Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m an artist who likes to do a variety of things. I sing, I draw, but most of all I write. There’s just something thrilling about telling a story. I crave it.
As for how many books I’ve written… that’s a harder question to answer. I have three books published currently. All three of those books belong to the Soul Seer Saga. As of now, I also have three books written and almost completely revised. So, soon I’ll have six books published. Two more of those will be in the Soul Seer Saga and the other is a standalone young adult novel.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my latest published book is Desert Dweller: The Lunar Dancer. It’s a short story that gives a bigger look into the world of the Soul Seer Saga.
I can’t say any one thing inspired the Soul Seer Saga itself, but I’m a big fan of dystopian novels. I drew inspiration from all the different dystopian series I’ve read, sprinkled in a little fantasy, and came up with the Soul Seer Saga.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really. I’m big into planning and outlines though. I won’t start writing a story until I have all my groundwork done.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Neal Shusterman. He’s written some of my all-time favorite books. The Unwind Dystology is my favorite series, and Challenger Deep is my favorite standalone novel.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on my standalone young adult novel. I’m marching into some new territory with that story, so I hope it all works out!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Right now I’m simply experimenting with the first book in the Soul Seer Saga being free. That change has helped me move more copies just on its own. Beyond that, I use social media sites.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Be prepared for a lot of perseverance. I don’t know what else to say beyond that. I still feel like a new author myself. There’s a lot to learn, but with hard work, you can make it.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
You can accomplish anything as long as you keep fighting for it and never give up.
What are you reading now?
Theft of Swords by Michael J. Sullivan.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Experimenting with genre.
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?
Challenger Deep by Neal Shusterman would be #1. I’ll keep that book close to my heart, always. Blue Fish by Pat Schmatz would be my second. Third would have to be Warbreaker by Brandon Sanderson.
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Kestra Pingree Website
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