Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi! Let’s see… A little info about myself. Well, I’m an avid book reader (as most writers tend to be), and I love all things fantasy and romance. I’ve written a number of books, some of them I plan on publishing, and others that will stay in the drawer forever. I have a husband who is insanely supportive, and I surround myself with fur babies that both keep me sane and drive me crazy. Anyone with animals should understand that struggle, I think. 😀 Aside from that, I’m a photographer and foodie.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Marked By A Bite is a book I started just for a fun project. It was never supposed to have eyes on it besides mine. However, when the characters started to expand and grow, and the world began to stretch, I knew I had a little series on my hands. A couple of people read and enjoyed it, and I thought “What the heck? I’ll throw it out there and see how it does.” My primary goal is to write books that I want to read. If I’m not having fun, then I can’t expect the reader to have fun either.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I always have to have some noise in my house. This goes for when I’m writing as well. A lot of times I’ll put on a nature documentary or an old movie I’ve seen a thousand times. That way I don’t really have to pay attention to what’s on screen, but I don’t have this numbing silence either. Weird, I know.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Oh man! First and foremost, I am a fan of other people who do this job. Writing a book can be SO hard! That being said, my favorite authors right now are Sarah J. Maas, Holly Black, and Amanda Bouchet. If you enjoy fantasy, you should give their novels a try. They’re super romantic, and the heroines in their stories are BAD ASS!
What are you working on now?
Right now I am finishing up book two in The Rogue Hybrid series. The book will be titled Marked By A Royal and will answer a lot of questions readers were left asking in book one. It also introduces a new heroine (who may just be one of my favorite pov’s to write from right now.)
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Hmmm… When it comes to promotions, I use bookbub ads because I find them easier to navigate than amazon or facebooks ad systems. Also, just supporting other authors by leaving a nice review on Amazon if you enjoyed their book is beyond helpful.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advice is to just keep pushing yourself forward. Writing is a journey. It’s worth reminding yourself why you do it. For me, I have to step back and remember that I am in love with the craft. Otherwise, when I push myself to deadlines, it can become just a job. Also, take it one page at a time.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Get over being a perfectionist. This doesn’t excuse bad writing or a lack of editing, but at some point, you just have to let your story be what it is. If I didn’t follow this advice, I would never publish anything.
What are you reading now?
A Promise of Fire by Amanda Bouchet
What’s next for you as a writer?
I have two series planned out right now and I hope to continue self-publishing on amazon for as long as I can. I’m a bit addicted.
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?
Why are you torturing me this way? This is so hard!! Hmmm… Probably the ACOTAR series by Sarah J. Maas
Author Websites and Profiles
K.J. Padgett Website
K.J. Padgett Amazon Profile