Hello there! I’m Kaitlin, and writing stories is my passion.
I know you love writing too, and I believe you have an amazing story that needs to be shared with the world. Which is kind of why I’m here…
I help new and growing authors develop the skills they need to write spectacular stories that readers and publishers will adore.
I also want to make learning how to write a novel fit seamlessly into busy lifestyles so that learning and writing become a way of living. In 2017, I plan to introduce writing courses to Ink and Quills in addition to my articles and e-books to make this vision a reality.
Why I Started Ink and Quills
I created Ink and Quills so that writers like you wouldn’t have to struggle when it came to learning how to write a novel.
When I started my first novel as a teen in 2005, there weren’t as many resources available to authors then as there are now. Many of the writing websites I have grown to love didn’t even exist yet. There were no fiction classes available in my area, and I couldn’t afford to go somewhere like New York City to take a 3 month course on how to write a novel. Online courses were also limited, not to mention out of my price range.
I struggled along, figuring out everything for myself as I went and making every mistake there is. Finally, I discovered the world of craft books and it was a game-changer for me. These books on writing fiction became my teachers—and I read as many as I could get my hands on. I spent years studying the advice and techniques in these books and putting them into practice in my own writing.
It took me years of trial, error, and hard work to build the knowledge and skills I have today. Still, the memory of the frustration I had felt as a new author trying to figure out how to write a novel always stuck with me. I didn’t want other writers to have the same experience.
I thought, “There has to be a better way!” So I decided to make one.
I created Ink and Quills so I could share my hard-earned knowledge with you to make your path to publication easier. I want to provide you with the resources and help I wish I’d had starting out. I want your learning experience to be enjoyable, not a struggle. I want to give you a short-cut to learning the skills it took me years to learn. And perhaps most importantly, I don’t want you to go through this journey alone.
That’s why I’m here, and that is my wish for you, friend. That’s my story, and now I have a question to ask you: will you let me be a part of yours?
A Little More About Me…
>>I’ve been writing novels since I was 14, and though I mostly write Young Adult fantasy, sometimes I write historical fiction as well. I self-published my first novella, These Savage Bones, in 2016 and intend to query literary agents to represent my full-length novel, Hood, in 2017.
>>I have an Interdisciplinary Liberal Studies degree in Creative Writing and History.
>>I’m a huge nerd when it comes to anything related to history or fantasy. (Which are somewhat contradictory interests, but hey, that’s how I roll).
>>I have an obsession with learning and a curious mind that’s interested in way too many things. (Netflix documentaries for the win!)
>>I love to travel, and so far I’ve been lucky enough to visit Ireland, Scotland, and England.
>>I’ve always had a love/knack for teaching, and I spent 4 years as an Education major before switching degrees at the last minute when I realized I wanted to teach fiction writing, not middle school English. (Yes, my parents thought I was crazy and so did I, but it all worked out!)
>>I own an African Pygmy hedgehog named Camilla, and the name ‘Ink and Quills’ was originally created as a bit of a play on words.
Meet Camilla
Why yes, I do have a ball of spikes for a pet. And in case you haven’t noticed, she’s a sexy model. (Draw me like one of your French girls, Jack).
Camilla is my co-writer and editorial assistant (although we’re still working on her typing skills). She was also the inspiration behind the name Ink and Quills. She’s an African Pygmy hedgehog, and her pet peeve is being confused with a porcupine (yes, she is full-grown, and no, her quills will not stick in your hand).
In her spare time she enjoys crunching on kitty kibble, running on her wheel, and napping. And don’t let the quills fool you–she’s a fabulous snuggler 😉
I am so happy to have found your blog!! Teaching yourself French and a hedgehog for a pet!! LOL You sound amazing!! So happy to be following!! 🙂
Aww thank you so much!! It makes me so happy that you like my blog, thank you so much for following 😀
Wow, I’m freaking happy that I landed on your blog. xD
This is seriously awsome, I was checking out a few posts and they are really, really helpful. Hope to see more helpful posts in the future as well. 🙂
Thank you, I’m so so glad you like my blog and find it helpful! That’s the whole reason I created it 🙂 You seriously made my day ^.^
Hi Kaitlin! I love your blog!!!! I’m currently writing a YA novel and have been wondering where to find a fresh pair of eyes that appreciates the genre as much as I do – my search stops here! I’d love to get in touch with you when I’m a bit further along in the process… Fun fact: I was homeschooled my entire life (minus college, of course), LOVE hedgehogs and horseback riding, and have been dying to learn archery (i.e., we’re actually long lost sisters)! 🙂
Thanks so much, I’m so glad you found my blog and it’s useful to you!!! I love connecting with others who love/write YA 😀 Woo we’re basically twins! haha 😉 Archery is fantastic! It’s challenging and relaxing at the same time…sort of like yoga, except more violent lol. And the best part is you don’t need lessons, you can teach yourself! I’d highly recommend a Genesis compound bow, it’s what I have and it’s a great beginner’s bow 🙂 I look forward to talking with you more!
