A Conversation with Diana Kathryn Penn
Do you have any writing rituals? If so, what are they?
I write best when I have a cup of cocoa nearby and classical, instrumental music in my ears. I also tend to write best at night, although not in the middle of the night anymore, like I did in my thirties.
What are the most important attributes to remaining sane as a writer?
I think it's important to remember that first drafts are supposed to be crap. And, so are many of the drafts that come after it. The goal is to reach for excellence with writing, not perfection. Seeking perfection is a sure way to drive yourself nuts, and never get your book to publication.
Are there any occupational hazards to being a writer?
Time away from friends and family seems to be the biggest hazard to me. Unfortunately, this isn't really a spectator sport, or a family do-along sort of thing. It's really a solitary endeavor, even when you're huddled around a big table with writing friends at a cafe. You're still pretty much doing it all on your own. And if you're doing it right, you usually don't want to stop. Scheduling time for family and friends, I've found, is just as important as scheduling time for writing. In all things, there must be a balance, or sanity will ensue.
Describe your Muse. How does she/he/it influence your writing process?
See that little duck on my shoulder, that's my muse. His name is Drake, and he often quacks little tidbits of creativity into my ear. He's always there, although there are times when he is uncooperative. When he's being difficult it usually means that I'm ignoring some piece of wonderment he's trying to give me, and he won't give me anything else until I pay attention. Although, there was that time last year when he simply would not quack at all. I had to punish him by resorting to hand-editing my manuscript. After a couple of months, he finally came around and now we're friends again. As with any relationship, it takes work to be together; nothing is ever "magical".
How do you begin a new project? Are you a plotter (outliner) or a pantser (free-writer)?
I am definitely a plotter. I start with my beginning, middle and end; then create an outline. I usually develop character maps and a timeline, as well. Once I get those foundational pieces down and secure, I begin writing. I love writing this way because it allows my brain to jump all over the place. I can move from a beginning plot point to an end plot point, and then to a middle plot point without losing my train of thought. The outline is there to help guide me. Now, the other thing that this affords me is the opportunity to be spontaneous and move things around, as the characters and storyline dictate. Drop and drag is a wonderful thing. I feel less scattered working this way, and it gives me the chance to work on five or six projects at the same time, without losing my flow.
Do you write long-hand with pen/pencil and paper or do you write on a computer?
A computer, most definitely. I type 120 words a minute, on a good day, and that pretty much means that whatever is in my head spews out my fingers with very little drag on the way. This is great because I get to capture every little thought I'm thinking. Writing by hand is very frustrating for me because I need to think about the formation of the letters, and then making sure I can read it later. Also, I don't have that drop and drag capability the computer gives me. I hate writing things over just to get them in the correct order. Now, on occasion, as I mentioned, I do some editing long-hand; but only when Drake doesn't help as he should. It sort of whacks him back into the creative pond.
Do you write every day? What is your writing routine? How do you discipline yourself to keep at it?
I really need to write every day; if I don't, I'm not a pleasant person to be around. I plan writing time as I would any other appointment I can't miss. I plot it on my calendar on my phone, attach a really annoying alarm to remind me, and then work very hard to stick to that schedule. I schedule an hour a day to write, and sometimes get in more time, depending on what's going on around me. When I escape to our cabin in the summertime, I usually get in six or eight hours of writing each day - there are no distractions up there!
Have you ever tried writing outside of your “comfort zone”? If so, what were the results?
I wrote a book of poetry several years ago. It didn't go well. I learned that poetry is hard, and not something either me or Drake enjoys.
What are your favorite writing and research tools?
I love my writing software, Power Structure. Also character mapping software called Character Pro. I also have two monitors on my computer, which makes having one window open to work with and the other open for Internet research really helpful. I take my laptop everywhere, just in case an idea comes to me; and I use a grease pencil in the shower to capture those ideas that usually disappear with the steam.
How many drafts does it usually take to bring your manuscript to “The End” and ready to submit to your editor?
I go through several versions of the complete manuscript before I can even think of having an editor look at it; perhaps as many as six or seven, depending on how my characters want me to change things along the way.
Are the names of the characters in your writing important? What about the titles? How do you choose them?
I like to choose characters names that are unusual. Different spellings and using cross gender names keeps the creative juices flowing; and I also think it makes the story more interesting to the reader than to refer to the characters with the same old names. As for titles, I usually start with something bland, and modify it as the writing goes along. The title of a piece usually doesn't become solid until at least my third or fourth draft. I like shorter titles because they're easier for readers to remember and refer. Also, I like to make the title something that eludes to the story but doesn't give it away, and coming up with that combination usually takes a little bit of time.
To what extent is your fiction or poetry autobiographical? Have you ever seen yourself as a character in one of your stories or poems and, has that been a help or a hindrance?
