1) First, I want to thank you for taking the time to do this interview with me! When did you know that writing is what you were called to do? What is it about being a writer that you love the most? What about being a writer frustrates you the most?
A) I began writing as far back as middle school, making up stories for my friends. But it wasn’t until later in life, I got the notion I could actually do it. I wrote my first novel about 15 years ago but its first publication was 4 years after. What I love most about writing is surprising people with a good plot twist, and being unpredictable and entertaining at the same time. The most frustrating thing as an author, for me, is the absence of reviews. Reviews push authors to the top as well as offer feedback for us to grow, evolve, and be better in our craft.
2) Can you tell us a little about your book(s) and where our readers can find out more about them and you?
I would say my books belong in any one genre, I guess they’d be considered Urban Contemporary Fiction. Readers will be surprised by the storylines. There’s drama, romance, and even a little mystery between the pages. All my works, their synopsis, photos, and character descriptions can be found on my website KaylynnHunt.com. I’m also available on FB Author Kaylynn Hunt
3) Where do you draw your inspiration from for the stories that you manage to weave together and the characters that you create?
Most of my characters build themselves into the stories. I have also taken pieces of personalities from people I’ve met in my life along the way. As for my stories, I don’t know where some of those notions come from. Usually, a seed gets planted and it grows on its own as the words pour on the page.
4) Do you have a schedule for when you write? Do you outline your novels? How long does it generally take you to finish a novel? What projects are you currently working on?
I don’t have a schedule. Oh, how I wish I did at this time. When I’m inspired, I sit down letting the words flow as they see fit. I’m not much of an “official” outliner but I will jot down ideas as to the direction I want the story to go, scenes I think should be included, and keep track of characters and timeline things they get themselves into. I have two projects currently in the works. One is a crime drama titled, Splitting Souls about a detective in search of a serial killer. The second, Killer Love, is about a serial killer and his love interest.
5) What’s the first book you ever read that really moved you emotionally? Who is your favorite author to read? What book are you currently reading?
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings was the first book I read in its entirety and fueled my love of reading. I don’t know if I could narrow my favorites down to one author. I of course love the veterans, Eric Jerome Dickey, Terry McMillian, and Toni Morrison ( just to name a few). As of late my frequented indie authors include Octavia Grant, Alexandria House, and Joan Vassar (again just a few). My current read: I Want to Be Your Lover by Marlon McCaulsky.
6) What has been your most significant achievement as a writer thus far? Where do you see yourself within your career in the next five years?
Having published more than 14 pieces of work is significant within itself to me. Beit a mixture of Drama, Erotica, Romance, urban, and even Paranormal.
7) How have you dealt with rejection within your writing career? What is your advice for other writers to better be able to cope or navigate their way through the publishing process, be it traditional or self-publishing?
I haven’t tried to go the traditional route, and I can’t say I’ve necessarily experienced any direct rejection. But when my sales don’t soar as I’d expect (wished) they would it does sting a bit. But I love writing, I love seeing where the stories go, I won’t stop, I can’t.
So, I’d say don’t give up. Hone your craft, listen to your gut. Don’t be discouraged but encouraged.
8) Do you find it hard to juggle the creative side of being a writer against the business side of being a writer, in terms of marketing and promotion and things of that nature? How hard has it been (or easy) for you to build up your author platform?
I wouldn’t necessarily say it’s hard to juggle. It’s hard to focus at times. Marketing and promotions are not my strong suit, I lack the discipline it takes to truly market as I should. But my author platform is not hard. I just put myself out there but by far my platform would be nothing without the help and support of friends, family, and my Extraordinary book club, EyeCu Reading and Social Network, and its founder, Ebony Evans.
9) What unique quality is there about you, about your art, that you feel represents your authenticity? How does writing help you to be more empowered in your purpose?
I believe most if not all of my stories bring a unique look to most situations, my authenticity can be seen between the pages with acceptance of alternative lifestyles, unique situations, and life lessons without overbearing judgments. Writing helps me to present alternative thinking, and unique and unbelievable situations to the world they may have never been exposed to. I would hope in some way readers rethink or re-evaluate how they may see things or at least give thought to what reaction they’d have.
10) How can readers find you and your books?
All my books are available on Amazon, Kindle, paperback, and Unlimited. My website KaylynnHunt.com
Queenie's BookTalk and Reviews 