As homeschoolers, we’re really good at teaching ourselves things! Thanks for the tip – I’ll definitely look into the Genesis compound. And when I have more of my story written, I’ll get in touch! Have a great weekend:)
This is very true! And sounds great, you have a lovely weekend as well! 🙂
This is probably the most helpful writer’s blog I’ve come across; I’m just commenting to say thanks for posting all the writing tips. (I’ll definitely keep the writing in male POV in mind.)
I also loved your dystopian music playlist! Do you have one in mind for fantasy?
Thanks so much, it makes me so happy to hear that you enjoy my blog ^.^ And I’m excited you like the dystopian playlist! I don’t have a fantasy playlist at the moment, but I may make one in the future! 😀
Just found your website today, and I’m completely in love! 😀 I’m currently attempting to write a story, however I seem to be having writer’s block. You provide so many helpful tips on writing! I already have ideas on how to improve my writing from just reading a couple of your posts. <3 Looking forward to more of posts!
Yay!!! I’m so glad my posts have been helpful for you! Writer’s block can be frustrating but if you keep working at it you’ll break through 😉 Best of luck with your story & thanks for reading my blog!
Hi Kaitlin,
Nice finding, your site. Your Guides are juicy (I Pinned a couple of them), the Secret-Archives quite helpful, your posts organization appealing and easy to navigate. Nice job, keep writing!
P.S.: How’s your novel coming up?
Your Story Binding sounds custom fit for me! One quick question before I purchase. Is this for a digital binder or an actual hold-in-my-hands notebook binder? So much of my research, story notes, “casting call” files are here on my laptop and glory, what a MESS. Every time I’m drowning in these unorganized swamps I call book notes, I swear I’ll never write another book until I find a way to ORGANIZE them. But I’m not sure I could do it all on paper, if that makes sense?
Your website is the first writer’s advice haven where all the advice has really clicked for me. All your advice has been very helpful! Thank you for all your hard work!
Aww Kate thank you so much! I’m so excited to hear that! I really try hard to explain things in a simple way that makes sense 🙂 Thank you so much for supporting and reading my blog!
Hi, I wanted to tell you that I love your blog. 🙂 Thanks for sharing the tips. However, could share some more tips about short stories> I think I’m probably the only one here who wants to become a short-story writer. Thanks! 🙂
Thanks Ratika! I’ll have to look at planning some future posts on short story tips 😉
You have a lot of great information on your blog! Does Camilla have any cute hedgehog clothes? I bet she is a “sharp” dresser. (I couldn’t resist.) Thanks for having such a good resource here.
I just discovered your blog and spent almost two hours on the articles. They are really helpful and gave me lot of encouragement to pursue writing. Thank you for writing this awesome blog 🙂
WOAH….Yeesh. You’ve done things people dream abt doing girl!!
Nice going btw…I love ur site. It IS extremelyyy helpful. Keep up the good work ^ _^
Just found your blog. Thank you so much for sharing your passion for writing with us. I spent the whole afternoon perusing the posts and love all of your information.
Thank you so much for all of these useful tips! I’m in college, and I can never find time to write anymore (except for school). Do you have any advice on how to squeeze in enough creative writing time to possibly finish at least a short novel during the school year (planning, etc.)?
Hi Linseigh! I totally feel you on that, I hardly ever had time to write while I was in college! First, definitely try to get the most out of your holiday and summer breaks. As for while school is in session, it gets trickier. Try to set aside 30min-1hr each day to plan, write, or edit depending on which phase of the process you’re in (this might mean sacrificing time spent online, with friends, or watching TV). It may not seem like much but the key here is accumulation over a period of time–it’s all going to add up! If weekdays are out of the question, try setting aside a larger chunk of time on the weekends either by getting up earlier or staying up later. It’s definitely going to take some discipline and commitment to fit writing into your lifestyle, but if it’s something you really want to do it’s not impossible. Hope that helps and good luck!!
You are a life saver! I would love to read your first YA fantasy, too. I’m always looking for more writing material!!! Do you mind sharing the title?
Hi Kate! I actually never published my first YA fantasy because it was such a mess 😉 I decided to move on to other projects, and I’m going to be publishing a novella on October 25th called THESE SAVAGE BONES. It’s actually historical fiction instead of fantasy (I write in both genres), but if you’re interested I’d love for you to read it!