I don't usually put myself, as I am, into my stories. More often, I write about a fictionalized me... some fabrication that at its core could be me, but when you add the details, it's really very far from who I am and what my life is about. I'm just not that interesting to read about, my characters are far more compelling. The only exception to this is my memoir, "Wolfe Cub". That book had me and my son on every page - first person reality is what the situation called for, and so that's how I wrote.
Has a child, the family pet or another animal ever “eaten” your manuscript? If so, please, tell us that story!
Never! I am a firm believer in the redundant backup. Even in the years of my writing before computers, I kept my texts sacred, locked away in safe places where animals, children and the elements could not desecrate them. The only time I was ever foiled was when my basement flooded... several inches of water which destroyed about fifteen of my journals from childhood. Oh, the devastation! And that's when I switched to storing everything in plastic tubs and on the computer. I will not be in that predicament again - it was agony!
Who are your favorite authors? Please list a few and their titles, so we can go look for them at our local library!
I love Robert Heinlein's Stranger in a Strange Land and Glory Road; Roger Zelazny's Nine Princes in Amber series; A. A. Milne's Winnie the Pooh is one of my all-time favorites; and anything by Shakespeare - I love what he did with language!
Which three authors (alive or dead) would you most like invite to a dinner party and what would you like to talk about?
I'd like to meet the authors I've mentioned and discuss what drove them to writing, and their process... I love to hear about different writers and their approach to their craft, it fascinates me!
I’m a school teacher. What can you offer to help me prepare 6th graders to appreciate writing, now and for the rest of their lives?
Introduce them to the Thesaurus. It's one of the best tools for improving writing I've ever had! The larger and more interesting a writer's vocabulary, the more engaging the writing process will be; not to mention the fun you'll have stumping your friends with special words they didn't know existed!!
How do you react to a negative review of one of your manuscripts?
I first try to listen intently to the suggestions being made. I try to look at the critique objectively, staying emotionally detached. And I always remind myself that a rejection isn't necessarily a mean thing... it's just a key that doesn't fit my lock.
Do you ever write naked?
Never! I'm not a fan of being cold. Writing naked would be far too much of a distraction for me to focus on my writing. I mean, goose bumps while you're trying to be creative makes typing difficult!
What was your favorite scene or poem to write, and why was it so enjoyable?
That's a tough one. I'm usually madly in love with whatever I'm currently writing. However, I am quite fond of the opening scene to my current WIP, Tryst of Fate. It catches the reader off guard and drops them right into the action of the story. I also love the tantrum scene in Free Will; just because it seems so very realistic to me, even though the book is a completely speculative narration.
What’s the hardest scene or poem you have ever written and why was it so hard to write?
I find writing uber violent scenes very difficult. The blood and guts part of it doesn't bother me, I'm not squeamish by any stretch. It's the emotionality tied to that violence that makes it a difficult thing for me to write.
Do you ever use your writing as therapy, to either work out an issue, punish a perpetrator from your real life, or fantasize about what you could have done differently? If so, give us one example of how this manifested in your manuscript.
Oh yes! Writing is the best therapy yet. I love punishing as well as rewarding people in my stories; it vents the frustration without actually doing any damage, and it lauds the heroism without creating a moment of unwanted attention. I try to keep these things anonymous, though. I'd hate for someone to actually notice that they are the character being punished. That could come back to bite me later.
Print books versus e-books; do you have a preference, and why?
I like both. Each has their place. There's nothing like curling up with a cozy blanket and a cup of cocoa and dissolving into the pages of a book for nine or twelve hours (which I've been known to do). However, I like my e-reader for the portability of the thing, and the fact that when walking on the treadmill I can read and don't have to worry about turning pages. I've also rediscovered audiobooks recently, which I find to be equally wonderful. It's nice to read a new book while on a long drive; and a great way to soothe yourself to sleep when sleeping along in a hotel room far away from your loved ones.
Name a topic that you refuse to write about, and tell us, why won’t you write about that topic?
Violence against children or animals; I just can't stomach that sort of thing.
What is your best advice for beginning writers?
Understand that it's a process, not magic. Keep studying, and remember to do it for the fun of it. You'll have good days with high creative productivity and other days when you may have forgotten everything you ever learned in high school English class. No matter, the important thing is to do it with passion and commitment. It's not about writing the next best seller; it's about writing something that you are proud of, and something that expresses your passion for life. Even a horror story can evoke passion in the writer, if they truly enjoy the process. So, dig in and enjoy every moment. There will be plenty of critics and plenty of rejections along the way... try not to engage in that thinking on your own... Just Write! One day you will be more fabulous than you ever imagined.
What’s the worst advice you ever received from another writer?
"Just go with the flow, you'll figure it out eventually." That may work for some, but not for me. That kind of chaos makes me crazy!
