Around the Globe with KERUL KASSEL

[Stephen Brayton]

So as another snowy week comes to an end, I jump in my transporter, pick this week's author, Kerul Kassel and we're off to a great meeting spot she picked out. Welcome to the Canopy Tower in Panama, outside Panama city, where we're sipping tropical fruit juice and observing the birds and wildlife buzzing outside the open windows at tree canopy level at 6:30a.m. Check out where we're at- http://www.canopytower.com


1. Who is Kerul Kassel and what makes you the most fascinating person in your city?
Kerul is a procrastivity expert who knows the difference between good and bad procrastination. She's fascinating because she combines incisive intelligence, mild attractiveness, moderate ambition, and a fierce drive to learn and understand why people do the things they do.

2. Without revealing a deep dark secret (unless you want to), what one thing would people be surprised to learn about you?
I have a (rather private) tattoo and smoke the occasional cigarette.

3. What interested you to be become a writer rather than something else such as becoming Shakespearean actor?
Like so much in my life, I'm an accidental writer (similar to how I became an accidental horse owner, an accidental publicly elected official, and an accidental owner of homes in three states). Maybe incidental would be a better word. Anyway, I wrote to help people understand why they do the things they do, and to create visibility and credibility for my business coaching niche.

4. Writers are readers. With which author(s) would you enjoy sharing dinner? Why?
The first person to come to mind would be, Carl Hiaasen, because he's so funny, writes a great story, and he shares my green sentiments. I'd also love to have shared repast with Kurt Vonnegut (so creative and critically minded), Shakespeare (do you know how much of the English language that man coined?), and Ann Rice (just for curiosity).

5. If I were stranded on a deserted island (or suffering a four hour layover at the airport), why would your book(s) be great company?
They have some humor, some seriousness, a generous helping of grounded practicality, and a large dollop of compassion.

6. Share the Kassel process of writing in regards to: idea and character development, story outline, research (do you Google, visit places/people or make it up on the spot?), writing schedule, editing, and number of rewrites.
I don't write fiction - I'm too linear and literal for that, at least at this point in my life. Generally, I edit as I write - when I get stuck I go back and edit and then proceed again when I get to the spot where I'd been stuck. I don't re-write a lot, but then I'm not writing fiction. When writing, I set a schedule and then stick to it (mostly :-))

7. “I think I have a good idea for a story, but I don’t know where or how to begin. Your process may not work for me. Any advice?”
Join a writing club and get lots of good ideas from other writers.

8. I saw an amusing T-shirt the other day which read ‘Every great idea I have gets me in trouble.” What is your philosophy of life?
"Visualize whirled peas."

9. Please tell me you’re not going to stop writing? What’s next for you?
I'm currently working on a doctoral dissertation (yes, really). After that's done, all bets are off.

10. Where can people find more information on you and your projects?
www.Procrastivity.com