Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a 20-something Wisconsin author excited to be debuting my YA novel “Mist and Shadow” which will release on Sept. 15, 2021. It’s the first in a trilogy, so I’m currently writing the sequel.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I first got the idea for Mist and Shadow while watching the first few episodes of “The Vampire Diaries” in college. There’s a moment early on where the main character hands her friend a glass bottle, and her friend immediately has a psychic vision. I thought it would be cool if there was a Young Adult novel about a character who was psychic.
Things have changed a lot since that first spark. My main character Daphne is not a psychic, but does have visions and also happens to start seeing ghosts. And there are some rather villainous dark creatures thrown in the mix.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
As an author from Wisconsin I enjoy that one of my favorite writers, Laura Ingalls Wilder, was born here. I related a lot to her fears and insecurities in the Little House books and I like to carry that same relatability to my main character – The drama of growing up and caring what other people think. Those feelings don’t turn off for Daphne, who’s in high school, even when the supernatural battle ahead is arguably more important.
Besides that, I’m of course part of the Harry Potter generation that read them on repeat. As a kid I also enjoyed scarier books like R.L Stine’s Goosebumps and Fear Street series, so I suppose I’ve always been drawn to a spooky tale.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on the sequel to Mist and Shadow!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still figuring this one out. There doesn’t seem to be one magic bullet, so just exposure in any way possible seems like the best bet. I’ve found some success in doing giveaways and I’m also on Instagram.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
My favorite saying is “Little by little, one travels far.” Writing a book and publishing it is such a monumental task that at the outset it can feel paralyzing. But if you take things piece by piece, eventually you will have a polished book in your hands.
What are you reading now?
I’ve actually discovered a passion for theology in the last two years, so I’ve been zipping through nonfiction books from my church synod’s publishing house. On the fiction side, I recently read the first few books in the Narnia series for the first time. Lesson learned: Don’t judge a book series by its movie!
Author Websites and Profiles
Kaylin Wise Website
Kaylin Wise Amazon Profile
Kaylin Wise’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile