Exclusive Interview with
Kayla Krantz
When did you start writing?
I started writing stories when I was a child. In elementary school, I liked to write books about traveling kitties who were always getting into mischief. My principal at the time loved them and encouraged me to keep writing.
What makes writing your passion?
Even when I get down about my writing, I can't bring myself to quit. There are stories inside of me that need to get out.
How long have you been writing?
I've been writing for as long as I can remember. Writing serious stuff though, it's been about ten years.
What was the feeling when you published your first book?
Unlike anything I'd ever felt before. So much excitement and relief. It was even better holding a physical copy of my book for the first time. It was like all those years of hardwork had finally paid off.
What’s the story behind your choice of characters?
In each of my stories, every cast of characters has their own reasoning behind them. For the first series that I wrote, Rituals of the Night, my characters are actually based on people I knew in high school with the exception of the villain. He is based on a person I've seen only in dreams.
What annoys you the most in pursuing a writing career?
The negativity around the term "self-published." With the world the way it is and technology on the rise, self-publishing is becoming a more popular route for new writers, but it still has a negative stigma.
How do you get over the “writer’s block”?
I distance myself from writing for a little bit. I'll listen to music or read. More often though I'll work on my art instead. I like to draw charcoal portraits, and I've found that's a great way to work on characters without actually writing. It allows me to bring them to life in a way.
We all know the writer’s path is never easy, what makes you keep going? What advice would you give to new authors?
I have wanted to be an author since I first learned to read. I'm determined to make something of myself, and that's what keeps me going. For new authors, I would tell them to get a tough skin. This isn't an easy business but everyone has a reason for writing their stories. Remember it.
If you could go back in time and talk to your younger self, what would you say?
I would tell myself to stop and enjoy the little things more. I always prided myself on being a serious teenager, but childhood only comes once.
Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with the bad ones?
Yes, I do.
I deal with the bad ones but considering the fact that not everyone likes the same things. Readers look for different things inside books, and unfortunately, they couldn't find it in my work.
What is the feeling when you get a good review?
Pure elation. It feels like confirmation that I'm doing something right. That I've had an impact on someone through the magic of storytelling.
Have you ever incorporated something that happened to you in real life into your novels?
Yes. As mentioned above, my Rituals series was based off of people I knew. As such, a few of the conversations and scenes have happened to me in reality.
Which of your characters you can compare yourself with? Did you base that character on you?
I don't think any of my characters are really like me, but they all carry certain aspects of me in their personalities.
What do you think, the book cover is as important as the story?
Yes. The book cover is the first thing that people see. Contrary to the popular saying, people DO judge books by their cover. Having one that they fall in love with is important because it says the most about your story before your story can get in a word.
Do you connect with your readers? Do you mind having a chat with them or you prefer to express yourself through your writing?
I like to chat with my readers whenever possible. It's fun to hear their thoughts on the story and why they did or didn't connect with certain characters.
How do you feel when people appreciate your work or recognize you in public?
I haven't been recognized in public yet, but it's a goal of mine. I think for that to happen would mean I've had a positive impact in someone's life, and that's pretty cool.
Who is your favorite author? Why?
Stephen King is my favorite. He's the one who got me interested in books and horror. I always found his characters to be real, and every book is so unique. I'd love to be so prolific.
What’s the dream? Whom would you like to be as big as?
I would love to be as big as Stephen King, but I'm realistic. I don't mind never becoming famous. I just want to have a steady following of readers who enjoy my work. That's success to me.
Would you rewrite any of your books? Why?
I've actually rewritten a few of my books to expand the plot. Sometimes, it's fun to celebrate the anniversary of a book's release by revisiting the characters and exploring angles I might not have the first time around.
If you could switch places with any author – who would that be?
What would you say to the “trolls” on the internet? We all know them – people who like to write awful reviews to books they’ve never read or didn’t like that much, just to annoy the author.
It's not cool that there are people who do that, but it is what it is.
What would you say to your readers?
I appreciate each and every one of my readers. Without them, I wouldn't be on this incredible journey doing something I love.
Share a bit about yourself – where do you live, are you married, do you have kids?
Currently, I live in Houston, Texas. I'm married with one son and a furbaby.
What is your day job if you have one?
I am a stay at home parent.
What are your hobbies? What do you do in your free time?
In my free time, I like to do a range of things. My favorites are baking, drawing, playing video games, and reading.
Did you have a happy childhood?
I'd rather not answer the question.
Is there a particular experience that made you start writing?
Do you have unpublished books? What are they about?
I have plenty of unpublished manuscripts that I hope will see the light of day in the near future. A lot of them deal with the struggle of morality and life or death situations.
What do you think should be improved in the education of our children? What do we lack?
If you were allowed 3 wishes – what would they be?
What is your favorite music?
I like pretty much all music. My tastes range from rap to metal to pop and just about everything in between.
Share a secret with us 🙂