I write best when I have a cup of cocoa nearby and classical, instrumental music in my ears. I also tend to write best at night, although not in the middle of the night anymore, like I did in my thirties.
What are the most important attributes to remaining sane as a writer?
I think it's important to remember that first drafts are supposed to be crap. And, so are many of the drafts that come after it. The goal is to reach for excellence with writing, not perfection. Seeking perfection is a sure way to drive yourself nuts, and never get your book to publication.
Are there any occupational hazards to being a writer?
Time away from friends and family seems to be the biggest hazard to me. Unfortunately, this isn't really a spectator sport, or a family do-along sort of thing. It's really a solitary endeavor, even when you're huddled around a big table with writing friends at a cafe. You're still pretty much doing it all on your own. And if you're doing it right, you usually don't want to stop. Scheduling time for family and friends, I've found, is just as important as scheduling time for writing. In all things, there must be a balance, or sanity will ensue.
Describe your Muse. How does she/he/it influence your writing process?
See that little duck on my shoulder, that's my muse. His name is Drake, and he often quacks little tidbits of creativity into my ear. He's always there, although there are times when he is uncooperative. When he's being difficult it usually means that I'm ignoring some piece of wonderment he's trying to give me, and he won't give me anything else until I pay attention. Although, there was that time last year when he simply would not quack at all. I had to punish him by resorting to hand-editing my manuscript. After a couple of months, he finally came around and now we're friends again. As with any relationship, it takes work to be together; nothing is ever "magical".
How do you begin a new project? Are you a plotter (outliner) or a pantser (free-writer)?
I am definitely a plotter. I start with my beginning, middle and end; then create an outline. I usually develop character maps and a timeline, as well. Once I get those foundational pieces down and secure, I begin writing. I love writing this way because it allows my brain to jump all over the place. I can move from a beginning plot point to an end plot point, and then to a middle plot point without losing my train of thought. The outline is there to help guide me. Now, the other thing that this affords me is the opportunity to be spontaneous and move things around, as the characters and storyline dictate. Drop and drag is a wonderful thing. I feel less scattered working this way, and it gives me the chance to work on five or six projects at the same time, without losing my flow.
Do you write long-hand with pen/pencil and paper or do you write on a computer?
A computer, most definitely. I type 120 words a minute, on a good day, and that pretty much means that whatever is in my head spews out my fingers with very little drag on the way. This is great because I get to capture every little thought I'm thinking. Writing by hand is very frustrating for me because I need to think about the formation of the letters, and then making sure I can read it later. Also, I don't have that drop and drag capability the computer gives me. I hate writing things over just to get them in the correct order. Now, on occasion, as I mentioned, I do some editing long-hand; but only when Drake doesn't help as he should. It sort of whacks him back into the creative pond.
Do you write every day? What is your writing routine? How do you discipline yourself to keep at it?
I really need to write every day; if I don't, I'm not a pleasant person to be around. I plan writing time as I would any other appointment I can't miss. I plot it on my calendar on my phone, attach a really annoying alarm to remind me, and then work very hard to stick to that schedule. I schedule an hour a day to write, and sometimes get in more time, depending on what's going on around me. When I escape to our cabin in the summertime, I usually get in six or eight hours of writing each day - there are no distractions up there!
Have you ever tried writing outside of your “comfort zone”? If so, what were the results?
I wrote a book of poetry several years ago. It didn't go well. I learned that poetry is hard, and not something either me or Drake enjoys.
What are your favorite writing and research tools?
I love my writing software, Power Structure. Also character mapping software called Character Pro. I also have two monitors on my computer, which makes having one window open to work with and the other open for Internet research really helpful. I take my laptop everywhere, just in case an idea comes to me; and I use a grease pencil in the shower to capture those ideas that usually disappear with the steam.
How many drafts does it usually take to bring your manuscript to “The End” and ready to submit to your editor?
I go through several versions of the complete manuscript before I can even think of having an editor look at it; perhaps as many as six or seven, depending on how my characters want me to change things along the way.
Are the names of the characters in your writing important? What about the titles? How do you choose them?
I like to choose characters names that are unusual. Different spellings and using cross gender names keeps the creative juices flowing; and I also think it makes the story more interesting to the reader than to refer to the characters with the same old names. As for titles, I usually start with something bland, and modify it as the writing goes along. The title of a piece usually doesn't become solid until at least my third or fourth draft. I like shorter titles because they're easier for readers to remember and refer. Also, I like to make the title something that eludes to the story but doesn't give it away, and coming up with that combination usually takes a little bit of time.
To what extent is your fiction or poetry autobiographical? Have you ever seen yourself as a character in one of your stories or poems and, has that been a help or a hindrance?
