We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kirsten S. Blacketer a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Kirsten S., so happy to have you with us today. You are such a creative person, but have you ever had any sort of creativity block along the way? If so, can you talk to us about how you overcame or beat it?
As a published author for over twelve years, I have had my share of writer’s block. There have been points where it was debilitating and it only fueled my imposter syndrome. But I learned a few tricks that helped me push past the block and enjoy the process again.
I’ve written over 35 books, both novels and novellas, and there’s always been a common theme in my writing process. I always seem to hit a wall. Most people call it writer’s block, but I like to call it creative constipation.
My solution is fairly simple. If I’m finding it hard to start, then I just use that time to brainstorm on the story and talk to the characters. This gives me a better idea of who they are and what they want. That will typically reveal a larger plot and conflict to build on.
Once I have a solid direction, I like to use timed writing sprints to get some words on the page. My daily goal is about one scene or 2,000 words. I can write around 500 words in 20 minutes. Writing sprints keep me focused and get words down. Sprints are most effective when I have someone writing with me. There are a ton of apps that help mitigate distractions and time your productivity. I also like to track my daily word count in a document or on Story Origins. Gives me a visual depiction of my goal and progress.
When I finish a project, I like to give myself a little break or shift to a different subgenre to keep the writing fresh and my mind engaged. If I just wrote a contemporary piece, then I’ll shift to historical or fantasy. Keeps things flowing.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m a storyteller and a lover of the romance genre. If there’s a love story, I’m invested. But romance is more than just a love story. It’s the relationship journey and the slow unraveling of the conflict that keeps two people from being together. I will adamantly defend my Happily Ever After/Happy For Now.
I refuse to stay in my lane and write one subgenre of romance. It’s not in my nature to be confined to just one. Not when I love reading them all. When the muse calls, I must answer. I write the types of stories I love to read.
Romance is messy and complicated. It’s full of cliches and tropes. It also guarantees that I will leave satisfied with the relationship and the story’s resolution. The real world can be ugly. Romance is an escape–a balm to my weary soul.
A hopeless romantic, I live for sexual tension and slow burn. But when that spice is spicy, it’s utter perfection. My goal is to give readers a chance to bask in the heat without getting burned.
I have an extensive backlist, but I also have plans for more books in both my Huntsmen Series and my Pirates and Persuasion Series. A new series I’ve written will release from Dragonblade next year. There are many more stories to tell.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
As an established author speaking to a new author, these things helped me the most.
1. Set a goal, find someone to hold you to it, and treat it like your job.
2. Research your market, know your readers, and be honest about your product.
3. Know that not everyone will love or read your work, and recognize that it’s okay if they don’t.
4. Constantly improve your craft. Learn and adapt to help hone your voice and grow as an author.
5. Read in the genre you write and know the genre expectations.
6. Remember, this isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon. Keep writing.
7. Network with other authors. They’re not competition, they’re your community.
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
Finding purpose. I’m constantly bombarded with a daily reminder that this is hard work and it takes a toll on my mental and physical health.
I ask myself daily, Why am I writing and publishing? Why am I working so hard for such a tiny reward?
Because writing is the one thing I can’t ignore. It’s part of me. If I don’t write, it’s like a part of my soul is slowly dying from neglect.
I don’t have to publish, but I enjoy the process. It helps me improve my skill sets and I adore my readers. I want more readers. I want to build my community. But there are days I am disheartened and want to give up.
On those days, I remind myself to take it one day at a time and readjust to give myself grace. It’ll happen when it needs to happen. I just need to write, and I’ll be fine.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kirstensblacketer.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kirblackship/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KirstenSBlacketerAuthor
- Twitter: https://x.com/KirBlacketer
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