Coffee Talks

With Kat

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Our new author of the month is Kat, who is also known as PaceYurself on Wattpad.

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Hello! Thank you for taking the time to get involved with Coffee Community. It's great to hear from authors like yourself and get to know a little bit about what motivates you to write longer works of fiction.

So, to begin, tell us a little bit about yourself as an author on Wattpad. For anyone who hasn't met you before, how would you describe yourself and your fiction?

I joined Wattpad as an avid reader and aspiring author in 2018, but I didn't start writing on Wattpad until 2019. My Wattpad works can best be described as a charcuterie board of fiction. On the board, we have some playful, PG young adult fiction, a healthy dose of R-rated Chick Lit (One More Time), and some YA fantasy. And what would it be without some vampires? Toss in some holiday themed romance as well.

When did you start writing and what does writing mean to you?

I started writing as soon as I could read! By 14, I must have started (and abandoned) at least 10 different drafts of all kinds of stories. To me, writing is an outlet for my creativity. It means being able to escape into a world that exists entirely in my mind. When people read my stories, they escape there too! I want to inspire other people to write and share their backgrounds and experiences through story.

Out of all the stories that you've written so far, which one is your favourite and why?

What a hard question! No one is supposed to have a favorite child *sweats profusely* - I absolutely adore Darling, a dark and twisty sequel to Peter Pan. But I would have to say One More Time is my favorite gem. It's so raw and millennial and relatable on many layers. Heavy on the drama and steam, One More Time is the perfect slice-of-life read.

What is your writing process like? Are you more of a plotter or a pantser?

I eat, sleep, and write plot lines for breakfast. I need to plot until every last chapter is complete! Occasionally, I will think up an idea as I'm writing, but 9/10 times my final destination is already planned out. It helps keep me structured while writing and helps to have an attainable ending. This way, I can step back from writing and ask if my chapters are all leading my story (and the beloved characters) in the direction I want.

Writing for sustained periods is a hurdle that every writer, beginner or experienced, faces from time to time. What powers you through those longer bursts of creativity and keeps you focused?

The end. Endings keep me powered, energized, and incentivized. I love the sense of satisfaction when it's done, and people are able to enjoy reading it! I'm also fueled by gallons of coffee and listening to music.

What top tips would you advise for getting a story, a novella or a longer piece of fiction off the starting line? What kind of story developments motivate you to see it through to the end?

Plan! Promote! Slowly cripple while trying. Crafting multi-dimensional characters that resonate is very important. You don't just want people invested in your story, but in the people too.

Do NOT stress over the amount of reads or votes. This is a very Wattpad specific advice. I suggest asking for beta readers, announcing new story updates, and promoting your story on social media. Plant the seed, nourish it with tons of love, and watch it grow in reads!!

Lastly, what was your first ever experience with the power of the written language?

When I was in second grade, my teacher gave me the first book to a fantasy series. In it, I delved into new worlds, became a heroine, and embarked on magical adventures in a place called Droon. It's when I discovered that imagination is best nurtured by reading, and that reading can open your eyes (and hearts) to all walks of life!

Thank you once again for this coffee chat, Kat! All the best for your future writing projects. ☕