Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I live in Cape Town in South Africa, a truly beautiful city! I can see Table Mountain from my kitchen window and walk on the slopes often. I used to be an English teacher and have always written bits and pieces, but began writing in earnest only three years ago. I have written 6 novels and 2 novellas, and have at least 3 ongoing projects on my Google Drive! I also enjoy writing the occasional short story for Reedsy Prompts.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest love is my fantasy series, The Kalathan Chronicles. The story began in my head when I was a teen – an epic quest involving an ordinary girl and six princes. I wrote the first book, realized it was awful, completely binned the whole thing and started again. By then I knew my characters so well that it was a pleasure to write. My aim with these books is to do something new: write a fantasy series that has no magic, creatures, spells, wizards or anything like that! The world I have created is our world with a vastly reimagined history. I know it sounds odd but so far readers have responded positively! There is so much more to the fantasy genre than magic and I am loving exploring that.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I delete a lot. Honestly I could never have written a book on paper; it would have taken me years. I love writing dialogue and can do it ten times faster than action! I start books, leave them for months and then go back to them. At the moment I have a novella 90% finished which has been stuck there for a year. I just can’t quite figure out the end yet!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I always loved Lousia May Alcott and LM Montgomery. I still read their works regularly! I think it’s the depth of the characters that resonates with me, and the wholesomeness of the stories. I also discovered Robin McKinley (The Blue Sword) as a teen and her gorgeous prose and compelling characters are truly an inspiration when it comes to my fantasy writing.
What are you working on now?
The fifth book in the Kalathan Chronicles Series, Prince of Kalathan. This one involves a journey to another country so I am brewing up an entirely new civilization which is quite a challenge!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I think it’s just about plodding on putting regular time into promotion and making sure I do at least something every few weeks to keep things ticking over. My life is full of other commitments so I can’t give hours every day to it. At the moment I am giving two of my books away for free. I am still learning but I am confident there are many readers out there who will enjoy my books!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I would honestly say only write what you love to write. You need passion for this and if you start doing something just for market you are less likely to write something good that you can be proud of.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I ever got was not to be a perfectionist. Sometimes you can edit bad writing into something wonderful, and it’s better progress than staring at a blank screen.
What are you reading now?
I’m trying The Butterfly Room by Lucinda Riley. Haven’t got into it yet though.
What’s next for you as a writer?
More Kalathan Chronicles! I have more ideas than I have time for.
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 Bible definitely! No way I could manage without that.
Jo’s Boys by Louisa May Alcott
David Copperfield by Dickens. Completely love this story!
And maybe one of my own books, to remind me that dreams can become reality!
Author Websites and Profiles
Kate le Roux Website
Kate le Roux Amazon Profile
Kate le Roux’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile