Q: Your story Sanctum made it to the top 10 of the 2014 edition of World’s Best Story. Did you think you were going to make it so far? How did you react when you got the news live from The Toronto International Book Fair during the live finale this past November?
A: Does anyone ever expect to make it to the top 10 of a contest? I can honestly say that I definitely did not! Finding out I was in the top 10 stories in the world was a bit breathtaking, and maybe a bit tear inspiring.
Q: Can you tell us a little more about the story and how you came up with such an original premise and engaging characters?
A: Sanctum is a story that’s been brewing for years. I first came up with Skye and her twin sister when I was around 10 years old. From there she has blossomed and developed into this powerhouse of a woman, one that I hope inspires many people in the coming years! The rest of Sanctum came over time, with characters coming out of the woodwork of my brain, while a few others have been inspired by friends and their writing. I’ve always been fascinated by other worlds, and I grew up with a love for superheroes thanks to my father, so mixing the two seemed almost like a no brainer!
Q: Part of your prize package includes being published with FastPencil. How has the experience been so far?
A: So far I haven’t used my FastPencil package. It has nothing to do with the amazing deal, I’ve just been exploring other options in traditional publishing as well as self-publishing. As a writer, it sometimes takes awhile to make up your mind.
Q: What story has influenced your life?
A: Many stories have influenced my life over the years. I’ve read so many books in my life, it’s hard to keep in my own head sometimes! The most recent book to influence me would have to be the Emperor’s Edge series, written by Lindsay Buroker. The characters are so engaging and each so unique that it’s hard to believe they aren’t real people! The way this woman writes a good story is awe inspiring, and I only hope I can be as good as her one day!
Q: Do you have any advice to aspiring writers?
A: Write, write, write and write again! If you want to be a writer, that’s what you have to do. It also doesn’t hurt to take some classes, educate yourself on topics you want to write about, and read the blogs of other writers to gain some inspiration!
Q: What are the ingredients for a blockbuster story to you?
A: Sugar, spice and everything nice! No, I kid, I kid, that’s the Powerpuff Girls. The ingredients for a blockbuster story would be 2 parts kick ass characters, 1 part action and 2 parts awesome story line! That’s assuming of course there are 5 parts.
Q: What story do you enjoy reading over and over again?
A: I read this book every summer sitting on my deck in the sun, and it is my favorite book, possibly of all time, Watership Down by Richard Adams. It may be a story about bunnies, but these bunnies kick butt! They also happen to go on crazy adventures, thwart evil on a daily basis and have inspiring morals that any human could adapt!
Q: How would you increase literacy?
A: To increase literacy, I would love for there to be some sort of reading program in every school across the country. One that no matter what age, the child would have 15-20 minutes a day to just sit down and read, unhindered by their peers.
Q: What’s on the horizon for Katherine Bogle?
A: What’s next for me is more writing! I’m currently finishing up another novel set in a fantasy world under siege by an insane queen, as well as working on preparations for a sci-fi epic set a few centuries in the future where clones and aliens happen to be the norm.
Q: What is your favorite drink while writing and/or reading?
A: Water, can’t go wrong with water.
Q: What is your favorite tech brand? App?
A: Apple/MAC for my computers, but Android all the way for my phones! Current addiction: Kindle Reader for Android.
Q: What is your favorite genre of music, artist?
A: I love all kinds of music, from alternative rock to 50s blues. My two favorite artists are The Pretty Reckless and The Ink Spots.
Q: What is your favorite movie, tv show, superhero?
A: Game of thrones is my favorite TV show. No question about it. I don’t actually have one favorite superhero, so my favorite villain is Carnage.
Q: What is your must have snack?
A: Anything chocolate.
Q: If heaven exists, what is the first thing you would like to hear from God when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?
A: Nothing. I’d really just like for him to hug me and bring me inside!
Q: What ice cream flavor would you invent?
A: Cake batter. Though I have recently discovered it is already a frozen yogurt flavor!
You can follow Katherine on: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKatherineBogle?fref=ts
Vincent Salera
Founder @ World's Best Story™ amplifier of creativity & fun!
