Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hello everyone! I’m Kaitlyn Davis, the bestselling author of the Midnight Fire series, a young adult paranormal romance (the first book, Ignite, is free!), and the A Dance of Dragons series, a young adult fantasy adventure! I adore books with strong heroines, complex world building, heart-stopping adventure, and, of course, swoon-worthy romance. And I hope to bring those elements to all of my writing.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest release, The Spirit Heir, is the second book in my A Dance of Dragons series and it goes on-sale on October 30th, 2014!
The entire A Dance of Dragons series was inspired by the first scene in The Shadow Soul, book one in the series. Jinji, the female protagonist, suffers a tremendous loss leaving her completely alone in the world–until she meets Rhen, the male lead. Her struggle to persevere against the backdrop of such devastation, paired with the bond that forms between these two strangers who learn to depend on one another, sets the stage for the entire series.
Of course, dragons and magic have a little something to do with it too…okay, well a lot, but those are the sorts of things you need to read the books to discover!
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m a truly obsessive outliner! I outline my books before I begin writing, a chapter by chapter breakdown that goes on for pages and pages. And then, as I write and the book begins to really take shape, I re-outline as I go. By the end, I’ve probably written about a dozen different outlines, but I always need a path when I’m writing–even if it goes to places I never knew existed when the story first began.
Usually, the mid-story re-outline is my favorite though, because it means I’ve been so inspired by some plot twist dreamed up in my imagination that I just need to get the ideas down on paper before they disappear!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
So, so many! I am a completely voracious reader and have been for my entire life! Some of my favorite authors are JK Rowling, Tamora Pierce, Lynne Ewing, Laini Taylor, Raymond Feist, Sophie Kinsella, and so many more.
As far as an author who has truly influenced my life, I must say thank you to Amanda Hocking. While I enjoyed her novels, what I found truly inspiring was her path to publishing success. Ms. Hocking was the first self-published author I ever heard of, and without her, I’m not sure if I would have found the courage to try digital publishing myself.
What are you working on now?
The final installment of my A Dance of Dragons series–it’s going to be epic! I’m also writing a quartet of companion novellas following the story of Princess Leenaka, a supporting character in the series with a heartbreaking love story of her own. You can read the first novella, The Golden Cage, for free!
Aside from A Dance of Dragons, I’ve been working on a post-apocalyptic fairytale mashup series! I’m super excited about it, but everything is very early right now, so I can’t say too much. However, I’ll leave you with the hook: Sleeping Beauty is a ruthless soldier, and this time the prince isn’t her dance partner—he’s her target.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My website, KaitlynDavisBooks.com, as well as my social media sites! I frequently update my blogroll with series updates, fun posts about covers and plots, as well as polls and giveaways. I gather signups for my newsletter. And, most importantly, I can really interact with my fans which is wonderful.
For promoting, I love working with bloggers! They share my passion for books and are absolutely wonderful in helping to spread the word for famous authors or newbies alike. I also find sites like Bookbub and, of course, AwesomeGang tremendously helpful!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t write what you think people want to read, write what you believe in. Write the story that speaks to you–the one that latches on and consumes your thoughts until putting it on paper is only way to stop thinking about it!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Trust in yourself–whether you’re a writer, a student, a doctor, or anything else in the world.
For me, that means believing in my words even after a harsh one-star review, even after receiving a rejection letter from an agent, even after the doubts start creeping in whispering that whatever new story I’m writing is terrible. But sometimes, you need a little help and that’s what my amazing fans are for! Every time I get down on myself, I read an email from a fan, a glowing five-star review, a Facebook comment that brought a smile to my face, and I feel a little more confident in my work. What people think is completely out of my control, so I may as well latch onto the good rather than the bad–both sides will always be there!
What are you reading now?
I just finished Laini Taylor’s Daughter of Smoke and Bone series–phenomenal! Each installment grew on the next, taking the books to a place I never expected them to go. The romance was gut-wrenching, the action intense, the characters compelling. The plot never stopped surprising and the conclusion came to a beautiful ending. Highly recommend!
What’s next for you as a writer?
Lots and lots of writing! My story ideas are coming much faster than my fingers can type! I’m working on the end of my fantasy series, polishing up my fairytale retelling, outlining a new adult contemporary romance–and those are just the ideas I’ve fleshed out. My notebook is filled to the brim with random thoughts and inspirations that may one day become stories–but that’s what I love about being a writer, there are so many lives to live.
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?
Oo, tough question!
1) Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire!
2) The Survival Handbook, for practical purposes (I’m a suburb and city girl through and through–I wouldn’t last three days without some help!)
3) A blank moleskin notebook with an attached pen, for when inspiration hits (Let’s face it, if I’m stranded alone on a deserted island, my imagination will be running about a mile a minute!)
And…
4) Graceling by Kristin Cashore (It’s a standalone book so no cliffhangers, and I think I could read it a thousand times without getting bored!)
Author Websites and Profiles
Kaitlyn Davis Website
Kaitlyn Davis Amazon Profile
Kaitlyn Davis Author Profile on Smashwords
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