Ask Kate White! discussion

Welcome to the group! Kate White will be answering questions throughout the day on Monday, July 21st in this thread only. In the meantime if you have a question for her, or just want to introduce yourself, feel free to do so in this thread.

How did you get to be so awesome, Kate White? You took Cosmo into the stratosphere. You write great books-fiction as well as non-fiction. You really seem to have your crap together. Were you born that way or did you have to learn it?

So happy to see another book from you! I was thrilled to discover your Bailey Wiggins series -- is there another Bailey novel in the future?

I'd love to know more about your writing process - do you write at home? At a coffeeshop? In the mornings?

Karin wrote: "How did you get to be so awesome, Kate White? You took Cosmo into the stratosphere. You write great books-fiction as well as non-fiction. You really seem to have your crap together. Were you bo..."

I am so flattered to get this question from the awesome Karin Slaughter, who is one of my favorite authors in the world (her new stand alone Cop Town is brilliant). I'm not super talented but I'm methodical and I think a lot of accomplishment in life comes down to putting one foot ahead of the other and just doing it. Simply talking about it isn't going to get you anywhere. At Thrillerfest last weekend, one of the authors said a one of the secrets of creativity is just showing up and I think that's true. Of course, if you can mix amazing talent WITH industriousness the way Karin does, you hit the jackpot. That's why she's sold tens of millions of books.

Julienne wrote: "So happy to see another book from you! I was thrilled to discover your Bailey Wiggins series -- is there another Bailey novel in the future?"

Thanks, Julienne. I'm actually working on a Bailey short story now just to get back into the game with her ! I miss that chick. Weirdly, I think of her as someone I know and have in my life!

Katie wrote: "I'd love to know more about your writing process - do you write at home? At a coffeeshop? In the mornings?"

I write every morning in a small home office. I get up pretty early and write on both Saturdays and Sundays and every day of vacation. It keeps me in the groove. I actually found that my writing took off once I experimented and found the right time, right setting, right music etc. I advise anyone who wants to write to experiment and see what works best for them. If you aren't producing, it may be because you haven't set yourself up for success

Hi Kate! I'd love to know where your inspiration comes from - do your stories just come to you as you write? do you constantly gather ideas from every day life? Also, do you ever get scared writing all these freaky thrillers?

Hi Kate, big fan here.
I was wondering if you have ever worked with someone similar to Vicky? You did such a good job making her the bad guy, it seems like you might be a little familiar with that character.

Robin wrote: "Hi Kate! I'd love to know where your inspiration comes from - do your stories just come to you as you write? do you constantly gather ideas from every day life? Also, do you ever get scared writing..."
Robin, you made me laugh. Yes, I do get scared sometimes, especially if I've stupidly decided to work when no one is home and there's a thunder storm on the way. I generally get my ideas from little items in the news or things people say. I keep a folder of them. Then I let me mind run with it, asking "What if...?" This sounds corny but it can help to put the idea out to the universe? Something as simple as: What would happen to this woman who has gotten off at the wrong subway stop?"

Jodi wrote: "Hi Kate, big fan here.
I was wondering if you have ever worked with someone similar to Vicky? You did such a good job making her the bad guy, it seems like you might be a little familiar with that..."

Not anyone exactly like Vicky but some sharks and barracudas and a couple of crazy people who probably were psychopaths. With people who poach ideas or undermine you, you need to call them on it. But with psychopaths, the smartest strategy is to keep your distance!

Do you have any advice for getting out of a writing "rut"?

Kate! Do you have any recommendations for books to help start writing a book? Also what's your favorite book that you've wrote?

Carly wrote: "Do you have any advice for getting out of a writing "rut"?"

Ask yourself if you are really passionate about the subject Could it be that the topic just isn't lighting your fire and you should find a new one? If you think the topic is right but you're just burnt out, give yourself a week off and read up on the topic, fill your brain. You may just be running on empty. Or come at it totally different way. Write funny instead of serious, for example, and see what happens.

Courtney wrote: "Kate! Do you have any recommendations for books to help start writing a book? Also what's your favorite book that you've wrote?"

I think the best thing is to read a ton of great books in the genre and study what they do well in terms of plot, characters, tone and pacing. And the advice I always offer is to start small, writing only a little bit a day so you don't feel overwhelmed.

Courtney, PLEASE don't make me pick a favorite. They're all my children.

Hi Kate! I first learned about you through Levo League and have been a fan ever since then. I am extremely interested in a managerial position at a top well known company and requires at 10+ years of experience. However, my previous work experience does not completely match the requirements for the job. What advice would you give to help increase the chances of standing out from the competition and potentially getting an interview?

Jennifer wrote: "Hi Kate! I first learned about you through Levo League and have been a fan ever since then. I am extremely interested in a managerial position at a top well known company and requires at 10+ years ..."

Jennifer, can you send me this question at Kate@katewhite.com because they is platform is for discussing my books. thanks!

Hi Kate! Huge fan right here. I met you at The Corner Bookstore in UES, you were awesome and agreed to take a photo with me. What advice do you have for someone undergoing a move AND a career change? I love how you went from being the editor in chief at Cosmo to a successful author and engaging public speaker. Also, just want to say that your motto "Go big or go home" is so true!

Francesca wrote: "Hi Kate! Huge fan right here. I met you at The Corner Bookstore in UES, you were awesome and agreed to take a photo with me. What advice do you have for someone undergoing a move AND a career chang..."

Thanks for your support, Francesca! In situations like those I keep a really strong to-do list and go through it each morning and night. And the more in-advance planning you can do, the better. I did that with
my move to a more freelance life.

Hi, Kate! I briefly chatted with you today on FB. I truly enjoy your books. What inspired you to write suspense novels? I've read that you loved Nancy Drew books as a girl. I think of your books as adult Nancy Drew books. Also, who are a few of your favorite authors? Thanks! P.S. - Reading The Sixes while in bed at 3 a.m. is quite spooky - esp. when I hear noises in my house!! So far, no rats to be found!

Seashelli wrote: "Hi, Kate! I briefly chatted with you today on FB. I truly enjoy your books. What inspired you to write suspense novels? I've read that you loved Nancy Drew books as a girl. I think of your books..."
You made me laugh about the rats!!! Yes, it was Nancy Drew that inspired me to write suspense novels. Those books just captivated me completely. I love the puzzle, the mystery, the suspense. At first I actually thought I wanted to be a DETECTIVE but then figured out it was writing I wanted to do. I love Ruth Rendell's Inspector Wexford mysteries, anything by Elizabeth George, Harlan Coben, Sue Miller, and so many more.