S.C. Flynn

This series of interviews with science fiction and fantasy bloggers, podcasters, editors and youtubers turns 50 today. I have been very pleased to have the chance to get the insights of so many interesting people. Thanks to all my guests and to all the readers who have followed the series so far.

For the fiftieth interview, I’ll be talking to Kaitlin from Kitty G on Youtube.

SCy-Fy: How do you prepare for a show, Kaitlin?

KG: Well, I don’t exactly consider my channel to be a ‘show’ per se; I think of it more as a hobby and a lot of fun with some wonderful people who support me.

Whenever I film a video I don’t often tend to plan it out, I like to just turn on the camera whenever I feel like it and go for it.

The only real ‘shows’ that I do would be my Cover Chat series which I started a while back. With those videos I do have to do a fair bit of research and note-taking before I film so that I know I’m making a video I will be very proud of.

SCy-Fy: What are your future initiatives?

KG: In terms of future videos I have a lot of fun ideas I want to start trying, such as new recommendation videos – as I get a ton of requests for these – in all sorts of genres. I just posted my first of these.

I would also love to try out more creative and edit-heavy videos with more cool cuts and effects, but that’s more of a long-term – if I get a better camera and software – goal!

SCy-Fy: What do you think will be the major challenges for online presentation in future?

KG: I’d say staying safe is one of the biggest problems for online creators of all types. I think I’m a very conscious person when I film and whenever I mention places I live I never give specifics, but I know people who do more intimate videos such as vloggers do face more worries over personal security, etc.

I think as the internet and Youtube grows this will become even more of a concern and especially with young creators – I wish that they would be taught more about the dangers of Youtube and internet in school, as I have no doubt that this would be a big help.

SCy-Fy: What advice would you give anyone presenting?

KG: I’m not sure if I’d consider myself qualified to give advice on presenting, I know that whenever I present myself in videos I just try to be myself, there’s no persona or internet personality.

However, I would say that I do tend to ensure I moderate my language and make it appropriate to all ages, as I know anyone can find and watch my videos and I don’t want to unintentionally offend or upset anyone if I know I can stop it.

SCy-Fy: Just between us – your secret list of useful resources?

KG: Useful resources, hmm, I would have to say I use Goodreads a LOT and I’m rather obsessed with it but I don’t tend to use it for finding recommendations. I think the best resource for finding recommendations is certainly my subscribers and my friends who I have made through Youtube as they’re all like best friends to me now.

I also love checking out the Fantasy Faction website though and I would highly recommend that to anyone who is very into Fantasy specifically! It’s UK-based but its articles cover almost everything in fantasy!

SCy-Fy: Points to watch out for?

KG: I wouldn’t say there’s a lot to watch out for other than the obvious: be safe, be kind, and definitely make sure you’re doing it for yourself, not to get rich!

Also, sometimes you’ll get people who disagree with you either in a polite or nasty way and you have to be prepared for the inevitable and respond either very politely or just ignore it. Never let anyone else’s words hurt you enough to give up on your passion!

SCy-Fy: Things that have kept you going in hard times?

KG: I think that’s obvious, doing Youtube and having my friends there. They’re the best medicine and the best support system in the world and as long as they’re around I’ll want to keep making videos.

SCy-Fy: Any controversy so far?

KG: I’ve actually been very lucky with my channel in that I haven’t yet had much controversy. I don’t often do very intimate videos, I tend to like more informative and fun videos such as hauls or reviews which often spark discussion but not of a controversial nature.

SCy-Fy: Your personal favourites out of your videos?

KG: I think two of my most asked questions are: “When is Cover Chat coming back?” and: “Can you recommend me some books?” so I think certainly Cover Chat and my new Recommendation videos are my favourite.

Cover Chat is by far the one that the most work goes into, but it’s rewarding to see people enjoying it and discussing the various artworks and styles in different countries and their opinions of them.

SCy-Fy: What have been the best books you have read recently?

KG: I am always reading wonderful books but some of those authors I’ve enjoyed a lot recently include Gail Carriger, Miles Cameron, Brent Weeks, Michael J. Sullivan and Chris Wooding. All of their series I’m currently working my way through and enjoying each immensely!

SCy-Fy: Which forthcoming releases are you most looking forward to reading?

KG: The Skull Throne by Peter V. Brett. I have been waiting SO LONG for that book and it’s out on the 31^st so I cannot wait to go out, buy my copy, read it, love it, and then hopefully go and meet Brett when he’s in my town later in April!

SCy-Fy: Anything to add?

KG: Thanks for interviewing me!! It’s a real honour to be asked and this has been a lot of fun!

SCy-Fy: Yes, it has – thank you, Kaitlin!