Writer Kate Dolan is here to answer 3 basic questions about creativity for my series titled What, Why, How!
WHAT?
Oh geeze, what don’t I write about? On my blog, The Bro Chick, I write in the voice of a twenty-something bro chick (i.e., myself) stumbling through life and the ups and downs that come along with it. This can range from learning to think in ‘we’ terms when you enter your first serious relationship, to how to survive being hungover at work. I really love to make people laugh; it’s something I’ve enjoyed doing since I was a child. I was blessed with two loving parents who both have wonderful senses of humor, so being funny was something that came naturally to me. My sense of humor always comes through in my writing.
I’m also in the process of writing a novel about a 20 year-old girl who is sent to a mental hospital after a suicide attempt. I’m sure that synopsis sounds pretty bleak, but I assure you the book is anything but that. I decided I would use my humor to write about something bigger than my love of whiskey or what types of co-workers are the worst; I wanted to bring attention to subjects most people consider taboo, like mental illness and sexual assault. Humor has helped me make it through some of the darkest times in my life, which is why I knew it needed to be in my writing.
WHY?
The reason why I write is simply this; because I have to. I write constantly, whether it’s intended for readers or just for myself. Writing is my passion, my therapy, and what gets me up in the morning.
I’ve always known that I see the world very differently than others. I’ve certainly had enough people tell me that as well. I experience emotions and life situations so deeply that it gives me a unique perspective on the world. A few years ago I started sharing these experiences on my blog and the response was incredible. That was the sign to me that being a writer was something I could (and needed to) pursue. I am determined to become a published author because at this point I can’t imagine not doing it.
HOW?
I work full-time as a technical writer, but sneak in writing time at work when I need a break from frying my brain trying to understand highly technical subjects. I have about 100+ google docs that contain various pieces of writing ranging from complete, published articles to 1-2 sentences about something that was on my mind. Some day I’ll organize them.
I also have a handwritten journal I keep under my coffee table that I write in almost every day. My phone is also filled with notes about blog post and chapter ideas that come to me on the subway or when I’m walking to work.
I use Facebook, Twitter, and occasionally Instagram to try to be a Social Media Manager for myself. I’ve also contributed to various other blogs and had them put links to my sites. When my book is completed I’m going to say a prayer and find a publisher. If anyone has any advice I’m all ears!
Kate Dolan is a New York born, raised, and based writer with a passion for speaking the uncomfortable truth and whiskey. Kate has been writing ever since she could hold a pen and is dedicated to pursuing having her work published. She believes her deep empathy and natural sensitivity combined with her wicked sense of humor and sarcasm makes her writing relatable, entertaining, and touching.
Links:
Read her blogs: The Bro Chick and Mental) Healthly Living
Follow her on Twitter and Instagram