Welcome readers, I’m glad you could stop by. This month’s guest blog I interviewed Kori, an independently published author and freelance editor. Before we introduce our guest, let me share a brief story about how we came to know each other as friends. We met at the Strawberry festival at my church. We talked about stories, faith, and creative arts. Even since then, we would hang out. As time went on, we stayed connected through social media and messages to each other. It is nice to have a friend who understands that creativity and faith matters. Now, let’s welcome her.
Can you tell us about yourself?
Kori: “I'm Kori Frazier Morgan, and I've been writing professionally for more than fifteen years. I hold a Master of Fine Arts degree in fiction writing from West Virginia University and have done many different kinds of writing, such as creating content for educational companies, working in marketing as a copywriter, and teaching college writing courses. I have written two books, my novel in short stories The Goodbye-Love Generation and my poetry chapbook, Bone China Girls, and my work has appeared in many publications, including Shenandoah, Switchback, SN Review, Blanket Sea, Rubbertop Review, Forge, and more. I also am the founder of Inkling Creative Strategies, an author services business that helps writers reach their full creative potential so they can impact and inspire readers. I live near Akron, Ohio with my husband, our dog and two cats.”
Yes, I remembered meeting your furry cat friends and Gus the beagle. In fact, when you mentioned Gus, I recalled we talked about The Faults in our Stars, and reading it last summer, I finally understood why you named him after the main character. That’s cool you do a variety of work with your writing, and also publish several short fictions. What inspired you to be a writer?
Kori: “I'm good at it and I enjoy it. I like being able to tell stories people will find entertaining, thought-provoking or enjoyable, or provide information that might help them in their lives.”
Same here. Some writers like to write fantasy, historical fiction, sci-fi, and contemporary fiction. The list goes on. They are all different ways of entertaining us as readers, but as a writer, what genre do you like writing the most and least genre?
Kori: “I like writing historical fiction because I enjoy the research and blending real events with things I make up. I would previously have said that nonfiction was the genre I least enjoyed, but I have reached a point where I am much more comfortable writing about myself and my life.”
Yes, writing historical fiction can be fun. (Depending on what time area. LOL) I’ve never dabbled in writing nonfiction myself. It seems less difficult to write compared to fiction. But I can see it can be a challenge to write about certain topics. Since you like helping people with their craft and storytelling, can you tell us why you want to become a professional editor?
Kori: “I like being able to help writers with their work by providing ways to execute their vision for their projects. It is about more than just making sure all the grammar and punctuation are right. Really, it's about making sure you have shared what you want people to experience with the clearest and best language possible.”
That’s great because some writers, like myself, aren’t great at editing. And yes, I agree. Once the editor understands what kind of story the author is trying to portray; they help them not change the story itself, but it makes it better. You share your experience in working fields, coaching, editing, marketing, etc. Why did you start a freelance business?
Kori: “I was inspired to start Inkling during the pandemic when I joined a writing community and saw how many people were in need of encouragement and resources. We are in a very difficult time in history with all of the social and political challenges we face, along with getting past the events and effects of COVID. I think writers have a chance to impact the conversation by telling the stories that are important to them and I think I am in a position to help.”
Yes, yes, I agree. I think what you are doing is wonderful. Share with us a little about the Inking Creative Strategies?
Kori: “I offer numerous resources and services to help writers with projects they're working on, whether they are brand new to writing or have been doing it for some time. Clients can get help with editing, developing their book, writing a short story or essay, or even typesetting for manuscripts. If there is something you need help with that isn't mentioned here or on my website, there's a good chance I can help. I also offer freebies. You can download my free Ultimate Writing Project Workbook or schedule a free consultation on Zoom.”
You guys, I encourage you to check out Inking Creative Strategies. From my experience working with her; she has done a phenomenal job editing my debut novel, A Forever Summer. Her feedback and inputs are incredibly helpful. I’ll definitely use her again. Before I close in, I have one last question to ask. What books do you recommend a newbie writer to learn from?
Kori: “I would recommend anything by Anne Lamott, John Dufresne, and Annie Dillard. All of them have great wisdom to offer about writing and creating.”
Thank you Kori for joining me and sharing your writing/editing journey with us.
Kori Morgan has published two books, The Goodbye-Love Generation and Bone China Girls, and they are both available on Amazon. Both are heavily on based on true events and topics about society and justice, and so forth. Also take a minute to check out her freelance website http://www.inklingcreative.work/ or follow her on Facebook @Inkling Creative Strategies and Instagram @inklingcreativestrategies.
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