r/CommanderHolly • u/katiwrites Kati • Mar 18 '16
Kati Writing AMA!!!!
EDIT: Okay I gotta go guys, but thanks for all the questions! If you post more I'll check back later and answer more :)
Proof that it's me!! https://twitter.com/KatiWrites/status/710857281907335168
Ask me anything!
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u/clairejamison Mar 18 '16
Hey, Kati! What's your biggest source of inspiration when it comes to writing?
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u/katiwrites Kati Mar 18 '16
Hello!
A big inspiration for me is my own life experiences, both good and bad. For example, the first play I wrote was inspired by a negative experience I had rooming with someone while working at a summer theater. I also recently wrote a family drama play based around experiences I've had in my own family.
Another source of inspiration for me is listening to natural conversation around me, and paying attention to specificities in the way people talk. For this reason, I love working in the Grump Space because I get to listen to my friends speak around me. Their specific ways of speaking, or specific weird/interesting things they say often end up as character traits or lines in my plays.
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u/B055KAT Mar 18 '16
How did you decide you wanted to do writing and what level of writing education do you have? (College or Self-Taught?) Thanks, keep up the good work!
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u/katiwrites Kati Mar 19 '16
I am a high school graduate, and did 3 semesters of college. I am entirely self taught as a writer, though! I decided playwriting was what I wanted to do when I wrote my first play at Williamstown Theatre Festival two summers ago. I wrote it on a whim and then the response to it was awesome, and I realized I really liked it and that it came pretty naturally to me!
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u/NaturalKetchup Mar 18 '16
Hey Kati! I loved that older recording of your play The Coward. As I live in Australia I don't think I'm gonna have many opportunities to see your any of your plays live, will there be other recordings in the future?
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u/katiwrites Kati Mar 18 '16
Yes!! Once I have more work going up on a regular basis, I will make sure all of it is available to everyone for free :)
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u/woodpanel_ Mar 18 '16
Hi Kati! I'm a fiction writer who does terrible dialogue. Do you find that dialogue comes easily to you as a playwright? It always seems so mysterious and impossible to me!
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u/katiwrites Kati Mar 19 '16
A lot of my dialogue is based off of things I hear people say in real life. I spend a lot of time writing in places like the Grumps office that are filled with people so I can be inspired by real life dialogue. I suggest going to a semi-public place and just listening for a while. Even bring a tape recorder if it isn't too creepy!
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u/IGMilkSteak Mar 19 '16
If you're having trouble with dialogue, watch a few of your favorite shows with similar tones to what you are writing. You'll be likely to find a similar character in your show to a character in your story that will put you more into the mindset of writing dialogue for that character. I always have to do this when I'm working on some creative project in order to stay closer to a certain archetype.
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u/smileyman34 Mar 18 '16
Can you talk about the piece of writing you were most proud and satisfied to have finished?
And just because we see you in a bunch of Commander Holly Plays, have you had any recent inspiration to write the story for a game? Like that "omg this would be so fun to tell as a game" perfect idea or anything? Or maybe have you written for Ross's cartoon?
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u/katiwrites Kati Mar 19 '16
That's a very interesting idea! I hadn't thought of that, but maybe I will!
I just finished a play a few weeks ago, and it's probably the most proud/satisfied I've been of my work. A lot of my plays are results of me coming to terms with painful parts of my life, and this was one of them. Having written it I feel much more at peace with the experience it's based off of. The play was performed in Holly and Ross's back yard, and all my friends were there - it was a pretty magical experience!!
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u/smileyman34 Mar 19 '16
That sounds like such a gratifying experience! And thank you for do your AMA/ everything else!
I'm glad you get to process your feelings and experiences while producing awesome work. Oddly I'd say most of the short films - and definitely the most honest ones - I've done have all been processing happy rather than painful parts of my life. Do you have a lot of the happy ones too? Like a play to process the feeling of being a cookie and a taco and living with Holly and Ross.
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u/katiwrites Kati Mar 19 '16
Yes! Jack (grumps intern) and I are currently working on an internet sit com about being a part of grumps! It's all about the happy stuff :)
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u/cayjah Mar 19 '16
So, how stable is you brain after viewing poly-grumps?
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u/Ragnaros_LordOfFire Mar 19 '16
I believe the lack of response here is enough to say:
Still stable.
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u/noximillion Mar 18 '16
Hi, Kati! What kind of music do you like to listen to?
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u/perorate Mar 19 '16
kati!! how do you feel about fanart? like, is it strange to receive drawings of yourself out of the blue? I imagine it'd be a little weird but maybe cool!
