Around The Globe With Kathleen Collins

 I pick up the first of this week's featured authors. She sets the controls and we're off to Ireland. We end up enjoying tea in front of a crackling fire in a little cottage in...
well, somewhere in the wilds of Eire. I'm not sure where we are, but it's a fascinating place to get away from it all. You can smell the grandeur of the country in the air. Enjoy a scruffy dog dozing by the fire.

And another great interview...

1. Who are you and what makes you the most fascinating person in your city?

Kathleen Collins. And I’m pretty fascinating because I make up whole worlds in my head. I guess that makes me fascinating or mentally unstable. I think I’ll stick with fascinating.

2. Without revealing a deep dark secret (unless you want to), what one thing would people be surprised to learn about you?

I went to four colleges in three different states.

3. What interested you to become a writer rather than something else such as rock star?

I’m kind of a hermit and being a writer lets me indulge those tendencies.

4. Writers are readers. With which author(s) would you enjoy sharing dinner? Why?

Ilona and Gordon Andrews. They are one of my faves and seem like really down to earth people. I think they’d be fun.

5. If I were stranded on a deserted island or suffering from a four hour layover at the airport, why would your book(s) be great company?

The world I created is one that is easy to get sucked into. I love it when I get emails that tell me a reader stayed up all night to finish the book. I can’t think of a better kind of book to read when you’re trying to forget time.

6. Share your process of writing in regards to: plot and character development, story outline, research (do you Google or visit places/people, or make it up on the spot), writing schedule, editing and number of rewrites.

I used to be a total pantser. (for those of you who don’t know, that means I made up everything as I went) I’d have a general idea of where the story was going or know a major scene or two but that was it. The more I’ve written, the more I’ve found that it helps me to have a timeline for the book. I don’t really do outlines, but I’ll sum up a scene or a chapter in one sentence and make a list so I don’t lose my way.

As far as a schedule, I write when I can. Time with my kids comes first, though if I’m under deadline I’ll beg them for forgiveness and squeeze in some extra sessions.

I write my first draft on a computer, I’ll pull out my alphasmart if I’m getting too distracted. Then I print it out and go through it with a pen or a pencil once or twice and make changes. Then it goes to beta readers and my crit partner. When I get their feedback I make more changes then it goes to the editor. Sometimes I’ve I’m crunched for time the editor gets it when my beta readers do. Changes at that point are usually minimal anyway.

7. “I think I have a good idea for a story, but I don't know where or how to begin. Your process may not work for me. Any advice?”

Write. Every word you write is one more than you had before. Finish the book and when you’ve done that, rewrite. Getting the words on paper is the most important part. Unfortunately, it’s also the hardest.

8. I saw an amusing T-shirt the other day which read, “Every great idea I have gets me in trouble.” What is your philosophy of life?

I need that t-shirt. My philosophy would probably be to cherish the little moments. I know it’s cliché, but life can change in an instant. Appreciate the time you have with the ones you love.

9. Please tell me you're not going to stop writing? What's next for you?

The next project for the Realm Walker series is a novella which I’ve already started working on. I’m also working on a contemporary romance which is completely different.

10. Where can people find more information on you and your projects?

I’m on facebook more than anywhere else. You can find me at www.facebook.com/kathleencollinsauthor I also try to keep my website updated at www.kathleencollins.net And occasionally you can even find me on twitter @kathy_collins