Ten questions with Katie Garner
One surprising thing I’ve learned after interviewing dozens of debut authors is how many of them have '“practice novels.” These are novels that didn’t get published but taught the author the skills that ultimately led to their publishing success. Katie Garner is a great example of someone who put in the work, continued to learn and improve and realized her dream of publication (her debut got three offers!). Katie Garner’s interview is a fantastic reminder of the persistence and drive that are commonly found among successful writers. Thanks Katie!
1. Please tell us about your debut novel.
THE NIGHT IT ENDED is a dark and twisty psychological thriller where the body of a student is found on campus at her secluded boarding school under mysterious circumstances.
Criminal psychiatrist Madeline Pine is called to help with the investigation and travels to the school where she interviews students and staff to try to learn the truth of what really happened that night. At the same time, there’s a second mystery involving Madeline’s past and how it connects with her involvement at the school.
2. I’ve read that only 4% of the people who start a novel, finish writing it. Why do you think you beat the odds?
I think it’s natural for people to have great ideas and to not want to ignore them. Some people may jot down notes or even write a chapter or two, but then maybe lose steam or can’t figure out where the idea should go. They’re not in love, and that’s ok. Writing requires a lot of time, tears, and energy, so the passion—the love of writing—has to be there.
3. Was your debut novel the first book you wrote? (Any prior efforts hiding on your hard drive?)
THE NIGHT IT ENDED is book #6. I have no formal training or education in writing, so now, looking back, I needed to write many ‘practice’ books in all different genres because I had to teach myself. Zero regrets. Every ‘trunked’ book taught me something and I loved writing every one.
4. What helped you become a better writer? Any books or resources you found helpful?
I studied plotting novels and screenplays and even movie plots. Once you know the pattern, it’s hard to unsee. SAVE THE CAT, for screenplays, was very helpful in the beginning. There’s one for novels, too, but I prefer the OG.
Also, because I’m self-taught, I read widely and constantly to learn how to world-build, how to develop characters, learn tropes, descriptions, and above all, figure out what I love and what I don’t.
5. What was your process like getting an agent?
Over the years, I got hundreds (and hundreds) of rejections. Looking back, it was a long but necessary journey. I had to learn and grow with my first 5 books. I internalized the rejection at first but then realized I’d have to grow a thicker skin or else querying would’ve destroyed me completely.
Then, with THE NIGHT IT ENDED, I knew I had something special. I ended up with 3 offers.
6. How did you celebrate when you learned your book would be published?
My husband and I went out to dinner and then probably fell asleep on the couch watching Forensic Files.
7. What was the most exciting moment involving the publication of your debut novel? (The moment you first saw the cover? The call when you learned when it was being published? When you cashed your advance check?)
There have been lots of exciting moments, but the most exciting thing will be actually seeing the book on the shelves. Pass the tissues!
8. What’s your best advice for someone who wants to be published?
You’ve heard it a million times and I will tell you again—if you have a dream, never give up. It took me 10 years and 6 books to teach myself the craft and get a book deal. Sometimes it takes people 5 months and 1 book. But the reality is, for the vast majority of people it takes years, and there’s nothing wrong with that.
When I knew the time had come for me to ‘trunk’ a book, I’d give up writing for months. I had to step away. I was a puddle of tears. I thought I’d done everything right. But then months would go by, and I’d have another idea. And I’d try again. It’s ok to walk away for a little. Just walk back.
9. What are you currently reading? Or, what's one of the best novels you've read lately?
So many good books out lately! Recently, I’ve loved WHAT LIES BETWEEN US by John Marrs, THE PRETTIEST STAR by Carter Sickels, and LOCAL WOMAN MISSING by Mary Kubica.
10. What are you working on now? Any projects coming out soon?
Right now I’m working on plotting and brainstorming book 3. Book 2 is complete and with my editor. I’m really excited for it. It’s more on the domestic side than THE NIGHT IT ENDED but just as twisty and deliciously dark.