Where do you call home?
My home is in Cuijk, a small town near the south east of the Netherlands, very close to the German border.
What is the name of your most recent book and if you had to sum it up in 20 or less words, what would you say?
The latest one is "Hilda - Lycadea". I'd compactly say: "To boldly go where no witch has gone before".
If you gave some of your characters an opportunity to speak for themselves, what would they say?
One would say "Crappedy crap". That is a given. Hilda the wicked witch would scold me for the strange adventures I put her into.
"That is not true, scribe! As long as you listen to me, and write down exactly what happens, we're both fine."
Seems I got it wrong.
"By the way, I like how you compacted the story. It works."
Do you have plans for a new book? Is this book part of a series?
Yes, there is a new book in the making. Part 7 in the Hilda series already. As long as people like Hilda the wicked witch, I will write more stories of her.
What or who inspired you to write? And how long have you been writing?
I've been writing since very long. I started when I was fifteen, I think. My more serious writing started about 6 years ago though, when I joined an amateur writers mailing list. I think it was a combination of Frank Herbert's Dune series and my urge to do something with my maddening imagination that drove me to writing.
Do you gift books to readers for book reviews?
Up to now all my books are free, so I don't have to gift them. I don't ask for reviews, although it has crossed my mind occasionally. Reviews are splendid guides to see what I could change to become better.
How did you come up with the title and cover design?
I first start writing the story. Usually there is a good starting point in my head, and somewhat of a spot where I hope the story will end. As the words go along, I usually find the title. Only when the story is done I start thinking about a cover image. I want it to contain things from the story. That is only possible when the story is done.
Have you based any of your characters on someone you know, or real events in your own life?
Hilda the witch is loosely based on the personality of a dear friend of mine. The rest of them may have resemblance to people I know or have seen, but that is more coincidental than planned.
What books have most influenced your writing most and why?
The Disworld series, by Terry Pratchett. His way of cutting into a specific subject, getting to the core of it, is amazing. And that happens while the story has a sauce of humour all through it that is impressive as well as giving a tummy ache for laughing.
And Leviathan as well as Behemoth, by Mr. Scott Westerfeld. His approach of the Steampunk genre made me venture into that realm too.
Is there an Author that you would really like to meet?
Yes. Sir Terry Pratchett, hardly a surprise I guess. His Discworld books are beyond compare. I try to put some of his humour into my books but I can never come anywhere close to his style.
Do you prefer ebooks, paperbacks or hardcover? Ebooks. They take less space, and I can take half a library along in my ereader.
Are you a self published (Indie) Author? Yes. Indie, and I like that.
Have you ever read a book more than once?
Definitely. The Dune Series, for instance, that I mentioned before. And most of the Discworld books.
Is there a particular movie that you preferred over the book version?
No, that has never happened. Books for me have always been better than a movie, because a book allows me the freedom to shape and colour the world. In a movie you have directors and producers who get in the way.
What book are you currently reading and in what format (electronic/paperback/hardcover)?
My ereader is very willing to let me read on in the first book of the Magician's Guild series by Trudy Canavan, called "The Black Magician".
What book do you know that you will never read?
Oh dear. That is a question... never is such a long time... I would not dare to say.
Are there any new Authors that have grasped your interest and why?
There are several. One is Penelope Fletcher, who wrote "The Demon Girl". I love the style in which she writes and the atmosphere her character Rae Wilder stumbles into.
And Scott Westerfeld, I assume he is new enough too. Steampunk is a fascinating niche world in which a lot is possible. His way of dividing camps, the Clankers and the Darwinists, was a real eye-opener for me in how far you can go.
Is there anything you would change in your last book and why?
I don't think so, I've worked it over enough. It is fine the way it is. (Come back in half a year and I will have changed my mind though.)
Who designed the cover of your book?
I did that myself. I do want to say a big thank you to Miss Smith from Bristol, who gave Hilda a face. It is her painting that made Hilda really come alive (and is used in the cover).
Do you have a book trailer?
As in a video? No, I don't. I'm a writer, not someone who does video too well.
What are your thoughts on book trailers?
Interesting. I can definitely see the way that they will bring people to pick up a book, because a picture tells a thousand words, and a video has a lot of pictures. A short trailer (I have seen several) can really lure someone into a book.
Do you have any advice for other writers?
Write as if no one will read it. Go wild on what you write, know that there are no boundaries. There is always the moment of editing, in which you can calm things down, improve, change. And write every day, to stay in practice. Hone your skill, if only a few lines per day.
What is the best advice that you have ever been given when it comes to writing?
Write often. Every day. It does not matter If it is good or bad, you will be the only one who sees it. If you like it, good. If you hate it, good also, because you have learnt what is not your strong point in writing.
Do you write under a pen name?
No. Paul Kater is my real name. I'm used to it, that helps.
Cats or dogs?
Both, depends on my mood. Cats when I am writing my favourite witch or when I relax, but a dog is more fun when going for a long walk in the forest.
Where can your readers follow you?
My blog: http://paulkater.wordpress.com
My facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/paul.kater.author
My Goodreads author page:
Patti says: Join goodreads - lots of great support for writers.
Twitter: @pagan_paul
AmazonSmashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/paulkater
Print, ebook or both? Ebook only for now. Print might happen, but I would advise everyone to not hold their breath.
Thank you so much for taking the time to do this interview and allowing us a glimpse into your writing word. I hope you share this interview with your friends. Patti
Thank you for the interview, I enjoyed your questions!
Patti says: You are very welcome Paul :)
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