How I Write: Kathy Parks (The Lifeboat Clique)

Please give a warm welcome to Kathy Parks! She’s here today for a How I Write feature as part of her blog tour for THE LIFEBOAT CLIQUE. Check out my Q & A with William below, and be sure to enter the giveaway!

About Kathy Parks

Are you a planner (outline, etc.) or do you “pants” it?

I’m a planner. I really believe in outlines, even though they are not fun, the same way I believe in accountants – because my accountants save me from myself. I believe in doing an outline as fast as possible, and revising later, because the act of writing an outline can drag out indefinitely if you let it. The amazing thing about an outline is that it forms a kind of web-like structure in the brain. Upon this structure, ideas, thoughts, scenes and characters can begin to grow. Otherwise, there’s a void, and that’s harder to sustain the new life of a book.

What time of day do you find you write best? Or you enjoy more?

Definitely of the morning persuasion. I’ve don’t often have a ton of luck trying to write at night. 

What kind of mood are you typically in when you write (happy, sad, etc.)?

If I’m not making very good progress, I can feel frustrated.   Making great progress, on the other hand, often releases a surge of dopamine. Always, though, I feel like having a cupcake would make everything better. 

Where is your favorite place to write?

In a room with no music and few distractions. I tend to write in our weight room, which sadly has also become the litterbox room.

How do you overcome writer’s block?

I never use the term because as I writer I have to be careful what the brain overhears. That term is a metaphor, and metaphors can either help or hinder you. A “block” is a solid and impenetrable thing – when your brain hears you have that, it assumes defeat. That is why instead of using that term, you might try “writer’s jello” or “writer’s cloud” – something easier to break through.

What resources do you recommend for new writers?

Great habits make great stories (I may have stolen that) There are some great books out there about habit, like for example: The Power of Habit.

What are your thoughts on traditional publishing vs. self-publishing?

I think they are both hard and very competitive. I think if you are going to go the traditional route, find out what agents and editors are buying, because they are the gatekeepers. Not to say something that springs unbidden to your consciousness won’t sell, but dedicate part of your brain to the business side of things. Remember that you will sell your novel when it enters that intersection between what you want to write and what these gatekeepers want to buy.

What types of writing events have you participated in (NaNoWriMo, conferences, workshops, etc.)? Which was your favorite? 

There was a writer’s workshop I attended in Belize many years ago where there was also a bar and a jungle. I think some writing got down too but those are the main things I remember.

What aspect of writing is most challenging for you? Easiest?

Most challenging: Description of the way people look.

Easiest: First person dialogue, maybe.

Thank you for visiting, Kathy! Readers, follow the tour for more chances to win, and be sure to enter the giveaway! You can find more How I Write features by clicking the image at the bottom of this post.

Tour Schedule

Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

More “How I Write” Q&As!