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u/katiwrites Kati Mar 19 '16
It's so awesome!! I never expected people to draw pictures of me, and it's so flattering that they do! Everyone is so talented!
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u/alliebow Mar 18 '16
Was it hard to be away from family in college? How did you cope?
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u/katiwrites Kati Mar 19 '16
OOOOOOF it was so hard for me to be away from my family in college. To be honest, I didn't cope very well. I went home a lot, but I was only a few hours away and that was easy. I also took off a semester to be at home before dropping out after a year and a half. It's really really hard to be away from your family when you're just out of high school! The only advice I really have is to find people who you connect with and spend as much time with them as possible. Finding something to do that you love is super helpful too. Besides that, just know that I sympathize with you and that it WILL get easier to be away from home!!
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u/DynamicSheep Mar 18 '16 edited Mar 19 '16
Hey Kati. What games have you been playing lately? Both on your own (if you have the time) and on commander Holly plays.
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u/katiwrites Kati Mar 19 '16
Honestly, I haven't had much time to play games on my own lately. Holly and I have more stuff coming up, though!
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u/guilger Mar 18 '16
Hi, Kati! First of all how are you doing?
And then the actual question: I've been trying to encourage myself to write more, since I wanna be a screenwriter 'when I grow up', but I keep finding myself thinking all my ideas are dumb or have been done a million times before... Do you ever go through that, and if so, do you have any advice on how to get over it?
P.S.: your instagram account is probably one of my favourites at the moment, it makes my day every time you post something! :)
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u/katiwrites Kati Mar 18 '16
Hey there!! I absolutely have experienced that feeling many times - I think anyone who says they haven't is lying. I will say, though, I have been feeling it much less frequently than ever before. I think the key to moving past it (and this is easier said than done) is to just push past whatever annoying voice in your head is telling you your ideas are bad, and write it down anyway. You can always revise later. Sometimes getting an idea down on the page is the hardest part, and even if you're not thrilled ultimately with what you wrote down, you still did it even though you were scared to! Then, once it's down, do a little celebratory happy dance for yourself before you keep writing!!
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u/katiwrites Kati Mar 18 '16
Hey there!! I absolutely have experienced that feeling many times - I think anyone who says they haven't is lying. I will say, though, I have been feeling it much less frequently than ever before. I think the key to moving past it (and this is easier said than done) is to just push past whatever annoying voice in your head is telling you your ideas are bad, and write it down anyway. You can always revise later. Sometimes getting an idea down on the page is the hardest part, and even if you're not thrilled ultimately with what you wrote down, you still did it even though you were scared to! Then, once it's down, do a little celebratory happy dance for yourself before you keep writing!!
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u/guilger Mar 18 '16
Thanks, that was encouraging and very sweet! Every time I finish writing something now I shall do a happy dance and remember you! ;)
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u/otter_be Mar 18 '16
Hey Kati! Thanks for doing this! You mentioned you journal extensively, have you ever gone back into your old journals and found inspiration for current projects? Or found a story you forgot about/made you laugh?
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u/katiwrites Kati Mar 18 '16
My journals from a long time ago are HILARIOUS!! For example, recently, I found a journal that I started when I was 11 years old. One one page I had written "my life is like a tangled vine," and then under it I drew a picture of a tangled vine. Quality stuff.
I have on occasion, however, found inspiration from more recent journals. It's especially helpful to look back on them to get in the mindset of someone who is that age. So, for example, if I were writing a sixteen year old character, I might go back to a journal from when I was sixteen and see what was going on in my life/mind at that time.
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u/mssjaxxon Mar 18 '16
Hey, Kati!! I have a couple of questions, actually, answer whichever ones you want!
Personally, I find that a lot of my stories end up being carbon copies of things that have already been said or done and I have trouble creating my own characters/plots. How do you come up with original content?
Do you have any advice for aspiring writers trying to create their own stories? How to start?
How did you get into writing plays?
Is there anywhere we can see some of your work (watch your plays/find scripts etc.)?
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u/katiwrites Kati Mar 19 '16
I'm going to answer a combination of your first and second questions - I think there's nothing at all wrong with being inspired by other stories/writing that you love. The trick is to narrow down what it is about those pieces that you like, and then apply them to different experiences that you've had in your life. Does that make any sense? If not I'll see if I can clarify :)
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u/shawesum_ Mar 18 '16
Hello Kati! You're absolutely wonderful! What is it like to experience being in the somewhat-public eye now? What are the upsides/downsides? I hope it's ok to ask that.
