Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have worked in the publishing industry for over 20 years as a managing editor. During this time, I’ve also written or co-written several dozen books, primarily works of non-fiction, ranging in topics from the best hiring practices for companies to a comic book collector’s guide.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is titled—Writing Characters Readers Care About: A Workbook for Writers. This book was inspired by my personal experience reviewing manuscripts I’ve received as submissions at my boutique publishing company, Cypress Canyon Publishing. So many of the manuscripts I’ve reviewed have excellent, well-thought out story lines; however, their characters are one-dimensional. For this reason, I wanted to develop a practical workbook writers could use to develop robust, life-like characters their readers will actually care about.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I tend to do my best personal writing late at night. This means I often do a lot of outlining and rough draft work on my phone.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Napoleon Hill is probably the one author who had the most influence on me. I think his book, Think and Grow Rich, is an excellent example of writing a book that is evergreen. More than eighty years later, his book is still relevant today.
What are you working on now?
Right now, I’m working on a sending out advanced review copies of my upcoming YA Supernatural Cozy Mystery entitled Zombies for Everyone. I’m also about to release a children’s picture book entitled Carl the Misunderstood Crocodile. I have also just started writing my next book in the Next Level Creative Writing series which discusses how to develop a great book cover.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Beyond current newsletter subscribers and social media followers, promotion resources depend greatly on the topic of the book. For example, for my book The Ambergris Caye COVID Relief Cookbook, I reached out to magazines and blogs focused on the travel industry.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advice for new authors is:
1. Read. Read. Read.
2. Get a diverse group of beta readers to review your work. Don’t rely on family and friends. They will be too kind. You want critical feedback.
3. Welcome critical feedback—even if it hurts. Learn from each piece of negative feedback and let it help you make your story the best it can be.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
There is no such thing as failure. There is only opportunities to learn.
What are you reading now?
I’m currently reading Chocolate Chip Cookie Murders by Joanne Fluke. I’ve been on a cozy mystery kick recently.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I have a long list of projects I’d like to personally work on, including the sequel to Zombies for Everyone. Also, I’m always looking for more authors for Cypress Canyon.
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?
If I were on a deserted island picking just 3 or 4 books would be difficult. I rarely read a book more than once, simply because there are so many books I want to read. However, I think I’d choose:
– Harry Potter & the Sorcerer’s Stone by JK Rowling,
– The DaVinci Code by Dan Brown (the illustrated edition, so I could plan the places I could go once I was rescued),
– 11/22/63 by Stephen King, and
– The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie.
Author Websites and Profiles
Kimberly Wylie Amazon Profile
Kimberly Wylie’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile