1. Tell us about yourself and your most current project/s?
I’m a writer and event producer who believes fun is where all good art begins. My latest project is the DARK FACTORY immersive trilogy, in print and online at darkfactory.club
2. Where did the inspiration/idea come for this project?
I always see the characters first in anything I write, so the blazing heart and swagger of Ari Regon is what ignited DARK FACTORY - and then the others appeared, Felix the intense DJ, Max the visionary, Bunny the upsetter. And the project’s immersive structure, its three novels - DARK FACTORY, DARK PARK, DARK MATTER - and online narrative, where readers can learn more about the characters, listen to beats, see art, contribute their own creativity, all of that highlights and enhances the story’s vibe of a dark and joyous party at the end of time.
And I loved being able to let that story, the whole story, take as much space as it needed. Tricia Reeks at Meerkat Press was always my creative partner in whatever would help the story expand - Tricia’s fearless and she never said “maybe we shouldn’t,” it was always “Let’s do it!” And that energy is how we brought this whole universe to life.
3. What does the writing process look like for you?
As much research beforehand as a project might need - some take more, some less - then work at my desk, in the mornings, every day.
4. How do you handle writer’s block?
Go back to where the fun stopped, and start again from there.
5. How do you feed your creativity when feeling drained?
The world is a cornucopia so I deliberately feast - music, design, events, writing, whatever is happening at the time, whatever is beautiful enough to last for decades, whatever sparks me up again.
6. What advice would you give writers who feel stuck or uninspired?
Don’t waste time being unhappy, realize you’re human, let yourself drift or run or whatever you need to do to feel mentally freer and at ease. Then find the fun again.
7. Have you ever thought about giving up writing? If so, what pulled you back?
Never. It’s what I am.
8. How do you keep your voice or ideas fresh over time?
Being alive means being engaged, and creative freshness comes from that - being curious, following tangents, giving myself to whatever is calling me and seeing where it leads. I’m working on my 23rd book now, SHEBANG, and so far I’ve visited goats, shot a compound bow, and learned how methane powers motorbikes. Fun :)
9. What do you wish more people understood about the creative process?
That makers need to be paid. It’s not magic, it’s people working to make art happen.
10. What is the most honest thing you’ve ever written - and did it scare you?
What a good question! I wish I had an answer beyond no, my work never scares me. I’m here to go as deep as I can possibly go.
Where can my audience find you and your work?
darkfactory.club for the party
kathekoja.com for the details.
New cover reveal for SHEBANG by Kathe Koja
https://meerkatpress.com/cover-reveal-shebang-by-kathe-koja/