Interview With Author Kirsten Hardin
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi! My name is Kirsten Hardin, and I'm a current Master's student who also happens to love writing. I'm a Christian, lover of nature, and fell in love with fantasy as a kid and never looked back. I'm also a complete nerd — ask me about Lord of the Rings or anything Disney, and I'll talk your ear off.
In terms of how many books I've written … that's actually kinda a hard question. I've been writing for ten years, but my recent book is only the third I published — my parents published a couple books under my name back in 2015, as I was too young to do it myself. I'd say somewhere around 8-10, if you're counting unfinished books. There've been a lot of times where an idea sounds awesome, but the actual execution falls flat.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called The Fateful Curse, about a fairy who is forced to break a curse on a young human girl. Honestly, I didn't really have a specific inspiration for it. The idea came when I was going to see a movie with my family. I had a bad headache at the time, and I wondered, "What would it be like to be cursed to not be able to watch movies?" The actual book definitely changed from that starting point, but the curse idea stayed all the way through. The reason it's about fairies is because I've been trying to write a book about fairies for a very long time — I've been fascinated by them since childhood. Plus, there's not a ton of books about fairies out there, especially in middle grade. I'd like to think there are more people out there who are interested in them.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Hmm … I don't know if my writing habits are particularly unusual. I tend to go for long stretches of time without writing anything, then sit down and write several chapters in one sitting because I suddenly remembered that I really love writing. I guess my weirdest writing habit is that my outlines are incredibly detailed. I've learned over the years that I do things like giving two characters the same name if I don't have them separated in my head, and it helps to get all the character motivations and plot points down before I ever start writing, so I have a chance to edit them if needed.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I'd say there are two authors who have influenced me the most: Gail Carson Levine and J.R.R. Tolkien. Gail Carson Levine's most famous book, Ella Enchanted, has been my all-time favorite novel for as long as I can remember. I've read it at least twelve times, and I'll probably re-read it again this year. In fact, most of her books are absolutely fabulous, even if they tear my heart to shreds (looking at you, Two Princesses of Bamarre). Along with the Dragon Slipper trilogy by Jessica Day George, she's one of the authors who most inspired me to start writing — I loved the imagination in her books, and I wanted to try writing books that were just like that.
As for Tolkien, I fell in love with Middle-Earth in high school, and it's never stopped. The more I learn about his world, the more impressed I am, and the more I want to write something that comes even close to being like it. The Lord of the Rings trilogy are some of my favorite movies of all time — I've even visited some of the movie locations and dressed up like a hobbit (complete with Sting, of course). And his essay On Fairy Stories perfectly encapsulates why I love this genre so much, whether it's aimed at kids or adults. My dream is to one day come up with a language like his, but unfortunately I can't spend my entire life working on it.
What are you working on now?
I've got two projects going on now. The first is a sequel to The Fateful Curse, expanding the world and the characters from the first. It's been a lot of fun, and I wish I had more time to work on it. The second is something completely new for me. It's a multi-POV book in first person following a group of superheroes in a brand-new team, who have to learn to work with each other if they're going to save their city. I love superhero stories, and I wanted to write something close to DC's animated Teen Titans series. Unfortunately, given my current life situation, I have no idea when either will be finished.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I'm definitely not the best person to ask this question! I've only just started looking into book promotion, so I'm a complete newbie when it comes to these things. As a starting point, I'd say looking at Kindlepreneur.com — it's got a lot of good advice when it comes to self-publishing.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
My best advice would be to keep going. Keep writing the books you want to write, even if you later realize that they're absolute garbage. Eventually, you'll have something you're proud of, and that's worth every effort. Also, make an effort to learn how to edit as you're writing. It'll be a whole lot easier that trying to learn it all at once.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
No book will ever be perfect … and that's ok. There'll always be someone who doesn't like a book that's youre absolute favorite — it's what always happens with art. Also, always keep going. The worst thing you can do is give up.
What are you reading now?
My reading is at a bit of a stalling point right now — I'm currently gearing up for the upcoming school year, and straightening out the details has been pretty time-consuming. I'm hoping to read the next two of Brandon Sanderson's Secret Projects when I get a chance — Tress of the Emerald Sea was fantastic, easily my favorite of his books. But mostly, I'm hoping to discover some new fantasy — I always love trying new books, even if they turn out to not be my favorite.
What’s next for you as a writer?
That's … a bit of a hard question. Continuing to promote my current book for sure. Working on my two projects that I mentioned above, and hopefully being able to publish them as well within a reasonable timeframe. But honestly, I'm really not sure. My life's completely changed with starting this Master's program, and until I have my feet under me, I won't know.
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?
I'd bring the Bible, Ella Enchanted, How to Survive on a Desert Island, and How to Build a Raft.
Author Websites and Profiles
Kirsten Hardin Author Profile on Smashwords
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