Never Too Old For Y.A. & N.A. Books discussion

Today we welcome Indie author Kristy Brown to the group for an interview!


Did you always know you wanted to be a writer or did you want to be something else?
I actually wanted to be an actress! I trained at various performing arts schools. I gained an honors degree in contemporary arts. After doing a bit of theatre and going for many auditions, my passion for it all faded. I met my husband and we had our first child. I started writing when he was a baby. I’ve always written poetry and short stories.
How long does it take you to write a book from start to finish?
The first “Kiera’s Quest-Awakenings,” took a few years. I was new to it all and I was also bringing up a baby. Book two “Sacrifices,” took a year. Book three “Perceptions,” was a lot quicker at around seven months.
How do you come up with themes for your stories?
Well, book one simply came about when I was staring at my niece’s doll’s house one day! The rest of the plots followed on easily. The next book I write, after Kiera’s Quest four, will be based around a dream I had!
Do you have a schedule of when you write?
Yes, when my kids are at school! I need total silence.
How are you able to balance other aspects of your life with your writing?
When my boys were younger, it was a matter of grabbing time whilst they slept etc. Nowadays I work when the urge takes me.
What elements do you think make a great story line?
Great, relatable characters, plot twists, colourful worlds and laughter.
What was the hardest thing about writing a book?
Getting it out there to the readers. There are so many talented writers to compete with.
How many books have you written so far? Do you have a favorite?
I’m on book four, the last in the series. Not sure I have a favourite, they are all so different.
Do you have a favorite character?
I do love writing the Witch Queen’s parts. She is so twisted! I also pour a lot of me into Daz. He is very dry in his sense of humour.
Where do you write?
Normally at my kitchen table.
When deciding on how to publish, what directed you to the route you took?
I tried normal publishing houses, but kept getting the same rejections. Most had been returned unread. It can be very upsetting. So I looked into e-book publishers and found a great company in “Muse It Up.”
Have you gotten feedback from family about your book(s)? What do they think?
They love them. I have never seen my dad so enthusiastic about a story! My husband is always the first to read them; he is great and very honest!
What kinds of things do you like to do outside of writing?
I love spending time with my kids. Reading. I like the cinema. I am blessed with fantastic friends.
What kinds of advice would you give to someone who wants to start writing?
Go for it! If you have a story inside you, write it. If you believe in it, someone else will.
What is your favorite book? favorite author? Do you have an author that inspired/inspires you to write?
There are so many! I guess as a child Roald Dahl was a firm favourite. The book that touched me recently would be The Hunger Games.
Do you have any go to people when writing a book that help you with your story lines as well as editing, beta reading and such?
I never ask for help with story lines, as I need to feel that it’s my work. But my hubby and editors at “Muse” are my go to people.
Are you working on anything now?
Yes, I’m writing the last book in the Kiera’s Quest series. I feel a little sad that Kiera and her friends are coming to an end, but I have so many more stories to tell.

wonderful Interview! thank you!

Great interview. I read Kritsy's first book a while ago for review. It was good and original.

What was the hardest thing about writing a book?
Getting it out there to the readers. There are so many talented writers to compete with.

I totally agree with this answer! Finding the readers seems to be the hardest task.

I very much enjoyed meeting you, Kristy, and loved your answers. All the best of luck to you. :)

Dee

Dee wrote: "What was the hardest thing about writing a book?
Getting it out there to the readers. There are so many talented writers to compete with.

I totally agree with this answer! Finding the readers seem..."

Seconded!

Great interview!!

Thanks everyone, great meeting you too.xx