Kathryn's writings - what makes it tick?

Author's note:  This interview is a work of fiction.  The words and views attributed to Kathryn, are solely the imagination of the author and may, or may not, coincide with her personal views.  The words in red, were added by Kathryn when this 'interview' was sent to her for her perusal and so, represents her view . 

A large number of members are interested to know what makes Kathryn's writings so popular. The author decided to interview her and find the answer from the horse's mouth. 

Kathryn was seated in her favorite sofa, poised to be interviewed, with her black cat Mao, on her lap.  The other cat, Cheddar, was dozing, as usual, on the adjacent sofa. 

Subroto:  The members of Gather are interested to know what makes your writings so popular.  Some members even suggested that it is not important what Kathryn writes, because whatever she writes is very well-received and read.  What is the magic in your writing that makes this possible?   

Kathryn:Llaughs)  There is no magic involved in this!  I just communicate with everyone through my writings, as you would chat with your friend.  You would discuss your daily problems, advise your friend how to avoid his problems, criticize the government's failures and so on.  They see in my writings a 'good Samaritan' who is sharing their woes and happiness and so they read it and relate with it.  It is that simple. 

Subroto:  I feel your explanation is too simple.  There are many members who do the same, but the responses to their writings are much less compared to yours.  Is it possible that in your writings there is an element of openness and sincerity, which makes everyone believe you are a part of their family? It is this relationship which attracts them to read and respond to your writings. 

Kathryn : Possibly, yes.  They see in me a person who can be trusted and, in whom, they can confide.  But really, Subroto, you give me way too much credit. Thank you, but way, way too much credit. Maybe I just have a large network. 
 

Subroto : Your repertoire of topics cover a very wide range, from personal experiences, fiction, serious topical issues, to intimate adult themes.  How do you sustain the reader's interest? 

Kathryn : Well!  People love variety.  The color black stands out, when contrasted against white and vice versa.  You know how dull this world would be, if there was only one color.  The multiplicity of contrasting colors makes this world so beautiful. 

Subroto:  Very true!  Does it mean that if I want to create a 'sparkling' photograph of myself, I have to contrast it with a nude one? 

Kathryn :  Subroto! You are preposterous and too clever for your own good. But very witty! You made me smile! And I think the readers, too!  

Subroto :  You have also been writing poetry of the modern, non-rhyming variety.  You had once said that Emily Dickinson is one of your favorite poets.  She was known for her excellent rhyming of words, which made her poetry a real pleasure to read.  Modern poetry is known for its obscurity, unconventional use of metaphors and discontinuous narrative juxtaposition.  How do you reconcile the two styles?  

Kathryn :  I have many favorite poets. Each style has its own place and every style has its own connoisseurs, who can appreciate its finer points.  I find the modern variety more convenient to write, and only because, from an early age, I was reticent to put my words in proper poetic form, preferring to leave them in some sort of free verse. I really am not a poet. I really do not write actual poetry. Prose poetry, yes. But I am not really a poet. It is just a matter of choice.  The two styles can't be compared.  Free verse offers a wide range of choice and opportunity for the poet, whereas metered rhyme offers freedom within tradition. An excellent poet is superb, no matter the form chosen.  

Subroto:  If you were asked to choose one topic for your novel, what will it be? 

Kathryn : Hmmm...! Let me think.  Actually all topics are close to my heart, but I would probably choose 'Romance'.  Yes, I had always wanted to write a novel on this subject. But of course, I am writing more than one book-length manuscript. A memoir or two, perhaps, another novel or three, a collection or two of stories. 

Subroto :  It is said that to be a successful writer in 'Romance', one has to have a rich experience in being 'in love'.  What is your experience? 

I am always in love, with many things and many people. My husband, my family, my friends.  

Kathryn :  Not necessarily!  Just like you are 'interviewing' me in your imagination, I can write a 'Romance' story from my imagination, as well.  Can't I? 

Subroto :  Oops!  You've caught me and so will the readers!  But, honestly, how can you express the depths of the passions in 'Romance', without having experienced it yourself? 

Kathryn :  Who said I've not experienced those feelings myself?  I have experienced them in the past and I am experiencing them now.  It all depends how you tune yourself. 

Mao, the cat, indicated that the time of the interview is up, with a loud,  Mee..aow..!  Cheddar gave his approval, by raising his eyelids halfway from the position of slumber. And so, Cheddar took his pretty-boy 17-pound self and mozied over to the food bowl, to join his brother, who was lapping up water as noisily as a rather large dog, say, a Basset Hound. 

Subroto :  Thank you, Kathryn, it was a pleasure meeting you. 

Kathryn:   You're welcome!!