We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Katy Metzger. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Katy below.
Katy, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s talk legacy – what sort of legacy do you hope to build?
Although I don’t really expect to become a household name or experience any true fame, I do hope that those who find and read my books discover inspiration to overcome any dark experiences in their lives. I wrote The Talismans of Teregrin series to connect with and encourage ordinary teens. I wanted them to understand that they don’t have to be “special” to make a difference, that courage and hope are more powerful than they think, and that their feelings not only have validity but can also be a source of strength. So, I hope my legacy is an inspiring one.
Katy, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I am a YA urban fantasy author who signed a 5-book deal with a small press called Future House Publishing in February 2023. Three books in that series have been published, and I am working to release the final two this year. I’ve loved books and writing since I was a child and dreamed of someday writing my own series. When I became a special needs parent and left my job teaching to care for my son, I used my time at home to finally chase that dream.
The idea for The Talismans of Teregrin series sprang from a desire to see more books in the YA space that featured characters making difficult choices rather than add to the popular Chosen One trope. I felt like the popular trope subtly passed on a message that one has to be special or set apart to accomplish change or make a difference. I chose two character types who would typically be relegated as side characters, the comic relief and the shy girl, and put them in main character roles. What sets them apart are their choices to take a stand, even though they have a number of flaws and weaknesses that cause others to count them out.
Both characters grow throughout the series, and I’m incredibly proud of the messages their examples provide. Through their character arcs, they reveal the importance of friendship, the power of feelings and empathy, and the contagious nature of hope.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
Taking an idea that I dreamed up and turning it into a finished book I can hold in my hands and that others can read is incredibly rewarding. It’s the satisfaction of completing a thousand-piece puzzle that weaves multiple plots, the growth and sometimes regression of a full cast of characters, and the themes that tie everything together into a complex final product. I bring entire worlds and made-up people in my head to life, and that experience of turning nothing into something is the ultimate act of creation.
However, I suppose the most rewarding aspect is often to hear from readers who have loved my books. While writing is enjoyable for its own sake, knowing that the story hit someone as intended and made them feel all the things is the most rewarding payoff. Books exist to be read.
Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?
From discussions with non-writers, I think many struggle to understand how difficult it is to obtain a book deal in traditional publishing. Many of the people I’ve spoken with believe that, if you have a well-written book that is finely polished, you will be offered a contract. However, this is not the case. The publishing industry is saturated in a number of genres, and thousands of excellent authors and books are rejected every year simply because of subjective tastes and market trends.
The path to traditional publishing involves querying agents or small publishing houses that will accept submissions directly from authors. I initially queried agents with The Talismans of Teregrin, but after about six months without interest, I adjusted my target to small presses. Smaller publishing houses often specialize in specific genres and may have more interest in acquiring a series with less concern for what is trendy. They spend less on marketing, relying mostly on the author, but cover the costs of publishing and allow the author to bring their stories to the world.
Many authors spend years amassing hundreds of rejections across multiple book projects before they finally sign with an agent and/or a publisher. It is an extremely difficult and emotional process.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://katymetzgerwriter.wixsite.com/katymetzger
- Instagram: @metzgerkatyauthor
- Twitter: @MetzgerKaty
- Other: TikTok: @metzgerkatyauthor
Image Credits
Future House Publishing