We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kristin Durfee. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kristin below.
Kristin , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
I struggled with reading when I was younger and was lucky to have a fabulous teacher who finally helped it all click. Once I was able to do it, I read all the time. I was definitely one of those kids who was told “put the book down and go outside and play!”. Luckily my parents did encourage my reading and I remember my mom always reading a book at night. I was probably in fourth or fifth grade when it finally clicked that there was a person behind all the books I read and I immediately wanted to create stories of my own. I always wanted to be a scientist and am one professionally, but writing has always been a bit part of my life. It was my minor in college and I carved time out of my busy schedule to write as much as I can. I also believe being a good reader helps being a good writer. Being able to realize what worked (and didn’t work) while reading a book taught me so much.
I think what serves me the best as a writer is that desire to improve and be better. I seek feedback during the development process up to the moment something is published to improve not only that piece, but also my writing in general. I was very lucky I had a few writer’s reach out a helping hand when I was first starting out and I try to return the favor whenever I can when I learn someone else is just starting in their writing journey.
Time and finances can be an obstacle when first starting out, so make sure you utilize your local library or discount book stores to get books on craft. And if you want to be serious about pursuing any endeavor, it’s best to also be serious about putting in the work. Writing is truly a great example of the more you put into it, the more you get out of it.
Kristin , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
First and foremost, I try to write stories I would like to read. I love exploring the journey of how people get from “point A to point B”, whether that is emotional or literal (or a bit of both!). I also tend to write characters who don’t do it all themselves. I think it is important, especially in youth literature, to show examples of how asking for help isn’t a weakness. I know I am not where I am by working alone, so I hope people come away from my books with that notion as well. We are stronger together. My novels are all Young Adult, but I think all ages can really enjoy them. I think back to some of my favorite books and a lot of them were ones I read when I was younger. I think good literature transcends. I also have short stories published as part of several anthologies for adults, from sci-fi to horror, contemporary to comedy. I think I have a little something for everyone.
I grew up outside of Philadelphia and currently live outside of Orlando. Both of these places have helped shape me, I love to travel and am lucky to have family all over the country. I think the more we can be exposed to other places and people, the more we can understand the world around us.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
Word of mouth truly is so important. In today’s day and age, information is easily accessible and digestible, so it doesn’t take much to be lost in the mix. There is so much content out there, it can be hard to connect to readers even if they are specifically looking for your genre! I love when I hear stories of people passing my books along to their friends or suggesting them to their book clubs or even requesting them at their library. Leaving reviews is also really important as algorithms at a lot of popular sites tend to kick in for recommending products once a certain amount of reviews have been made. Plus, it can give credence to a writer in the eyes of a new reader. If they see thoughtful reviews, it can help give them a better understanding of the product they are looking at and know if it’s a good fit for them.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
I love inspiring other to pursue the same goals. I can’t tell you how many author events I’ve attended where I get wide-eyed questions on how to become a writer. It’s so simple! Just write! I have a full-time job, am a mother of a small child, a wife, someone with lots of interests, but I still make time for my craft. It can seem intimidating at times to have a lot on you plate and not be sure how to fit one in, but I can tell you honestly, my last novel I finished, large parts of that were written in 20 minute chunks while in the waiting room at doctor’s offices. When you expand your notion on what time you actually need to accomplish something, a lot of possibilities can open up to you!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kristindurfee.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kristindurfeeauthor
- Twitter: @KristinDurfee