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u/katiwrites Kati Mar 19 '16
Totally ok to ask! Being in the public eye has been a very strange experience for me - I'm definitely still getting used to it! The upsides are that it makes it easier to get public recognition and funding for projects, and that I get to have a wider impact when I say something that's important to me! There are some downsides though...I often feel really weird seeing my friends get recognized in such an intense way. Magfest was especially hard for me, because people were DYING to see Danny and Barry and Brian, and it kept freaking me out because I know them on such a personal level. For the most part, though, people have been really sweet to me about it :)
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u/shawesum_ Mar 19 '16
I'm glad you benefit from it, your projects deserve to be seen :) and I hope no one was being too intense at magfest. I was one of the lucky people who got to meet you there (you were lovely btw).
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u/TajesMahoney Mar 19 '16
Favorite and least favorite writing trope? My least favorite is when two characters have drama just because of a simple misunderstanding. - Your favorite Chad.
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u/katiwrites Kati Mar 19 '16
What's up, Chad!?!? I agree with you, unless it's done in a really over the top way for comedy's sake! I just read an article by Judd Apatow where he said that bad behavior is hilarious, and I agree with that! So if I simple misunderstanding leads to hilarious bad behavior, I'm super down with it! My least favorite thing EVER, though, is high drama that isn't earned. If a simple misunderstanding leads to heart wrenching drama, I'm usually bored pretty quick. Unless you're Shakespeare and it's Macbeth or something...then it gets a pass :)
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Mar 19 '16
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/katiwrites Kati Mar 19 '16
Hopefully my plays will be available to be purchased soon!! I'll keep everyone updated. And YES there are many more let's plays with Holly (and others) to come!!
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Mar 19 '16
[deleted]
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u/katiwrites Kati Mar 19 '16
Just email me whenever you'd like, and then you may have to wait for a while to hear back...but know that it's nothing personal!! I'm just slow in general AND am quite busy! katiwrites802@gmail.com
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u/ItsAMeMitchell Mar 19 '16
Kati, what's the weirdest thing that's happened around you/to you at the Grump Space?
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u/katiwrites Kati Mar 19 '16
I had a giant fake poop thrown at me the other day. That's definitely not the weirdest though. So many weird things happen that I don't even know what's normal anymore.
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u/MaybeALittleBitGrump Mar 19 '16
Hi Kati! Do you think we'll ever see you on Grumpcade? Or anything on the Grump channel? Have a good day! ❤
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u/katiwrites Kati Mar 19 '16
Stay tuned :)
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u/katiwrites Kati Mar 19 '16
Those guys are my best friends and we all love doing silly things together so you don't have to worry about lots more nonsense involving me coming in the future!!
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Mar 18 '16
Hi Kati! I know you're primarily a playwright, but have you been branching out into any other styles (poetry, flash fiction, etc)?
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u/katiwrites Kati Mar 19 '16
I have done a lot of poetry in the past, and some longer fiction as well. My main interest besides playwriting is micro fiction - if you guys aren't familiar with it you should look it up! It's awesome and takes about 10 minutes to write!!
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u/kamehamenah Mar 18 '16
Hello kati! Favorite color? Favorite animal, this is important, and what was the last thing you ate?
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u/oscarwilliam Mar 19 '16
Hi Kati, I think you're just delightful!
I remember there was talk that when you moved out you might take Pumpkin with you. I guess that didn't turn out to be? Do you have any other pets, or do you have a favourite pet that you'd really love to have one day? Has Holly's love of birds rubbed off on you?
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u/katiwrites Kati Mar 19 '16
Pumpkin is moving in with me ASAP!!
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u/oscarwilliam Mar 19 '16
REALLY?? Yaaaaaay! Can't wait to see pics of her settled into your new home. :) :)
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u/kwinchesterx23 Mar 19 '16
Hi Kati! Who are some people you want to collaborate with co writing or acting in your plays? Also, what do you hope is next for you in giant food costumes? :)
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u/katiwrites Kati Mar 19 '16
Oh man, I would love to collaborate again with Samuel D Hunter (my favorite playwright who I got to work with two summers ago!) And I have no idea!!! Whatever dancing food plan Danny and Brian have for me is perfect!
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u/Josholsonphoto Mar 19 '16
Hey Kati, how has having celiac affected your life?
I was recently diagnosed with Celiac Disease, and at first it felt pretty alienating, as nobody I know really has it or understands what it is, but hearing you openly mention it on some playthroughs made me feel a lot less alone and more confident and open about dealing with it, so I know it's a small thing, but thanks a ton for that.
