Interview With Author Kaitlyn Melody Klingensmith
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Kaitlyn, and I’m from Massachusetts. I currently live in Mexico, where I work as a librarian and a teacher. I’ve written lots of books, but Daughter of Olympus: Gods and Monsters is the first book I’ve ever published. I have ten brothers and sisters, and a wonderful little dog named Isabella. During my free time, I love to read, write, and Italian.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest (and right now only) book is called Daughter of Olympus: Gods and Monsters. I’ve been fascinated with Greek mythology for as long as I can remember, but I’ve always felt frustrated with the selfish behavior and misogyny amongst the Olympians. When I was thirteen, I decided to change that by writing my own version of events, so drafted Daughter of Olympus.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m not sure if this is unusual, but I’m a binge writer. I have bipolar disorder, so I do most of my writing when I’m manic. I can go for months without writing anything, and then write nonstop for days.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Harry Potter! I learned to read later than most of my peers, and I thought I disliked reading until I discovered Harry Potter. It opened up a whole new world for me, where I could escape from my problems with a good book. J.K. Rowling got me reading, and inspired me to be a writer one day.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on two things right now! One is a rhyming children’s book called “Unicorns don’t wear pants,” and I’m also working on the second book in my Daughter of Olympus series.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m new to promoting, so I don’t have a real method or website I’ve found reliable yet. I’m hoping Awesome Gang can help me with that!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just write! It doesn’t matter if you think people will like your work or not, just put your story out there. When we write, we can make anything happen.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
It’s very cliché and overused, but my mom is always telling me to follow my heart. So far, I’ve never gone wrong by doing that.
What are you reading now?
I try to read books in various languages at one time, to help me practice. Right now I’m Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë in English, and Il trono di fuoco (The throne of fire) by Rick Riordan in Italian.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m not really sure, but I’m taking a sabbatical from my job next year to focus on my writing, so I’m really hoping to finish Daughter of Olympus: Poseidon’s Gift.
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?
Tess of the D’Urbervilles, by Thomas Hardy, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, by J.K. Rowling, The Red Pyramid, by Rick Riordan, and Dime Quien Soy, by Julia Navarro.
Author Websites and Profiles
Kaitlyn Melody Klingensmith Amazon Profile
Kaitlyn Melody Klingensmith’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account