Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
This is my first book.
I’ve always wanted to be a writer–but was definitely afraid of failure! I graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in Journalism and did spent some time writing feature articles and doing technical publication editing. From there, I just kind of slid into the technology space. I was fortunate in that I seemed to be in the right place at the right time to learn a wide variety of things.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
This book is titled #hashtagged. As for what inspired it, the short answer is my entire life. The longer answer is that it really started as a joke–me mouthing at my husband that robots would someday take over the world and they would do it through the use of social media.
My husband really pushed me to write the book. I would never have done it without his encouragement. He also encouraged (aka “pushed”) me to talk to my kids and other family members about it. This really helped me formulate the outlines of the story.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I wrote this book in four months. I knew the rough word count for a typical Science Fiction book and I wanted to get it done before Christmas break. So, I had to write about 1,000 words per night. I did this while working at a client site, living in a hotel Monday through Thursday. So I developed this habit where I picked up dinner, went to the hotel, then sat in bed writing until the 1,000 words were done. I made myself accountable by texting the word count each night to my husband.
On a more unusual scale, I seemed to write better with some dreary tv show running in the background. You know, one of those teenage angst vampire kind of shows with dreary music. I never really watched, but had to have them running.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
The list is so long! I read a ton. I learned in a graduate linguistics class (Texas A&M) not to judge local dialects, etc. What might appear “wrong” for me is actually “right” for another culture. This really opened me up to other writing styles, genres, etc. Sounds corny, I agree. However, it really did make me a more open reader.
That said, I like what I can “smart” books. By that, I mean stories that are intricate and tightly woven. I prefer language that is beautifully crafted, even when sparse. I don’t want to be told that the sky is a beautiful thing. I want to see it for myself based on the description. Let me make the inference. Touch my heart with words, not with a manipulative story line.
What are you working on now?
I’m pushing to get the book read. That sounds so simple. HA! Beginning in September, I plan to start the next book in the #hashtagged series. My goal is to have a trilogy–we’ll see. I wrote #hashtagged September through December and that seemed to work out for me, so I’m sticking with it. I need all the good juju I can get.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I”m a newbie. As such, I’m doing a bit of skattershooting and tying everything I can. I have a website (www.kimberlyhixtrant.com), Facebook (www.facebook.com/KHixtrant), Twitter (@KHixTrant), and Pinterest. In addition, I’m reaching out to anyone who will listen to request a book review. I would welcome any lessons learned or advice on what really works.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write. Don’t stop. Seriously. Just write.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“There is more to life than increasing it’s speed.” Ghandi
What are you reading now?
Freakanomics by Steven D. Levitt, Stephen J. Dubner–reading off and on.
The Heist by Daniel Silva–just finished last night.
The Great Santini by Pat Conroy–listening in the car.
The Goldfinch by Donna Huber–up next. Yeah, I know I’m behind. I don’t know why it took me so long to get to this one.
Wink by Eric Trant–up after The Goldfinch.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Fantasy Island = I’m on Jimmy Fallon for a #hashtagged segment.
Reality Zone = I continue to focus on marketing for #hashtagged.
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?
1. The largest poetry anthology ever published. I have no idea what that would be, but I would definitely figure it out.
2. Sam’s Lamp by Barbro Lindgren, Illustrated by Eva Eriksson. This is THE book that brings back that feeling of the moments I loved most as a mother. I can close my eyes and still feel them in my arms.
3. SAS Survival Handbook–I’m basically an idiot when it comes to some practical skills. I watched Tom Hanks in Castaway and watched the Lost series, but I’m not sure I can replicate anything they did!
Author Websites and Profiles
Kimberly Hix Trant Website
Kimberly Hix Trant Amazon Profile
Kimberly Hix Trant’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
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