random questions answered

I was feeling directionless when I sat down to write my blog post, so some lovely Facebook friends helped me out with a few burning questions for this week. (Thanks to everyone who posted!) Here’s what they wanted to know: How has being a published author changed your enjoyment/engagement in reading? I’ve always loved reading, but I think being published made it more of a necessity. I find inspiration in others’ works, and I love being a Human Pandora when readers ask for recommendations. “If you like X, then you’ll love Y.” I don’t enjoy reading less or more, I enjoy it differently.   What did you think about Hunger Games, what books would you like to see made into movies? I blogged about my love of the Hunger Games movie here, so I won’t drone on about that. However, there are quite a few books I’d love to see made into movies. Three that I think would work really well—and that I’d be standing in line to see—are The Scorpio Races, World War Z and Divergent.   How do you maintain motivation when you’re having an off day? Sometimes I listen to music and it alters my mood. If that doesn’t work, I do something else and write another, better day.  It’s just like when I can’t sleep: I get up and do something for half hour and go back to bed. I find that forcing myself to write when I’m not feeling it usually results in a bucket of “delete” the next day. Speaking of music, I’m listening to Temper Trap this morning and thought I’d share my favorite song of theirs, Sweet Disposition.   The recent theme around here is writing about a fab June 2nd gathering of great authors. Oh yeah? I can’t wait. I’d love anyone who’s in the Portland area to come see me at Klindt’s in The Dalles on Saturday, June 2^nd. You can find more information here.   How about how generally AWESOME you are? Aw, thanks. That’s a nice thing to hear first thing in the morning.   How do you get inspiration? Inspiration almost always strikes when my brain is preoccupied, like when I’m out for a walk or driving, usually while listening to music. I’ve definitely gotten ideas in the shower before.   I’ve heard authors speak about the different ways they approach writing. How they organize, develop plot lines, characters, etc. How do you do it? Oh goodness. Well, here’s my general process. I get smacked over the head by an idea, then I don’t write it down. If I still remember/am thinking about it a few days later, I start writing. If I make it to page 75, I’ll usually finish the book. Honestly, I hate outlining. I find it restrictive and boring. I like to just write and write and write and see where the characters take me. I do spend a ridiculous amount of time before I begin figuring out the main characters’ names. I treat it like naming children!   Why the fascination with zombie apocalypse? Seriously, where does that come from? Honestly, my fascination with zombies started with The Walking Dead. I think that might be my favorite show ever, and I’ve watched a lot of winners (Downton Abbey, Six Feet Under, Veronica Mars, etc.). In attempting to quickly psychoanalyze myself, I might venture a guess that zombies are a “safe” fear to me. The tiny, rational portion of my brain knows they don’t exist, but the irrational portion loves to fantasize about “what if?” PS: Everyone should read World War Z. Have I mentioned that I love it in the last five seconds?   Why does non dairy creamer come in seasonal holiday flavors? I don’t know, Sean Beaudoin, why does it?

7 comments on “random questions answered”

1. i wonder.... on April 26, 2012 at 5:48 pm said:

   I’d like to know if you think that what happens to London Lane in Forgotten could ever really happen?

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   • catpatrick on April 26, 2012 at 7:17 pm said:

     Good question, Jessica. I sure hope not! In all seriousness, the “future memory” part of London’s condition is completely made-up. However, many people have short term memory loss/dimensia/amnesia, which might be similar to the memory loss related to her past.

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2. sparklegurlzzz on June 2, 2012 at 11:31 pm said:

   Will there be a part 2 of Forgotten? I am dying to knw what happens next.

   PS: Ive read forgotten 7 times already!! (i counted! )

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3. Saarah Yousaf on June 4, 2012 at 11:08 am said:

   Hi!
   I recently read your novel Forgotten. I was in the bookshop and the title just jumped at me. Reading the blurb, I had to have it!
   …I am so glad I came across this novel. I just want to ask, do you think you’ll write a sequel?
   Thanx,
   Saarah

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4. Saarah Yousaf on June 4, 2012 at 11:19 am said:

   Hi (again)
   I came across this page before the one that told me you don’t plan to write a sequel to forgotten. Sorry to waste your time asking you in the first place!
   I can’t wait to read the rest of your books!
   Saarah

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5. Caroline on October 6, 2012 at 4:47 pm said:

   Hi Cat!
   I was wondering if its in your future plans to write a sequel to Forgotten? I REALLLYYY want to know if they are able to stop Luke from dying, how they find her Jonas, and if she ever fully recovers her memory!
   LOVED the book!
   Thanks,
   Caroline

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6. dayla on May 9, 2013 at 4:28 pm said:

   I am in the 7th grade and doing a research paper on your book revived… when did you start writing???

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