You call her Kristen Zimmer, I call her my fiancée. Well, virtual fiancée. It’s a long-standing inside joke that she and I will be getting married at some stage (long story), despite living some 3,000 miles apart. And of course, who can forget that she is an incredibly talented writer as well as a very sweet human being? What better day to feature my virtual fiancée than Valentines Day?
Okay then Kristen - tell us a little bit about you! Who are you and what do you do?
I’m Kristen. I write books, poetry and music. I’ve been told many times that I’m abrasive but funny.
How did you become an author?
I’ve always loved books, even as a child. While I was working in publishing as an editor, I decided to write a book, so I sat down and wrote one. I guess it stuck.
Who’s your favourite character that you’ve ever written?
I can’t answer that. It’s like asking me to pick my favorite child! But Britton Walsh is the most Me, so…
Do you ever experience writer’s block? If so, how do you overcome it?
When I’m working on a manuscript and it’s frustrating me, I’ll set it aside and start something else, some poetry or a song. It helps to take the pressure off myself, focus less on plotting and just feel things.
What do you consider to be the hardest part of writing?
All of it. Just kidding… I’m terrible at planning. So, trying to outline a book doesn’t really work for me. I can have an idea of where I want the plot to go, but I can’t box myself in with a rigid plan. Sometimes you have to let the story tell you where it wants to go, and it’s very different from what you envisioned.
And how about the most rewarding?
The most rewarding part of writing is when readers let me know that my work resonated with them, that it touched them in a real, meaningful way. I write for myself, so when someone reads what I’ve written and it HITS for them, that’s a lovely feeling.
What is one piece of advice you wish you had listened to, either in life or with regards to being an author?
In life: Be a little bit more selfish because you can’t take care of others if you don’t take care of yourself first. I’m learning how true that is. When it comes to being an author, nobody can tell me sh*t. Just ask my marketing team, I’m stubborn.
You’re putting together a party. Which characters from the Sapphic Fiction genre would you invite?
Yikes. I’m really more the type to show up to a party, stay half an hour and pull off a flawless Irish Goodbye than I am to host a party.
Is there anyone you’d like to highlight, while you’re here?
Am I allowed to say Katherine Blakeman? Because… Katherine Blakeman. (Note from Katherine: you're the sweetest, Kristen!) Also, my mom. She’s a dope lady who never lets me quit (and there are many things I would have quit without her.)
How can people connect with you?
Instagram: @kristen_zimmer_author Twitter or X or whatever it is: @kristen_zimmer
Finally a light-hearted one. What ice cream flavours and toppings would you put together in your ultimate sundae?
I’m a traditionalist with sundaes: vanilla ice cream, chocolate sauce, nuts, whipped cream, a cherry on top. If it’s constructed any other way, it’s not a sundae.
If you enjoyed this interview, then make sure you’re following my social media accounts (@kblakemanwriter on Twitter and @katherineblakemanwriter on Instagram) to get all the latest updates! And if you want to support my own Sapphic Fiction journey while you’re here, The Summer We’ve Had is available now, and Love You However is coming on March 22nd!
