for their advice, whether they end up taking it or not. Put another way, your job as a writer is to convey information via the written word. If your reader is confused until you offer a verbal explanation, you haven’t done your job.
How did you decide how to publish your books?
I’ve been watching the development of indie publishing with great interest and excitement. Twenty years ago, when I began to familiarize myself with the publishing world, out-of-the-box and innovative writers were often shut down by the all-mighty “what sells?” publishing industry. If you were fortunate enough to fit in the box and make a sale, authors often lost most creative control of the project – covers and titles were decided for you, and rights were limited. Today, an author can choose to be completely independent or can seek the support and control of a publishing house – I love that both options exist. I chose to self-publish, and I haven’t regretted it for a moment. I loved creating my covers and choosing my titles, and I love having complete creative control.
What do you think about the future of book publishing?
I think we must find a way to reintroduce some quality control. The same freedom that allows anyone to publish a book allows for a whole lot of really terrible writing to make it into the marketplace. I do believe that indie publishing is here to stay – it’s part of the same movement that has helped youtube musicians like Pentatonix and Lindsey Stirling rise to superstar status, and it’s a thrill to be part of it!
What do you use?: Beta Readers
What genres do you write?: Post-apocalyptic, Sci-Fi, Metaphysical, Adventure
What formats are your books in?: eBook, Print
Website(s)
Kathy Miner Home Page Link
Link To Kathy Miner Page On Amazon
Your Social Media Links
Goodreads
Facebook
Pinterest
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.
