Fighting Prose Interview with Wendy Kok!

Welcome to my in-depth writers series Fighting Prose. Where I talk to authors in the industry on what their process is like and what it takes for them to keep on creating, through all the odds.

How long have you been writing?

All my life

Of your books, which is your favorite?

My first book, ‘A Grey Resort’ came out last summer. It is set in a small northern town in WI, and a girl goes fishing one evening, and gets the shock of her life.
I grew up on a lake resort, and lots of eerie things were happening in the surrounding woods and town. I incorporated that into my story. I have several 5-star reviews on Amazon, and it’s part of a planned series. I have many readers asking when my 2nd book is coming out. It is quite the labor of love, and I’m pretty proud of it.

What's your favorite genre to read? Write?

I like all genres, fiction, non-fiction, biographies...

How do you get in the mood to write?

If I have something in mind that I can’t stop thinking about, I write it down. Sometimes I have music in the background, and lots of coffee ☕️

How do your characters come together?

I am very much an out of the box kind of thinker when it comes to character development. I don’t play by a lot of the rules. As I write, my characters personality and actions just come to me. I don’t usually like to work with outlines, for me, it takes away from the creative process. However, I know it works for some.

How do you get your ideas?

I like to write about things that people usually don’t like to talk or elaborate about. I’ve always got several different ideas and things swirling around in my head..

Who do you admire in the writing world?

I really like Stephen King, read many of his books growing up. I like his take and advice in writing. And his creative worlds are always fun to explore.

If you're not busy writing, what are you busy doing?

I’m also a vlogger, my friend and I have a lifestyle channel on YouTube called-theshortandtallofit check it out! I love video editing as well as picture editing. I also like to run and do yoga for fitness.

Have you always been creative?

I’ve always enjoyed the writing process. I wrote lots of poetry growing up. I love to create worlds in my head, and write about them.
If I’m in the right mood, I do make a pretty good batch of chicken enchiladas. 💗

Have you ever had writers block? If so, how did you get out of it?

Sure! Take time away from writing, don’t force it. Usually a walk in the woods helps. I can get lots of inspiration by just doing that.

When you sit down to write, is it easy or hard? If it's hard, what makes you keep showing up?

Writing isn’t hard for me, it’s the editing process I really don’t like.. however, it’s the nature of the beast. And is also essential if you want your writing to stand out.

For a writer starting out what advice would you give them?

Never, ever give up. Write what is true, and write what moves your soul, with those things in mind, you can’t go wrong.

What is your dream writing location?

In a cabin tucked in the middle of the woods along side a creek or lake.

In reference to your books, what question do you get asked the most?

Where do you get your ideas from? Also, is the place in your book based on a real place? - yes, it is! 😊

If you could bring one of your characters to life who would it be? Why?

Well, there are a couple characters in my book that are based on real people, I just elaborated and changed names. 😉

What do you think makes a good story?

Anything that makes you want to turn the page. The key is not to write what you think people want, write what stirs your soul. The readers will come!