Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am co-author of a fantasy series that I write with my best friend, Sara Cole. She and I and another friend, Nancy, wrote our first book, Journey to Wizards’ Keep, when we were in college just for fun. It lay forgotten for 30 years before I dug it out, typed it up and we finished it. I spent 3 years polishing it before Ravenswood Publishing picked it up in 2016. While I was doing that, I started book two with Sara: The Hunt for Winter. It’s a wonderful book that continues the story of Queen Irene, and her two best friends, Nan and Kay.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
When my co-author, Sara, wrote the conclusion to Journey to Wizards’ Keep, we all thought it was the perfect ending — not knowing if Queen Irene gives birth to a son, who would be a wizard, or a girl, who would be mortal. We initially had no plans to continue writing, but I couldn’t get the story out of my head! I finally sat down and wrote the first chapter and sent it to Sara, asking if she wanted to keep going. She answered with an enthusiastic “Yes! And I know just what the plot should be!” We were off and going with book 2!
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to mull over ideas as I fall asleep. It usually takes me a long time to get to sleep, so I “day dream” a lot — and I find that’s the perfect way to come up with ideas for my next chapter.
I like to write in the morning, when I’m fresh and then edit in the afternoon or evenings, but anytime I get inspired, I will sit down and write. I was a news reporter most of my life, so I never had the luxury of “writers’ block.” When I am in front of a keyboard — I am in writing mode!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love authors who write about strong female characters — Amy Tan, Elizabeth Gilbert, Nicole Mones, Isabelle Allende, etc.
What are you working on now?
I am polishing book 3 in the Irene, Nan, and Kay series — Boy, Kay gets into a real touch situation in this book!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
still trying to figure that out!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep at it — I think i was the only one who really had faith in our books. I just kept pitching and pitching. I probably tried to pitch our first book too soon…but in the end, it was a small publishing house that picked it up, so I advise looking at those. The publishing world is so different now, with self publishing and boutique publishers — there are lots of options!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Join a writers group. I don’t have one, but am a member of Willamette Writers, which puts on a wonderful conference each year. I have learned so much!
What are you reading now?
The Jane Austen Project, by Kathleen Flynn. It combines my favorite era with time travel! I’m hooked already and I just started it!
What’s next for you as a writer?
Marketing, marketing, marketing!
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?
Pride and Prejudice. Mistress of the Vatican. The collected works of William Shakespeare. Websters Dictionary.
Author Websites and Profiles
KC Cowan Website
KC Cowan Amazon Profile
KC Cowan’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account