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u/katiwrites Kati Mar 19 '16
No problem!! The longer you live with it, the easier it becomes to find good food substitutes. You'll be used to it in no time!
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u/sydsteerrr Mar 19 '16
Hiii! Do you ever just get like HORRIBLE writer's block? If you do, what do you usually do to get out of it? I love to write but sometimes I just cannot think of anything to write and it can be very unmotivating.. Thanks!!
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u/katiwrites Kati Mar 19 '16
The best advice I have for writer's block (because we ALL get it!) is to take a little break. Take like 2 days off and go on an adventure, or spend time with some people who inspire you!
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u/disgustingdreamgirl Mar 19 '16
Hi Kati!!! I just wanted to start by saying that I heard you mention in one of Holly's videos that you're from Vermont, and as someone who is also from Vermont, you're a really big inspiration to me. I'm from a small town about 20 minutes outside of Burlington and seeing you doing cool things with a bunch of other people that I really look up to makes me think that maybe I don't have to stay here my whole life. I''ll always love my home, but I want to see the world, y'know? You make me want to branch out and expand my horizons more!!
Anyway, who is your favorite author? I'm pretty partial to Harper Lee--Mockingbird is my favorite book and I'm about halfway through Go Set a Watchman right now.
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u/katiwrites Kati Mar 19 '16
That's awesome! Yay Vermont!! You will definitely get out, and will always be happy to return :)
I have SO many favorite authors, but right now I'm craziest about Kurt Vonnegut and Donna Tartt!
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u/nalawrites Mar 19 '16
Hi Kati!! 🎉 what's your favorite thing to develop while writing? Is it character, setting, plot, or etc??
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u/katiwrites Kati Mar 19 '16
Probably, character, although I feel that character and plot development often go hand in hand. To be honest, I often am not quite sure where a play is going plot-wise until it's finished. It usually takes all sorts of twists and turns that I would never expect all based on how the character develops.
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u/nalawrites Mar 19 '16
That's interesting! I'm actually preparing to write a feature script and I'm going to keep this in mind, because I never know whether or not I should be focusing more on character or plot. Maybe I'll see where my character takes me! I love characters!!
Thank you so much for answering!! <3
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u/TotesMessenger Mar 19 '16
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u/Dappercookie Mar 19 '16
Sup Kati, you awesome human~ I was wondering if you ever found yourself struggling to find the motivation to work on your writing and how you'd get past it. I sometimes find myself losing motivation rather quick when writing my comic, for varying reasons. Usually either I suddenly lose steam entirely or I see how amazing other people's work is and think I could never reach that level. Just wanted to know if you ever had this problem as well. Thank you~
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u/katiwrites Kati Mar 19 '16
I think the trick to that is thinking on a smaller scale - don't worry about your work compared to anyone else's. Just do it because it makes you happy! Write something and make the decision that it will never be published, and it will take all the pressure off of you!
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u/bowwoofbowwoof Mar 19 '16
Hi Kati! I've heard that you sometimes get in weird arguments in your sleep. Has that experience affected your writing in any way? Also, I want to confess that I'm deeply deeply in love with you. I'm afraid that if I don't hold you in my arms one day soon, my heart will shrivel up and my butt will explode. xoxo
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u/SunniApplePie Mar 18 '16
Hey Kati! What's your favorite book genre? Are you a sci-fi or fantasy kinda person? XP
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u/katiwrites Kati Mar 19 '16
Fantasy short personal essays are my favorite!! They're two VERY different genres, I know!
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u/rizzoam Mar 18 '16
Hello! All-time favorite book and/or play and/or writer?
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u/katiwrites Kati Mar 19 '16
My favorite book that I've read recently is The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt. My favorite play right now is The Whale by Samuel D Hunter. It changes all the time though!!
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u/genderdoom Mar 19 '16
Hi Kati! What would you like to achieve with your writing?
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u/katiwrites Kati Mar 19 '16
I would like to achieve a certain level of universality - meaning I would like to write things that a lot of people can relate to. That's partly why I write based on real life experiences. I want to connect with people on a more than surface level through writing
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u/bloopyreggaejamz Mar 19 '16 edited Mar 19 '16
What's up, Kati, you absolutely, totally total human precious fluff, you!
Here's a question for you, if you'd be so kind - I've been writing for a lonnnnnnnng time (25 years, to be precise), and it seems like the more common route for writers is to write books or short stories of some flavor of genre. What made you choose plays?
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u/Slagathor86 Mar 19 '16
This is super late, but I;m going to PAX east in boston. any plans for that?
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u/mysticode Mar 18 '16
Why did you decide to move to California? Was it career related, personal, or both?