Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve been writing off and on for years, but became serious about writing after I finally finished an entire manuscript (which shall never see the light of day). I am a YA fantasy author, and an avid reader of that genre! I’ve published two books in my series, The Hurricane Chronicles.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My most recent book is Intruder – and it follows our main character Reka as she works to discover what happened to Khan after the cliffhanger of the first book, Storyteller. Along the way, she must work to convince Khan’s cantankerous older brother, Yuriel, to join in their quest.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write everywhere, and I plot out my books with colored post it notes on my bedroom wall. I keep everything on Google Drive, which means that I can, and have, written in Airbnbs, coffee shops, while road tripping, at parks… basically any chance I get, I’m probably writing!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
C. S Lewis was the first fantasy author I read. Lately, I’ve really enjoyed Sarah J Maas, Marissa Meyer, Sabaa Tahir, Grace Draven and Brigid Kemmerer.
What are you working on now?
Currently I’m revising and editing the third book in my series. It’s called Healer, and focuses on mending the broken bridges between the two brothers, Nakhan and Yuriel. I hope to have it ready for publication by January 2021.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
So far we’ve seen the most success on Facebook, Reddit and Instagram. I believe that having a lot of enthusiasm for your own books helps sales – if you’re excited about it, others will be too!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
WRITE, WRITE, WRITE. Then take a break, and do something else. You have to live to inspire your writing. Also, read a lot, not always in the genre that you want to write in. Good writing is inspirational, and will push you to become even better!
What are you reading now?
Right now, I’m working my way through the An Ember in the Ashes series, by Sabaa Tahir. I’m in awe of her worldbuilding, and the way that she draws you into the world despite the slower pace of the book. There’s so much there that you have to really slow down and chew your way through the books, and that’s a great compliment. I love the fresh take on Roman culture, and I can tell there’s so much more to be discovered in this story!
What’s next for you as a writer?
I want to write a couple of standalone fantasies, as well as finish up the Hurricane Chronicles. I’m also working on a contemporary romance series, which would hopefully be available in a couple of years.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Hmm, good question. I’d bring A Court of Mist and Fury as my happy, guilty pleasure read. Then I’d bring Lord of the Rings, because it’s so long, I’d have reading material forever, even with how quickly I read. Then I’d bring two books I haven’t read yet, ideally a Hades/Persephone retelling and something else (maybe pirate based? Enemies to Lovers?) and I’d cross my fingers that they’d be great books!
Author Websites and Profiles
J.L. Kodanko Website
J.L. Kodanko Amazon Profile
J.L. Kodanko’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile