Interview With Author K.L. Penaluna
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi All! I grew up in Seattle, Washington. I married a Navy man, and we lived in Spain and Italy as well as Virginia Beach, Virginia while he was on active duty. We’ve also lived in the deserts of southern California and Tucson, Arizona. Now, I’m back home, living on an island about 25 miles northwest of Seattle. I’ve had people tell me, through the years, that I should write. But I never considered it seriously, until I found myself without much to do, living on an island. So here I am! I’ve always been a romantic at heart so it’s a natural fit for me to write about what I love–Romance!
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My debut novel is named: Forever Sheyanne: A Sweet YA Romance. I wrote it in fits and spurts over a period of about six years without having any knowledge of what I was doing! 🙂 After it was finished, I read about how to write fiction. Yes, that’s right, I did things backward! I let my intuition and life experience guide me rather than formal instruction. A couple of months before the book went live on Amazon in October, 2021, I commenced studying tons about the craft of writing. This time around, I’m already halfway through writing the first draft of the Sequel novel. Two friends of mine inspired me to write a romance book. Many moons ago, one friend mentioned I was always talking about romantic things so she said I should write about them. I poo-pooed the idea, at the time. But then a more recent friend of mine kept telling me I should write books. He spent a lot of time telling me about the Native American culture he was a part of, to which I felt a spiritual connection. Thus, I began imagining what our friendship would have been like if we’d met as kids in school. And the rest is history–\Forever Sheyanne was born!
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I do have what some may consider “unusual” writing habits! I write in the middle of the night, oftentimes. I use a combination of handwriting and typing. Instead of waiting until my first draft is finished, I self-edit as I go along. And I was a Pantser before I knew what that meant! 🙂 No outlines, no notes! It’s as though a movie unfolds in my mind of the characters’ words, thoughts, feelings, and actions and I write along. It feels like the characters are the ones writing the book, and I’m the conduit, getting it into print!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love inspirational writings such as The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz and most anything Iyanla Vanzant writes, among many others. I love inspirational quotes, too. Rumi is one of my favorites! I also love stories about animals, especially about horses, dogs, and cats. But all animal stories grab hold of my heart. I also love–you guessed it– Romances, especially Western Romances that are reasonably clean. There are too many authors, and many more to discover, to name here. One of my all-time favorite books is Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. I read it as a young teen, but I still remember how engrossed in the story I was that summer, way back then! 🙂
What are you working on now?
As mentioned above, I’m working on the Sequel to Forever Sheyanne. The working title is: Sheyanne Follows Her Heart (subject to change). I’ve nearly reached the midpoint of the story over the last couple plus months (quite the departure from the time it took me to write the debut novel). In the sequel, the heat and conflict are turned up as Sheyanne and Lanny are a couple of years older, now (in the eighteen-year-old range). And the length won’t be as long as in the first book.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I follow Dave Chesson, Geoff Affleck, and Dale Roberts to name a few. There are so many sources of excellent information out there. Look around with a discerning eye and ear in order to decide what’s a good fit for you.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Believe in yourself!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write from your heart!
What are you reading now?
Reading my first draft is keeping me busy. Every now and then I sneak in a light romance and animal stories. Also, I read inspirational newsletters and insights plus lots of current events.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Dunno yet. Last year, I wrote a romantic short story that I’d like to publish once the sequel novel is finished.
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?
A romance book that’s not over the top, a book about animals, an inspirational book, and a book of inspirational, love, and friendship quotes.
Author Websites and Profiles
K.L. Penaluna Website
K.L. Penaluna Amazon Profile
K.L. Penaluna’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account