Category Archives: Kate’s Writing Corner

Tricksters: Chaos, Cleverness, and Change in Myth and Modern Story

What do rabbits, spiders, and fairies have in common? If you answered that they’re all associated with the trickster archetype in literature and folklore, then hypothetical cookies for you (or some other imaginary treat of your choice)!

Some Thoughts on Querying

I thought I’d check in with you all, as I’ve been “in the query trenches,” as I’ve seen some writers put it, for almost six months now. But before I dive into my experience, I want to talk a little bit about what agents do, why I’m pursuing this route, and what the process entails.

6 Tropes I Hate

Last month, I wrote about my favorite literary tropes, and I wanted to follow it up with a look at a few tropes that I’m less fond of. My intention isn’t to complain or cast judgment (for the most part), but to explore what it is about each trope that I dislike. Several of theContinue reading “6 Tropes I Hate”

9 Tropes I Love

Readers and writers alike love to throw around the word “trope.” Some people say it with derision, but are tropes always bad? What does trope even mean? Being someone who lives and breathes books, I thought I’d put together a list of my favorite tropes (and next month, my most hated tropes). These are inContinue reading “9 Tropes I Love”

The Lost Art of Storytelling

I love books. What a shocker, right? But it’s true, if a little simplified. There’s nothing I love more than losing myself in a story, getting pulled into an imaginary world, and being immersed in a character’s journey. Books are obviously a big part of that, but I also love other mediums: film, TV, comics,Continue reading “The Lost Art of Storytelling”

Making Magic (Systems)

Spell and curses, potions and enchantments. I just love magic, don’t you? It makes the worlds and stories in the books we read just come alive. But creating that magic takes a little more effort than waving a wand and saying “Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo.” Not everyone makes their magic systems the same way, but IContinue reading “Making Magic (Systems)”

What’s the Deal With Beta Readers?

As I get closer to finishing this draft of my novel (draft #5, for those keeping count), my focus has shifted toward beta readers. I’ve mentioned them a few times and lots of people I’ve talked to aren’t sure what they are or what they do. So I’m going to answer some of the commonContinue reading “What’s the Deal With Beta Readers?”

Kate’s Writing Corner: Writing Habits

I’m creating a new section of videos that I’m calling “Kate’s Writing Corner”. It’s a place for me to answer (or try to, anyway) questions about writing! So if you have any questions you want me to answer, leave them in the comments below. Until next time, word nerds!