Interview With Author Kady Hinojosa
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born and raised in California, and have always loved creative writing. However, I took a logic track in college and studied Computer Science. I met my husband, Jose (an Army Aviator), in Washington DC while on active duty in the Navy. After many years of travel, we now live in the Texas Hill Country near kids and grandkids.
The bulk of my career was spent working as a Business Analyst/Quality Assurance expert for financial, and other, websites. After retiring, I returned to my love of writing and wove my IT experience into my first novels – #HuntedLives, #JusticePrevails, and the soon-to-be-released #DanceFever – the Mali Hooper Thriller trilogy.
I enjoy exploring topics that concern me, and writing about them in a way that, hopefully, captures the readers’ attention in an entertaining manner.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
#DanceFever, which comes out in early September 2022, is the explosive conclusion of the Mali Hooper Thriller trilogy. DanceFever is one of the street names for fentanyl. This book centers on that, specifically candy that is spiked with fentanyl.
With drugs freely flowing into the country from our southern border, the opioid crisis is at an all-time high. Most of the fentanyl that comes in from our border is in pill form, fake oxycodone pills for ex. But spiked candy is a rising trend, and so dangerous. Fentanyl is cheap to make and incredibly potent (the equivalent of 4 grains of salt can kill an adult!). I have school-age grandkids so, of course, this is a huge concern for me. I wanted to highlight it in my book.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t know about unusual, but I do write an outline first so I know what direction to take. That being said, the outline morphs as I write and as the characters and story reveal themselves to me.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love Janet Evanovich. Her books are amazing! Nora Roberts/JD Robb and David Archer are two others I enjoy. I also read Lee Child. I have to say that a new series of books I’m reading, at the encouragement of my 11yr old grandson, are the Warriors series by Erin Hunter. It’s a YA series but so well-written. This author can describe a scene like no other, I feel like I’m in the books when I read them.
What are you working on now?
My focus right now is publishing #DanceFever (and all that entails). I’m also looking into making the trilogy available on audio. As far as a new book is concerned, I’m exploring a few ideas related to corruption but no outline has been written yet.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I publish on Amazon so I promote my book there. I also promote them on my various social media accounts. The best means of promotion, however, is with great websites and newsletters like Awesome Gang. I don’t have the reach on my own yet and count on promotion sites to help.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write, write, write. Sometimes the most difficult part is getting started. That little negative voice in our head can discourage us from writing, saying we’re not good enough, no one will buy it, etc. Ignore that and start writing. The other advice is to read, read, read, especially in your genre. One of the best ways to learn the art of writing is to study how others have done it.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Never say never, and never give up.
What are you reading now?
The Noah Wolf series by David Archer
The Warrior series by Erin Hunter
What’s next for you as a writer?
I have a number of events coming up this fall in the Texas Hill Country (attending market days in Boerne and Blanco plus some book signings) where I’ll be promoting the trilogy. And I plan to start writing the next book.
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?
The Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich. I get lost in her books and she makes me laugh.
Author Websites and Profiles
Kady Hinojosa’s Social Media Links