Ask the Author: Kara Lee Corthron
Answered Questions (4)
Kara Lee Corthron
Hi Angie!
I've answered this question a few different ways, but I think the best answer is that it came from two concrete places: reading the book A QUICK KILLING IN ART by Phoebe Hoban and a nightmare I had in 2012. The book is a biography of Jean-Michel Basquiat and though the character of Dari is certainly not Basquiat, some of his experiences as a teen inspired Dari's journey. The nightmare I had was about an easy betrayal. I'm assuming you've read the book so you probably know what I'm talking about. Those were the two big ones.
I've answered this question a few different ways, but I think the best answer is that it came from two concrete places: reading the book A QUICK KILLING IN ART by Phoebe Hoban and a nightmare I had in 2012. The book is a biography of Jean-Michel Basquiat and though the character of Dari is certainly not Basquiat, some of his experiences as a teen inspired Dari's journey. The nightmare I had was about an easy betrayal. I'm assuming you've read the book so you probably know what I'm talking about. Those were the two big ones.
Kara Lee Corthron
READ. Read as much as you possibly can. Read books in the genre in which you want to write and read in genres in which you'll probably never write. And while you're reading, start writing and know that the more you do it, the longer you dedicate yourself to the practice, the better you'll get. It can be frustrating to hear that when you're first starting out, because I think we're all a little impatient--I know I certainly am. But I think it's also comforting to know that you really only have to do two things: read and write and do them well. Now get back to the book you were reading or set a timer and churn out some words. :)
Kara Lee Corthron
I'm mostly working on finishing this semester of teaching. But beyond that, I have two productions of plays coming up in the spring so I'll soon be doing some rewrites on those scripts. I'm most excited to get back to my second YA novel, currently called DAUGHTERS OF JUBILATION. I want to clean up the draft over winter break and get it to my editor very soon.
Kara Lee Corthron
I have to trick myself out of it. I have tons of games and tools that I give to students to help them generate pages. When I really feel stuck, I use these myself. It can be something simple like maybe a scene isn't going the way I want it to. Maybe I'll start the scene again, with all the same circumstances, except I'll dramatically change the location. What if an intimate scene between a mother and daughter suddenly had to take place at Hershey Park? How does it shift? What happens to the stakes? If something cracks open for me, I'll just remove the location and try to retain all the juicy bits I've found.
There are times when even this kind of work doesn't help and during those times, I find it really helpful to go on long walks, go to the park, or maybe a free museum. Anything to clear and refresh my mind.
There are times when even this kind of work doesn't help and during those times, I find it really helpful to go on long walks, go to the park, or maybe a free museum. Anything to clear and refresh my mind.
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