Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kacy Ritter. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Kacy, so glad you were able to set aside some time for us today. We’ve always admired not just your journey and success, but also the seemingly high levels of self-discipline that you seem to have mastered and so maybe we can start by chatting about how you developed it or where it comes from?
My self-discipline generally comes from a deep desire to create. I have a very full life, including a two-year-old daughter who has a LOT of energy. To have “writing time,” I’ve had to be really intentional and stick to a defined schedule, which I am usually happy to do because I often feel like I can’t get the words out of my head and onto paper fast enough.
But while I’m always thrilled when I don’t have to “convince myself” to write, the reality is the fire to create is not always there. I think every creative knows what it’s like to have a slump or feel a block. Sometimes you have to make creativity happen. For me, that means keeping my eye on the ball and soldiering on even when the words don’t flow.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Here’s my bio to give you an idea of me!
I am a fantasy geek and author of the children’s book, The Great Texas Dragon Race (Clarion/HarperCollins). I’ve lived all across the Lone Star State and hold degrees from the University of Texas at Austin and the University of North Texas. My upcoming release, Elvira Vance and the Marfa Monster Mystery, promises another tall Texas tale for middle grade readers and is forthcoming from HarperCollins Children’s in 2025. My debut earned a starred Publishers Weekly review (yeehaw!), was recently featured on the Today Show, and was selected for the 2024 Spirit of Texas Reading Program by the Texas Library Association. I daylight as a marketing professional and love writing at the intersection of fantasy and Texas Americana.
I love it when young readers ask questions such as “Why did you write a book about dragon racing in Texas?” The answer feels so natural to me. People often say, “write what you know,” and as a fantasy geek who LOVES anything with a dragon in it, writing about dragons feels like second nature. As someone who has spent most of their life living around the state of Texas, I have a deep (though sometimes conflicted) love for the state.
Also, I am the girl who wants to spend all of her time talking about mythical creatures, fantasy worlds, vampires, fae, and anything magical. Send me to all of the comic-cons!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I am very self-disciplined when it comes to creation. At the end of the day, you just have to make intentional time and get things done. If you are a writer staring at a blank page, just know that the worst thing you can do is leave it blank. Write something–anything. No one is watching. There are no editors, publishers, agents, or critique partners looking over your shoulder. Swallow the fear and just go for it and amazing things will happen!
I am OBSESSIVE about fantasy and fandom. You have to love what you pour your energy into. And if I get to pour my energy into stories about dragons, monsters, and witches… I am ecstatic! Find what you love, and the words will come.
Another quality that I think is indispensable to all writers is a love of reading. I love to read and get soooo excited when I get my hands on a new book or series that I can’t wait to devour. If you want to be a writer, read often. Read widely. And most if all, have fun doing it!
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
Even though Stephen King isn’t necessarily my author of choice–given that there’s not a ton of dragons in his work Stephen King’s book, “On Writing,” truly changed my life. His musings about pushing past rejection, delving into craft, and his all-important note that “If you don’t have time to read, you don’t have the time or the tools to write,” really resonated with me. Even today, I still pick up the book when I need a pick-me-up to get me excited about writing.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kcritter.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kc_ritter/
Image Credits
Primary image: Tasha Gorel
