Interview With Author Kamaya Tarpley
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I started out writing romance but evolved into dark fantasy/horror because that is where my true passion lies. I’m originally from the East but moved West and then back East again! I’ve experienced many cultures over time and that has applied to my writing! I am now up to 14 published books and they are on Amazon, Walmart.com, and Barnesandnoble.com.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Always & Forever: A Lesbian Ghost Story is my 14th release and it was inspired by wanting to challenge myself with creating a classic ghost story and putting my own special twist on it.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I make a playlist on Spotify for each of my books so the music playing while I write sets the perfect scene.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
The Sultan’s Harem by Colin Falconer has been the biggest inspiration for me because it allowed me to see a woman, who though was flawed, slithered her way to the throne. Seeing women in power was new for me.
What are you working on now?
I am now working on marketing Always & Forever: A Lesbian Ghost Story and introducing the world to this incredible yet dark love story.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I like to use Twitter and Instagram the most because my reach is larger on both platforms.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I would tell any new author to always worry about themselves first. Make sure the story pleases you first because you cannot always please outside parties.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I’ve ever heard came from my mother “Not everyone thinks like you” and she’s right. It keeps my mind open to other perspectives and has helped me become more sensitive to other communities.
What are you reading now?
Right now I actually just finished Carmilla and Laura. It is a retelling of the original, Carmilla, which is a lesbian vampiric story and I loved it.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I plan on working more conventions for the remainder of 2023 including the Rangerstop and Pop Con in June!
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?
I would take Carmilla & Laura by SD Simper, Perfume by Peter Suskind, and Lilith by myself of course!
Author Websites and Profiles
Kamaya Tarpley’s Social Media Links