Interview: KatieSpektor
Author of "Seize the Day"
What can we call you (name)?
Katie or Kate. Whichever you prefer.
Where are you from?
I'd like to keep the specifics out, but I will tell you I'm from the northern United States. :) I'm originally from the South, but I do not have a Southern accent. My mother does, however!
What is your favorite hobby?
Reading! And maybe drawing. Though my art is comparable to a deformed pickle, I still enjoy it.
Coffee or tea?
They are both tasteless to me unless I add a heaping amount of processed sugar and milk. It depends on when I really need caffeine. But tea with honey is delicious sometimes…
Interesting Fact?
I'd say I wrote two novels, but that isn't really interesting here on Wattpad. Um, I can make a high-pitched whistle noise in between my two front teeth that sounds like a bat call. I also like Nutella. A lot.
What book(s) are you reading now?
Half Bad by Sally Green, Princess Academy by Shannon Hale, and The Tyrant's Daughter by J.C. Carleson.
Who are your favorite Wattpad authors?
February Grace @FebruaryGrace) and Julia @ceilingflower), who are both talented writers and have written my favorite books on here (one of which was taken down recently).
When and why did you start writing?
I've been writing stories ever since I was inspired by my adopted sister. When she first came to our home, I discovered she was a writer. She told inspiring stories full of adventure and excitement that made me want to be like her. I wanted to inspire people as she inspired me.
Is there a specific genre that you like to read/write?
Specifically fantasy, but I also love reading/writing adventure. It gets my blood pumping!
What or who inspires you in your work?
My family has always given me inspiration, but I get inspiration from everywhere. The way people talk, the way they look. The sounds of a highway, the sounds of a forest. Anything and everything is an inspiration to me. Especially people. I'm a character oriented writer.
Can you tell us a bit about your current story and why people would want to read it?
My current story, Seize the Day, is a fantasy/adventure novel about a seventeen-year-old introvert named Lannie who is forced to tutor at a castle. She discovers things about herself and her late mother that she never knew before. Along the way, Lannie meets an annoying and charming prince, a fiery duchess' daughter, and several magical creatures who would much rather see her dead than alive. To top it all off, there are villainous beings plotting to kill the Royal family. In order to keep the Royals of her kingdom safe, Lannie must uncover the truth of those who wish to harm them before it's too late.
Why read it, you ask? I think the draw in it is my main character's personality. Lannie is a snark, critical, and sarcastic girl who could care less about the humans or creatures around her. Some people say “rough around the edges,” but she's more like “prickly, thorny, and sharp as nails around the edges.” Seeing her character grow into something not so prickly is what I find particularly exciting about Seize the Day.
Oh, and there are pretty awesome/evil creatures in it. And a cute prince. :)
Is there a message for your readers in your work?
Yes, there is! That would be: Even the unlikeliest of people can do amazing things.
Do you have any advice for other writers?
Keep writing, never give up, and always share your work with others. Even when you think it's terrible, feedback is important. Learn to discern between good feedback and bad feedback. Learn to listen to those who have good advice. You'll become a better writer by doing so.
What was your least favorite book of all time?
Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi. Don't even speak to me about that book. I might just shatter something.
What genre do you hate?
Horror. Stephen King is not my friend.
Is there a story that you'd love to read, but hasn't been written (or you haven't found yet)?
I actually don't have a direct answer to this. I would love to see cliché creatures, like dragons, unicorns, and fairies, be twisted into something incredible that makes a unique story.
If any character could come to life, which one would you pick?
Thomas from 'The Maze Runner'. He is the most intriguing and three-dimensional character I have ever seen. It would be amazing to talk with him.
Do you have a favorite quote from a book (or movie)?
“Smart people learn from their mistakes. But the real sharp ones learn from the mistakes of others.” - Brandon Mull, Fablehaven
What is your favorite type of character (physical and personality traits)?
I like the bold and brash characters – and the ones who are humble enough to admit their faults. Also, I prefer characters who are not overtly beautiful. Or the ones who are and have a darn good and interesting reason for it.
Is there anything else you would like add?
Thank you, Viv, for interviewing me! It means a lot to me that you are doing this.
