Interview with Kate Ryan

Published 2015-04-04.
What is your writing process?
I start with the main characters (and sometimes a supporting character or two). Then I outline their stories. If I can't stop thinking about what happens to the characters, I write the story in full.
Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
Moby Dick.

Just kidding.
I can't remember the first book I ever read on my own, but some of my favorites as a kid were:
But No Elephants! by Jerry Smith
The Sneetches and Other Stories by Dr. Seuss
The Poky Little Puppy by Janette Sebring Lowrey
How do you approach cover design?
with fear
What are your five favorite books, and why?
The Sneetches and Other Stories by Dr. Seuss
Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
The Rain God by Arturo Islas
Housekeeping by Marilynne Robinson

*While these are favorites, picking my top 5 was impossible, so after Dr. Seuss, I just gave up and gave a sample of my top 20-30.
What do you read for pleasure?
books
What is your e-reading device of choice?
Kindle
What book marketing techniques have been most effective for you?
crossing my fingers
Describe your desk
sturdy
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
New York
I'm not sure. I moved around a lot, so that probably had an influence on my writing more than the state of New York.
When did you first start writing?
2nd grade. I wrote a book about aliens, as I think many second graders do. When I was in 5th grade, I created a series about my pet goldfish (who lived a remarkable 3 years, may he rest in peace). In the series, he was an alien leader sent to study humankind. My older brother and I may have secretly watched X-Files even though we weren't allowed to so do.
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