What
made you decide to be an author?
That’s
actually an interesting story. I’ve always enjoyed writing and have since I was
a teen. I was the editor for our high school literary magazine, so I’ve always
loved the written word. As an adult I strayed away from writing until a little
over 15 years ago. I had an employee,
who was equally creative, and I was telling him about wanting to write a book.
I mentioned a book I wanted to get from Barnes and Noble entitled The
Weekend Novelist that I thought
might help me. The next day he brought in a B&N gift card and implored me
to get that book and write that novel.
The rest, as they say, is history. My first novel was published in 2007
and dedicated to Chuck, my employee.
What
do you like best about being a writer? What do you like the least? I love the
way being a writer changes my view of the world. Everywhere I travel, everyone
I meet, news stories, anything I’m exposed to becomes potential novel fodder.
So watch out. LOL You may become a
character or somewhere we’ve traveled together may be used in a scene or the
entire setting for a book. The part I
like least about writing is editing. UGH! It is a necessary evil, but
definitely not one of my favorite things to suffer through.
How
do you think your life experiences have prepared you for writing? As I
mentioned above, all that I’ve come into contact I use. I view the world
through a writer’s eyes and that makes life so much more interesting. I’m also
a fan of “write what you know”. I think that adds authenticity to any written
work.
Have
you ever felt as if you were being dictated to while you wrote a book--as if
the words came of their own accord? If yes, which book did that happen with?
That’s an interesting question. I don’t think I’ve quite experienced what you
describe, but I have had sudden inspirations that will take the book in a
different direction from where I planned. My characters have occasionally
hijacked the bus and driven the story in direction I hadn’t planned. That’s
always a delightful surprise.
You've
written 13 published works, some novels, novellas, and short stories, and are working on a 14th novel. It will be a
historical adventure set during the Civil War. I’m very excited about this new
venture.
What
ís your favorite time management tip? I think all writers should set a word
count per day. Whether you are working on a new project or between projects
writing every day is a must. If you set that goal, however big or small, it
gives you a sense of accomplishment.
Are
you a plotter or a pantser, i.e., do you outline your books ahead of time or
are you an ìorganicî
writer? I’m a plotter. I usually write a few sentence outline by chapter to get
me started. But that doesn’t mean I always follow it. Many times things change
and I find that thrilling.
If
you had one take away piece of advice for authors, what would it be? Keep
writing. Don’t ever give up. The reason you write should be to make you and
your readers happy, not to make money. Oh sure, keep the dream alive for that
big publishing contract if that’s what you want, but don’t be discouraged if it
doesn’t happen right away. Write for the
love of writing and always work to improve your craft. To me those are the
earmarks of a successful writer.
Did
music help you find your muse with this book? If yes, which song did you find
yourself going back to over and over again as you wrote? I’m probably a weirdo,
but I never listen to music when I write. I find it too much of a distraction.
Tell
me more about The Guardians of Spirit Rock Series. This is a series about The
Gray Brothers. Four Native American Brothers, connected to their own spirit
animal work to protect their town from evil. The first book is Secrets of a
Wolf. Here’s the blurb.
Blurb
A tragic event ruins Daphne Valentine’s career as a K-9 cop and
department veterinarian in Seattle. Devastated, she escapes to Spirit Rock,
South Dakota, to start over as the vet for an animal wildlife rescue park. When
she arrives, nothing goes quite as planned—especially when she meets her new
boss for the first time and she’s almost stark naked. Not the greatest first
impression…or is it?
A confirmed bachelor, Cameron Gray is shocked at his instant
attraction to his new employee. He soon learns she carries quite a bit of extra
baggage, but even so, his desire to possess the sexy vet ignites him with a
need he and his wolf can’t ignore. But all is not what it seems…. What exactly
drove Daphne to leave her successful career and move to Seattle?
When dangerous poachers bring the two together in the line of
duty, Daphne discovers Cameron’s secret, forcing her to question every decision
she’s made since arriving in Spirit Rock. Will the tender new love they’ve
found be enough to hold them together or drive them apart forever?
Join the Gray brothers in Spirit Rock, South Dakota. Gifted with
the power to shift into their own unique spirit animal, they have been bestowed
with the enormous responsibility of watching over their ancestral canyon. Their
strength and conviction will be tested…as will the depth and breadth of their
heart and soul.
Where
can readers find more about your stories, books and you on the Internet?
Website:
www.kellyabell.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/kellyabellbooks
Kelly, thank you so much for being with us here today. I know my readers will enjoy
your work and your interview.
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