Ask the Author: Kathryn Long
Answered Questions (7)
Kathryn Long
Continuing to read the Eva Gates Lighthouse library mysteries...on #6. Also, looking forward to finishing up Rachel Caine's Stillhouse series...on #4.
Kathryn Long
Getting to commit crimes without the consequences! Seriously though, when you have a vivid imagination such as mine, writing is the perfect outlet. It's cathartic as well. I've often found myself in front of the keyboard diving into my imaginary world to escape my real life problems ... at least for a short while until I can cope again. Writing is done mostly on my time, under my rules, where ever I choose, and the freedom of that is refreshing.
Kathryn Long
GRAVE MAKER BLUES takes place in northwestern PA, near the Kinzua Reservoir and Damn. My family has a cabin on Roper Hollow Road, just past Scandia, PA, a tiny burg that's no more than a dot on the map, if that. I've been going there since I was a baby and have lots of fond memories. It seemed fitting to use that as a setting. Also, I have a great fascination of Native American history and folklore. Anyone who knows the Kinzua area probably knows the history. Seneca Nation vs. U.S. government. I won't go into the details, but let's just say there is a certain amount of Indian culture in my book.
Kathryn Long
I have a vivid imagination. Sometimes I don't need very much outside stimulation to get ideas. I do enjoy watching many police/detective tv shows. Castle, NCIS, Bones, and so on. I actually do get many ideas from those, which in turn sends me back in front of the keyboard ready to go! Also, when I'm reading, I will say, "I can do better than that!" And then I have to prove myself :-) Of course, the angst of that is I don't finish too many books on my reading list!
Kathryn Long
A new mystery series. I just finished the rough draft of GRAVE MAKER BLUES. While I'm letting that one rest a bit, I've started an outline for #2: SAD NOTE BLUES. I'm excited because I think these are worthy of bigger and better things than what I've done so far. I'm going to attempt using #1 to attract an agent. I so want to get contracted with a major publisher, or at least get through the doors of one that only allows submissions from agents. We'll see. In the meantime, I'm enjoying myself and that's what counts.
Kathryn Long
This will probably sound trite and overused, but the first and foremost thing is not to give up. No matter how many stories you don't finish, finish at least one of them! And then do your homework. Study what publishers want your genre. If you decide to be independent, start with indie pubs who may not insist you be represented by an agent. Query them. MANY of them. If you want an agent, check out www.agentquery.com to find the perfect fit and query them. MANY of them. And keep it moving. Never quit!!! Read books on writing. Polish your skills. Edit, edit, and edit some more! Writing is work. You sweat, you feel pain, but there's joy in that sense of accomplishment. Just don't give up. Please :-)
Kathryn Long
I do other mindless tasks and let my imagination conjure up ideas. Anyone who peeked into my kitchen would probably hear me babbling and mumbling while doing the dishes! Hey, don't judge. It works!
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