Pay it Forward: Author Interview with Katie Anderson

Everyone has a different path to publication. This week, I'm featuring authors on the way: authors who have found their agents or their publishers and are in the homestretch towards reaching their dreams. Their stories are each different--but they are all inspiring. By showing you how THEY did it, I hope you remember that YOU can, too!

So, stick around all week to find out about lots of up-and-coming authors! Today, I'm featuring Katie Anderson, author of KISS AND MAKE UP, represented by Cheryl Pientka with Jill Grinberg Literary Management. Her blog, Plot This,  always has something new and exciting to share.

Tell us about your book.
KISS & MAKE UP is represented by Cheryl Pientka with Jill Grinberg Literary Management and is currently under consideration.

Can you tell us a little bit about your road to publication?

I started writing a movie about 6 years ago with my blogging partner, Sarah Frances Hardy (www.plotthis.blogspot.com).  During the course of writing that screenplay, I wrote a few picture books, a graphic novel and finally a YA, which I ended up falling in love with.  Writing YA has stolen my heart. I started KISS almost 3 years ago and queried for about a year or so. I am not a mass queryer.  I would carefully choose agents I liked and then query them.  The agent I eventually chose was not someone I had ever heard of or considered but was recommended to me by an adult agent. She was previously a scout.  I was in the lucky position of speaking with a few agents about representation and as soon as we talked, I knew she was "the one." She is truly my perfect match.

Was there ever a time you felt like giving up? Why didn't you?

I never felt like giving up. I have felt frustrated, but it has never dawned on me to flat quit. I just love writing too much.  There isn't a day that goes by that I don't hear some word I want to write down, or hear of a book I want to read, or think of some random character trait I love.  Bottom line: I have never found a hobby I am as passionate about as writing. It never tires me. I can have a horrible, frustrating day and yet I still want to do it.  It's an amazing gift - this joy.  I love it.

Thank you, Katie! You can find Katie on her blog.

This week of interviews is being hosted by Elana Johnson, and several other bloggers are jumping on the bandwagon, including:

• Lisa and Laura Roecker
• Kirsten Hubbard
• Carrie Harris
• Kim Harrington
• Leah Clifford 
• Victoria Schwab
• Suzette Saxton & Bethany Wiggins
• Amy Holder
• Kathy McCullough
• Tiffany Schmidt
• Susan Adrian
• Dawn Metcalf
• Gretchen McNeil

 Be sure to check them all out for inspiring, first-hand stories of authors on the verge of publication!