Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a UK-based Fantasy writer. My first book was published in 2013, and I now have 8 books and counting.
They are all Fantasy, with one series aimed at adults, and two at young adults. Most of my stories are Urban Fantasy, but I do have one series of High Fantasy, too.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My newest book is the long-awaited sequel of Winter Trials (Northern Witch #1).
Awaken (Northern Witch #2) follows Mark, as he tries to negotiate school, magic, and a new boyfriend who just so happens to be possessed by a demon.
The original story was inspired by a collaboration with some other YA authors (Echoes of Winter), where we had to provide a winter-themed short story. I decided early on that I would write what I know – a mix of Christmas and witches in Yorkshire!
Awaken continues the tradition of embracing a story set in our fantastic countryside, with emphasis on family, friends, and a little bit of magic!
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I do have a habit of staring into space, while I try and work out the best order to put words in. Which is almost as embarrassing as when my partner caught me making faces, as certain dialogues played in my head.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
As a kid, some of my favourite books were the Narnia Chronicles and Silver Brumby Stories. They cemented my love for Fantasy, and not necessarily having to have humans in charge.
Later on, I loved Teresa Tomlinson’s books, which give a great twist on history, taking something you think you know, and making it fresh and new.
And of course, JK Rowling – need I say any more.
What are you working on now?
After finishing Awaken, I am taking at least a month off from writing, to catch up with everything else I have neglected.
After that, I will be working on a Witch-Hunter prequel (Sophie’s story); and will start planning the next Northern Witch book.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I would say that you want to establish a newsletter, so the people that really want to hear from you are the first to find out about deals or news on your books. I’ve previously used both Mailchimp and Mailerlite, and they both do a great job.
The best website would be Goodreads. It is still the place for authors, readers, bloggers etc to log what they are reading.
I am a reviewer, as well as an author; and as a reviewer – if a book/author is not on Goodreads, I do jump to the assumption that they are not professional.
Goodreads is free to join, and is an invaluable part of your author platform. Join it.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Join writing groups.
Other authors are some of the nicest people you will ever meet. In this industry, it’s lovely that authors see each other as colleagues – not competition.
They are always willing to chat and offer advice, share what has and hasn’t worked for them.
If you join a writing group, you are sure to find people that have had the same problems you have, whether it’s to do with writing, editing, marketing, cover design etc.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Life would be dull if it were easy.
What are you reading now?
I am currently reader Wilmar Luna’s ‘The Silver Ninja’. I’ve really been looking forward to this, after following the writers journey over the years.
I’d definitely recommend it for anyone who like a book that promotes superheroes and strong female characters.
What’s next for you as a writer?
As I said before, I’m off for a break from writing and a recharge. But I will still be attending a couple of events this year.
The next one will be the Morley Lit Fest in September, which is always a lot of fun!
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?
Only 3 or 4 books?
3 or 4 bookshelves, please.
Author Websites and Profiles
K.S. Marsden Website
K.S. Marsden Amazon Profile
K.S. Marsden Author Profile on Smashwords
K.S. Marsden’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account