Kathrynn Dennis
Blockbuster Plots had the honor of interviewing Kathrynn Dennis about her two new books - Dark Rider, which is available now and the soon-to-be-released Shadow Rider.
(Updated note 10/08: The plot interview below took place before Shadow Rider's release. Since then, the Romance Times Reviews awarded her 4 Stars! and writes: "The color, vibrancy, and excitement of the Middle Ages allows Dennis to create a memorable tale of two people whose destiny is tied to a mystical colt. Dennis tells her story with passion, drama, and a love of animals that will enthrall readers." I had the great honor of working with Kathryn in the book's early development.)
We asked Kathrynn about her writing process, with an emphasis on plot.
BBP: How do you go about plotting your books?
KD: Usually, I "pants" the first 30-50 pages based on some inspired idea. By the time I've gotten that far along, I know the characters, can figure out their motivation and their conflicts. Then I sit down and draft an outline of the next 20 chapters. I did this for both my first book, Dark Rider, and for my second, Shadow Rider. Took me about 2 years on the first one, about 1 year on the second one.
BBP: Are you a pre-plotter or after the fact?
KD: Sorta "after the fact", I think! See above!
BBP: What methods did you find particularly useful in plotting out your project?
KD: How? I go back to the plot outline and make sure every chapter has a goal, motivation and conflict for every character and every scene has a GMC. I make sure the chapter ends with an obvious question concerning the plot, so the reader will be compelled to keep reading.
BBP: Do you consciously develop thematic significance?
KD: Nope, that usually comes out as the story goes along. After I've finished the first draft of the book, I'll go back and build on the theme I discovered along the way.
BBP: Are you a character-driven writer or action-driven?
KD: Action driven...but you have to be careful about that, keep it in check. It's the characters that make the book. Think about the characters on Jerry Seinfield...a show about "nothing" ;-)....but it sure was interesting to watch. The characters made things happen.
BBP: Plot tips to share?
KD: To the point above, make sure above all else, the character's action is driving the plot. The choices they make and actions they chose make up the plot!
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