An Interview with Kaat Vrancken

Kaat Vrancken has been publishing books—both fiction and nonfiction—for the better part of two decades, but 30,000 Words by Charlie is her first book (and the first published one that we know of) to put its titular character through a NaNo-like challenge!

We sat down with Ms. Vrancken (virtually) for a few words about the new book, and her work as an author.

Can you talk a little about your experience with NaNoWriMo?

Since 2007, I've been teaching creative writing for adults at an art school in Belgium. One of my students told me about NaNoWriMo, and that she participated every year. I was curious and read all about it on the website. But—to be honest—I didn't believe that one could write quality fiction in one month. The next year I asked myself, "Why don't you try it with your students?" We did it. And beautiful stories came out. It was a miracle.

What was the process like for 30,000 Words by Charlie? Did you write it in 30 days?

I am the kind of writer who spends a lot of time working out the outline of a story. I think about the structure, the plot, the characters… It takes me months! 

For 30,000 Words by Charlie, I had a basic idea but I could not start the writing process before I found a special structure. (I did not want to write a diary; it seemed too ordinary.) In that period I remembered NaNoWriMo. Perhaps my protagonist (16 years old) could participate in a writing marathon at school? My character, Charlie, was not so enthusiastic about the idea of writing 1,000 words per day, but all her friends did it. She followed. And I had found my structure.

Indeed, last year I wrote 1,000 words per day in the month of July. After 31 days, the first draft of my manuscript was finished. Yay! In August I had to rewrite and rewrite and rewrite. And at last, in May 2011, I had a manuscript of 30,000 words!

Do you consider your books to be universal, or culturally Belgian/Dutch? How are you involved in translation?

I write about emotions and therefore my stories are universal—certainly not Belgian/Dutch, and neither are they European.

When a foreign publisher buys the copyright to one of my books, they choose the translator. I am not really involved, but each time I look forward to the result.

What is it like to work with an illustrator? What do you look for in an illustrator?

I have had only pleasant and interesting experiences with illustrators. They have taught me how they look at a story. The moment my manuscript is ready, he or she starts to illustrate. But my words and sentences can always be changed if the illustrator has a better idea. I always listen to their opinions, and I never interfere with their creative process.

My publisher proposes an illustrator, and if I like his work, and trust him, I encourage him and let him do his job.

How have your interests as a writer changed since your  first Hannah book was published in 1995? How has your  writing process changed?

I've changed, yes. The more books I write, the more I realize that writing is difficult. It really does feel like that. And because I teach creative writing, I want to write good books. My students are always there to judge me!

The advantage of ten years writing experience? If I now have writer's block, I know it will pass. In the past, I panicked.