Interview With Author Kayra Lilith Öztop
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hellooo, I’m Kayra! I’m sixteen, and my first book was published when I was just thirteen under Luna Publishing in Turkey. Writing and reading have always been a huge part of my life — I literally grew up surrounded by stories, and now I’m proud to create my own.
I’m drawn to dark, twisted worlds that look like hopeless dystopias, and I love exploring the human mind through psychology, criminology, and philosophy. Those themes always sneak their way into my books, giving each story a deeper, emotional layer.
I’m the author of Death Rite (available on Amazon as a trilogy), 32 Hours in Queverland, Young, Beautiful and Dead (Inkitt-Ongoing), and Too Late to Die. Hope you enjoy reading them as much as I loved writing them!
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The latest book I’ve published is 32 Hours in Queverland, and honestly, it’s the one I enjoyed writing the most.
It has a pretty strange inspiration story — it all began during my summer holidays. When I was younger, I used to watch tons of creepypastas, and most of them were about aquaparks. I was terrified of water back then.
Last summer, while I was playing FNAF, my brain just… stopped in its tracks. The next morning, I woke up with a name stuck in my head: “32 Hours in Queverland.”
Why 32 hours? Why Queverland? At first, I had no idea — but, you know what they say, sometimes the story writes itself. So I opened my laptop and just let it happen.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m not sure if it’s an unusual habit, but to visualize my scenes better, I try to recreate their atmosphere while writing. If I’m writing a rainy scene, I’ll play rain sounds in the background. If it’s set on a busy street, I scroll through YouTube to find ambient videos with people talking. And if a scene was inspired by a song, I’ll sometimes listen to that same song for hours while writing it — it keeps me in the exact mood that sparked the idea in the first place.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
The author who first inspired me to write was Rick Riordan. I was so enchanted by his books that I even improved my English just to read the ones that weren’t translated into Turkish. Madeline Miller is also one of my biggest inspirations — I’ve read all her books, and The Song of Achilles will always have a special place in my heart.
When it comes to thrillers, I absolutely love Freida McFadden, and N.G. Kabal, a Turkish author, has always been one of my favorites. Every one of her books is amazing in my eyes.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on the second book of 32 Hours in Queverland and on a screenplay called Eat Me Holy.
Eat Me Holy is a dark comedy, thriller, and fantasy YA story — a mix of the bizarre, the beautiful, and the damned.
It follows a cursed siren princess, a forbidden feast, and a love that cracks open Hell beneath the sea.
Think Hazbin Hotel meets Disenchantment at the “Last Supper” — but underwater.
I’m now looking for animation studios, creative partners, and producers to bring it to life. Hopefully, once I find the right team, I’ll be able to share more details about Eat Me Holy.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Do you have any advice for new authors?
It’s been about three years since I started writing, and the best thing I’ve done on this journey was discovering my strengths.
For example, I’m a very visual thinker — I imagine everything in pictures. Before starting a new story, I often sketch the book cover that’s in my head, visualize the characters, or even draw a map of the world I’ve created.
I don’t usually plan my stories in detail beforehand because I love being surprised while writing — that “Wow, where is this going?” feeling keeps me inspired.
I just keep a small visual reminder nearby, something that connects me to the spark that inspired the story in the first place.
It might not sound like traditional advice, but it’s something that really helps me — and maybe it could help you, too.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Ars longa vita brevis.
What are you reading now?
Story – Robert McKee
What’s next for you as a writer?
Hopefully, reaching a wider audience and connecting with readers who share my love for dark, emotional stories.
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?
N.G. Kabal – Lordlar ve Varisler
Rick Riordan – Kane Chronicles Red Pyramid
Essays of Montaigne
Jostein Gaarder – Sophie’s World
Author Websites and Profiles
Kayra Lilith Öztop Amazon Profile
Kayra Lilith Öztop’s Social Media Links
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