I don't usually put myself, as I am, into my stories. More often, I write about a fictionalized me... some fabrication that at its core could be me, but when you add the details, it's really very far from who I am and what my life is about. I'm just not that interesting to read about, my characters are far more compelling. The only exception to this is my memoir, "Wolfe Cub". That book had me and my son on every page - first person reality is what the situation called for, and so that's how I wrote.
Has a child, the family pet or another animal ever “eaten” your manuscript? If so, please, tell us that story!
Never! I am a firm believer in the redundant backup. Even in the years of my writing before computers, I kept my texts sacred, locked away in safe places where animals, children and the elements could not desecrate them. The only time I was ever foiled was when my basement flooded... several inches of water which destroyed about fifteen of my journals from childhood. Oh, the devastation! And that's when I switched to storing everything in plastic tubs and on the computer. I will not be in that predicament again - it was agony!
Who are your favorite authors? Please list a few and their titles, so we can go look for them at our local library!
I love Robert Heinlein's Stranger in a Strange Land and Glory Road; Roger Zelazny's Nine Princes in Amber series; A. A. Milne's Winnie the Pooh is one of my all-time favorites; and anything by Shakespeare - I love what he did with language!
Which three authors (alive or dead) would you most like invite to a dinner party and what would you like to talk about?
I'd like to meet the authors I've mentioned and discuss what drove them to writing, and their process... I love to hear about different writers and their approach to their craft, it fascinates me!
I’m a school teacher. What can you offer to help me prepare 6th graders to appreciate writing, now and for the rest of their lives?
Introduce them to the Thesaurus. It's one of the best tools for improving writing I've ever had! The larger and more interesting a writer's vocabulary, the more engaging the writing process will be; not to mention the fun you'll have stumping your friends with special words they didn't know existed!!
How do you react to a negative review of one of your manuscripts?
I first try to listen intently to the suggestions being made. I try to look at the critique objectively, staying emotionally detached. And I always remind myself that a rejection isn't necessarily a mean thing... it's just a key that doesn't fit my lock.
Do you ever write naked?
Never! I'm not a fan of being cold. Writing naked would be far too much of a distraction for me to focus on my writing. I mean, goose bumps while you're trying to be creative makes typing difficult!
What was your favorite scene or poem to write, and why was it so enjoyable?
That's a tough one. I'm usually madly in love with whatever I'm currently writing. However, I am quite fond of the opening scene to my current WIP, Tryst of Fate. It catches the reader off guard and drops them right into the action of the story. I also love the tantrum scene in Free Will; just because it seems so very realistic to me, even though the book is a completely speculative narration.
What’s the hardest scene or poem you have ever written and why was it so hard to write?
I find writing uber violent scenes very difficult. The blood and guts part of it doesn't bother me, I'm not squeamish by any stretch. It's the emotionality tied to that violence that makes it a difficult thing for me to write.
Do you ever use your writing as therapy, to either work out an issue, punish a perpetrator from your real life, or fantasize about what you could have done differently? If so, give us one example of how this manifested in your manuscript.
Oh yes! Writing is the best therapy yet. I love punishing as well as rewarding people in my stories; it vents the frustration without actually doing any damage, and it lauds the heroism without creating a moment of unwanted attention. I try to keep these things anonymous, though. I'd hate for someone to actually notice that they are the character being punished. That could come back to bite me later.
Print books versus e-books; do you have a preference, and why?
I like both. Each has their place. There's nothing like curling up with a cozy blanket and a cup of cocoa and dissolving into the pages of a book for nine or twelve hours (which I've been known to do). However, I like my e-reader for the portability of the thing, and the fact that when walking on the treadmill I can read and don't have to worry about turning pages. I've also rediscovered audiobooks recently, which I find to be equally wonderful. It's nice to read a new book while on a long drive; and a great way to soothe yourself to sleep when sleeping along in a hotel room far away from your loved ones.
Name a topic that you refuse to write about, and tell us, why won’t you write about that topic?
Violence against children or animals; I just can't stomach that sort of thing.
What is your best advice for beginning writers?
Understand that it's a process, not magic. Keep studying, and remember to do it for the fun of it. You'll have good days with high creative productivity and other days when you may have forgotten everything you ever learned in high school English class. No matter, the important thing is to do it with passion and commitment. It's not about writing the next best seller; it's about writing something that you are proud of, and something that expresses your passion for life. Even a horror story can evoke passion in the writer, if they truly enjoy the process. So, dig in and enjoy every moment. There will be plenty of critics and plenty of rejections along the way... try not to engage in that thinking on your own... Just Write! One day you will be more fabulous than you ever imagined.
What’s the worst advice you ever received from another writer?
"Just go with the flow, you'll figure it out eventually." That may work for some, but not for me. That kind of chaos makes me crazy!