Author Bio:
Katherine Vick was born in the middle bit of England longer ago than she’d care to admit (1979, if you must know. Aren’t you nosy?). She studied Geography at University of Wales, Aberystwyth, writing her dissertation on the Role of Landscape and Culture in Fantasy Novels. She then moved onto a Master’s degree in Literary Studies and Creative Writing at University of Central England, where she wrote the dissertation that inspired the creation of Fodder, so she hopes you’ll feel she put her education to good use. She flirted briefly with fast food and retail work before settling down as a college administrator. She spends occasional weekends on historic battlefields in her capacity as a rather clumsy late medieval re-enactor. She (mis)spent a part of her youth writing stories based around other people’s literary and media creations. She likes to read and watch fantasy, history and science fiction – frankly anything that gets her away from the real world, which is far too much trouble. Occasionally she even gets around to writing stuff.
What inspires you to write?
A good idea is the best inspiration. I need to find something that is mine in my writing and own it. It needs to be an idea that I can play with and work with. If it doesn’t inspire my imagination, if writing it becomes a drudge rather than fun, then why write it?
Tell us about your writing process.
I start with a typed-up plan of plot points annotated with notes, thoughts and ideas. I then copy that plan underneath my text and as the story and the characters evolve in the writing as they inevitably do, I amend the plan as I roll along and delete the parts I’ve done. I always make a point of making sure not to be bound by my original plan if things change and it no longer fits the plot or the characters. I find my writing works best if I can follow a structure but improvise around it as better ideas rear their heads.
For Fiction Writers: Do you listen (or talk to) to your characters?
My characters are in charge. If they decide something I had planned out doesn’t suit them, I’d be an idiot not to listen as my characters know themselves. I feel strongly that characters are and should be the boss because if the characters in a story don’t work and aren’t believable, how can the story work too? Characters more than plot are what brings a story alive. They are the reader’s guides.
Who are your favorite authors?
I’m a huge fan of the late, great Sir Terry Pratchett – the man was a master storyteller and a brilliant, clever satirist with a huge talent for addressing real life issues in a fantasy setting. I’m also an admirer of Neil Gaiman and his ability to put a new and different twist on things. In terms of the more serious fantasy genre, I’m extremely fond of the works of Terry Brooks, David Eddings and the father of fantasy himself, JRR Tolkien. And of course, I love the Harry Potter novels of JK Rowling.
How did you decide how to publish your books?
I can’t recall ever not intending to. I’ve wanted to be an author from the moment I knew that was a job that people were allowed to do. It was just a matter of finding a publisher that was willing to let me play.
What do you think about the future of book publishing?
I think it would be a good idea! The world needs books, however they come to us. Whether they come from publishers or self-publishing, on paper or on screen, as long as there are books, all will be well. I prefer the tactile, paper variety myself but that’s just me.
What genres do you write?
Fantasy Adventure Satire
What formats are your books in?
eBook, Print
Website(s)
Katherine Vick Home Page Link
Follow Katherine Vick On Amazon
Author’s Social Media Links
Goodreads
Facebook
All information is provided by the author and is presented as it was submitted so you the reader get to hear the author’s own “voice” in their interview.
