Author Interview with Katherine Bogle

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I’ve met some truly wonderful authors recently, and I’m delighted to be interviewing author Katherine Bogle today!

katherine-bogle_headshotHi Katherine! Please introduce yourself! Tell us a little about you and your books. What do you write?

I’m a maritimer (by birth), indie author (by trade) and lover of Netflix (who isn’t?!). I love creating my own worlds, whether they be in the future, a realm of fantasy and magic, or an industrial Empire. Speculative fiction is the umbrella all of my books fit under, whether it be fantasy, sci-fi or steampunk!

What is it that draws you to the fantasy genre? Has it always been this way?

Since I was a little girl reading Narnia alone in her room, I’ve adored fantasy! I’ve always been one of the creative types, and fantasy is a huge outlet for me. Creating my own magical systems, kingdoms, creatures, etc, is what I was meant to do. There is no greater freedom than having all the power in your own universe.

51crnchf2bl-_sy346_Your first book, HAVEN, released earlier this year! What’s it about?

HAVEN is about a young princess, turned unexpected Queen, after war claims the lives of her family. She’s left alone to rule a kingdom she never thought she’d have, and defend it against the growing darkness of insane Queen Kadia.

What inspired you to start writing this book?

A dream! I’ve always had what I like to call “epic story dreams” wherein I’m not myself, I’m a character, sometimes watching like a movie camera, other times experiencing from a first person perspective. Parts of HAVEN were one of these dreams.

And I see that SAVAGES, sequel to HAVEN, is scheduled for a Winter/Spring 2017 release. Can you give us any teasers about book two?

Without giving too much away, SAVAGES is about Nina’s mother (Haven character), and the rebellion that takes place in Seaburn more than 10 years before HAVEN actually takes place. There will be some reoccurring characters from HAVEN, and I think SAVAGES will really expand on the HAVEN world.

How do you go about writing a novel? Do you do loads of planning first? Or just dive right in?

SO much planning! I typically have 20 page timelines and dozens of pages full of detail about everything from the characters to the world beneath their feet!

And let’s talk about worldbuilding. Can you share any tips for successfully creating a believable fantasy world?

Don’t worry about “too much detail” when worldbuilding. All of it doesn’t have to go in the book, but plan everything you can think of when constructing your world. From what a typical meal looks like, to the yearly calendar, government system, etc, all of this detail helps make a more complete world, whether you end up using it or not! Also, definitely make a map, whether you’re artistically inclined or not! This will help while writing the book so much more than most people realize.

What’s your favourite part of writing?

Action scenes! I love a good fight scene, and they are my absolutely favourite thing to write.

And the worst?

Descriptions. Don’t get my wrong, I love a great description that’s brief and gives me a great idea of what the world looks like… but writing them on the other hand can be tough. There’s a fine balance between conveying just the right amount of info, and not enough (or too much!) and I don’t enjoy walking that line.

What’s next for you in the writing world?

I have lots on the go! While writing HAVEN’s sequel SAVAGES, I’m also working on the final round of edits for an adult sci-fi, and I’m also writing another book, an adult steampunk. Busy, busy!

If you couldn’t be an author, what would you be?

Either a professional Youtuber or Gamer. While I do Youtube on the side, I would love to dedicate a lot more time to it. Gaming will always be my first love.

What’s your advice for aspiring writers?

Write. Write a lot, write often, and write without restrictions. Edit your work, edit others work, generally work on your editing. Get critique partners and beta readers. They are invaluable. Join the writing community and set up social media (that you will use!) early on. You won’t believe how much that stuff helps down the road.

Website/Blog: http://katherinebogle.com
Haven’s Amazon buy link: https://www.amazon.com/Haven-Chronicles-Warshard-Katherine-Bogle-ebook/dp/B01FIWHY6W/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KattyB3
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKatherineBogle/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyrTZvW6cyLDIf2IUiXvhLA
Booktube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC94JWRGI_cHzIN9IhTOnsMg
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15236391.Katherine_Bogle
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katherinebogle/