Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
As a resident of southwest Michigan, I have plenty of time to write during the long cold winters. I’m currently working on my seventh book, the title of which has not yet been announced but is anticipated to have a mid-Spring release. Prior works include the five-book suspense series: Kelsey’s Burden, beginning with Layered Lies. Slightly Off Balance was my sixth book published and is described as a lighter read.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Slightly Off Balance was written during short, much-needed breaks while writing Kelsey’s Burden series. I found that the intensity of the Kelsey’s Burden, while my preferred writing style, needed it’s own form of release. Writing a quirky mystery helped to relax my tense muscles and refocus. And, it was fun. It starts off with a hilarious never-happening-in-real-life scene that makes me laugh every time.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Unusual? Writing is such an independent process, I’m not sure what habits would be considered usual. I can say that I typically write draft copies from the end seat on my couch with my laptop balanced upon a pillow, stereo jamming, and the clock running well past midnight. But then the serious side appears during editing stages, firmly tucked behind my desk and my hair tucked in a tight bun. Maybe that’s unusual or maybe it’s the norm and other author’s just don’t admit it?
What authors, or books have influenced you?
What authors/books haven’t influenced me? I’m a genre jumper, so I have favorites in most categories. Dialing into the suspense-mystery-thriller genre that I write in, I’d have to say Tami Hoag, Jana DeLeon, Catherine Coulter, Lisa Jackson, Iris Johansen, J.D. Robb,… oh goodness, I could go on forever.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on a stalker-thriller with a stack of twists, turns, and character complexity.
Title to be announced soon…
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I find I’d rather write than maintain numerous sites and my own website. I do announce book promotions and releases on Twitter and Facebook. On both sites, search @BooksByKaylie and you’ll easily track me down. I also recommend readers use “Follow” features on Amazon, Goodreads, or BookBub. Email notices are sent automatically when new releases are available.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Listen, read, write and learn… No matter where your skill level is set at, you have the ability to improve your own work, but to do so you need to be able to look at your books objectively. If you have what it takes, I’ll see you at the finish line.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Keep writing.” This might sound odd, but there’s a story that goes along with it. When I asked a very close friend of mine to read a draft copy of a book years ago (pre-publishing), his follow-up back to me was “Thanks for sharing. Keep writing.” Now keep in mind, he was the only one I’d sent my writing to at this point. I was expecting either something positive or negative to be in his response. Instead I was stuck in neutral and studied these five words for two weeks before I picked back up my draft and sent him an email. I didn’t ask his opinion, but asked if he’d be willing to give me edit notes on 1 page of the draft. Thirty minutes later I had the page back, and saw the problem. I was out of practice and my writing style had serious red-line flaws. So, I studied every article I could find online regarding editing, flow, character development, and dialog. And, I kept writing.
What are you reading now?
I wouldn’t be on this site if I was currently reading. I’m not the type to set a book down once I’ve started it. I will read it from front to back in 4-6 hours. And I never start a book if I don’t have that window of time available to finish it.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I plan on dabbling with a psychological thriller that’s been rumbling around in my head. We’ll have to wait and see..
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?
Oh dear. That’s a horrible thought. How long will I be stranded for?
Author Websites and Profiles
Kaylie Hunter Amazon Profile
Kaylie Hunter’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account