Interview With Author K.E. Blair
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have been an avid reader of fantasy books all my life, and have been writing them for the last 10 years. The Hidden Crown is my debut novel, and the first in a planned trilogy!
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Hidden Crown is a re-telling of the Robin Hood fairytale from a female POV. It's influenced by all the types of fantasy I love to read – those with fae, hidden powers, backstory twists and characters with high potential that need to find the desire within themselves to change. Like all good stories, it started one day by wondering "what if…?" and took the story in an entirely new direction.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I'm a mood writer, so I love to sit down with a warm cup of coffee or tea on a rainy day and make myself cozy to write. I suppose that's not unusual for a fantasy writer!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I grew up devouring Tamora Pierce books about the land of Tortall, so her style of writing heavily influenced me! I also loved Crown Duel by Sherwood Smith and The Blue Sword by Robin McKinley. Traces of all those earlier writers can be found in how I structure my female main characters.
What are you working on now?
I'm working through the sequel to The Hidden Crown, expected to come out early 2024!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Since The Hidden Crown is my first novel, I'm treating it like a pilot to test all different sorts of strategies! I have a background in marketing and data reporting, so I hope that will help me understand the results of the different campaigns.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Stick with it! I'm a huge fan of NaNoWriMo to keep the momentum going in November.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Not advice exactly, but the old adage that "I've been working on this book for 10 years…." To me, this means it's never too late! You could write a book in a month or take 10 years – they are both worth taking the time to edit and share with others if it's a process you enjoy.
What are you reading now?
I am deep into my #witchlit season as fall is ramping up. I just finished The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna, which was delightful.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I mentioned I've been writing fantasy for 10 years, and I have so many projects in the works. I'll have to decide which one to focus on, and then start the revising process all over again.Wul
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?
I think I hinted at this earlier, but… The Immortals series by Tamora Pierce, A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas, and The Crown Duel by Sherwood Smith.
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