Behind the Keyboard: An Interview with Katharine E. Wibell

Transcript

J. G. Gates:
Hello and welcome to the Behind the Keyboard segment of Authors Review Books. My name is J. G. Gates, and please help me welcome Katharine E. Wibell.

Katharine is a high fantasy author, artist, nerd, extrovert, and speaker. Her first series, The Incarn Saga, began in 2016 with Asara’s Claws. Soon three more books completed this fast-paced new adult shifter fantasy.

Currently, The Djed Chronicles, a Noblebrite YA portal fantasy series, will release its sixth book in 2026. She also creates hand-painted TTRPG miniatures based on her characters, along with accompanying game material.

So, Katharine, thank you so much for being with us to share your authorly insights today.

Katharine E. Wibell:
Thank you for having me here.

J. G. Gates:
Happy to have you. First of all, let’s dig into your writing process. Tell me about how you write.

Katharine E. Wibell:
That’s a big question! As far as process goes, I’m a morning writer, but I like to juggle multiple projects at once. In the mornings I focus on whatever new manuscript I’m writing—or sometimes editing—and in the afternoons I handle social media and publication tasks.

Having this kind of writing cycle, where I work on multiple projects at different stages and often from different series, allows me to release two or three books a year. I love high fantasy in all its forms, and being able to jump between mythic retellings and my YA portal fantasy keeps me energized. It helps me avoid burnout and writer’s block—at least so far!

J. G. Gates:
When you start a new project, how do you approach it? Are you a plotter, a pantser, or something in between?

Katharine E. Wibell:
I’m a plantser—I plant the seed and let it grow. I like to have at least a loose outline, often more detailed than that, but still flexible.

I always know the endgame when I start. I know my main characters, their personalities, and the basics of the world system. But if new characters or subplots emerge as I write, I let them. I don’t want to be so rigid that the story can’t breathe. I want the world to take its first breath and come alive.

J. G. Gates:
How long are your planning documents? Some writers have a few sentences; others have forty pages.

Katharine E. Wibell:
It really varies. For example, I’m finishing a Greek myth retelling right now. I have a loose timeline and scattered notes, but what I really use is what I call rolling notes.

Whatever chapter I’m working on is at the top, and below that are pages of notes—ideas, bits of dialogue, future scenes. As I go, I can drop those notes in chronologically where they belong. By the end, those rolling notes can be forty pages long! It keeps me from getting lost in the future while staying focused on the scene at hand.

J. G. Gates:
Do you keep those notes in the same document as your manuscript?

Katharine E. Wibell:
Usually, yes. But I also keep a separate style sheet—a reference for characters, physical details, personality notes, scars, wounds, place names, cityscapes, unique terminology. It’s easier to check that than scroll through a manuscript.

So I mainly use two key documents: the rolling notes and the style sheet.

J. G. Gates:
You’ve published quite a few books. How long have you been writing?

Katharine E. Wibell:
I’ve been storytelling my whole life. As a kid, I made up characters, backstories, and worlds with my sister. Some of those ideas—things I dreamed up at age eight or ten—became part of The Djed Chronicles.

I first wanted to write a book in high school, but I didn’t start with my “passion project.” Instead, I worked on another idea that became Asara’s Claws. I dabbled with it, took a break for college, and finally published it in 2016—about ten years after I first imagined it.

Since then, I’ve released nine novels and sixteen novellas, with special editions on the way soon.

J. G. Gates:
Where do your ideas come from now?

Katharine E. Wibell:
Everywhere. My brain just spins off stories. I’ve always loved myths and legends, so I split my writing into two main categories: myth-based retellings and original fantasy worlds.

Asara’s Claws came from a vivid dream. My multiverse grew out of my childhood play. One world came from a D&D character I played—I want to turn that into a D&D-style progression fantasy with Witcher vibes. Another story grew from a political intrigue challenge my husband gave me. Inspiration can truly come from anywhere, and that’s what I love.

J. G. Gates:
There’s a lot of talk about “writing to market.” How much does that influence your process?

Katharine E. Wibell:
A bit of both. My first series was 100% for me—I didn’t even know marketing was a thing. I published my first book, waited two years, and wondered why no one found it!

Now I still write what I’m passionate about, but I’m more aware of what readers are looking for. I think about how to describe my book, what tropes it fits, who my readers are, what the comparable titles are.

I don’t write formulaically, but I do think about marketing early so that I can connect my books with the right audience.

J. G. Gates:
You do a great job connecting with readers. What works best for you?

Katharine E. Wibell:
Start building your platform early. Pick one or two social media platforms and start talking about your process. It’s a free, organic way to reach readers worldwide.

In the last few years, I’ve also been attending conventions—fantasy cons and book events—sometimes as a vendor, panelist, or moderator. That face-to-face interaction is invaluable for building community and meeting readers.

J. G. Gates:
That’s something I need to do more of.

Katharine E. Wibell:
Come to Georgia! There are lots of great cons here, from Dragon Con with 85,000 people to smaller local events with just a few hundred. They’re all fun and worthwhile.

J. G. Gates:
What’s the worst piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Katharine E. Wibell:
Anything that starts with “This is the only way.” There’s no single right way to write, publish, or market a book. Learn as much as you can, test things, and find what works for you.

J. G. Gates:
That’s so true.

Katharine E. Wibell:
Exactly. What works for one author might flop for another. Your genre, timing, and goals all change the equation. Take advice, try it, and if it doesn’t work, move on.

J. G. Gates:
I like that. What about good advice—what’s something you’d tell new writers?

Katharine E. Wibell:
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Start your platform early. The writing community is incredibly supportive—especially indie authors. Ask questions, try things, and use the resources available. You’ll learn faster and grow stronger by collaborating, not isolating.

J. G. Gates:
The indie community really is amazing.

Katharine E. Wibell:
It is. So m...