Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
For many years I worked in her family’s antique store, where I’ve gone from being allowed to sell the 50c postcards in the corner of Antique Alley as a child, to selling $5,000 Worcester vases and seventeenth century silverware.
I’m now a full time author,. My first historical fiction novel, ‘Fifteen Postcards’, was published in May 2015, with its sequel ‘The Last Letter’ released in November 2016. They’ve been described as Time Travellers Wife meets The Far Pavilions with a dash of Antiques Roadshow.
My first horror novel, ‘Painted’, is scheduled for release in June 2017.
I live in New Zealand with my husband, daughters, and an SPCA rescue cat who really thinks she is a puppy.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called PAINTED, and it is my first horror novel, due for release at the end of June 2017.
Working at Antique Alley inspired the book. Upstairs at the shop there is a creepy room filled with old art, in various states of repair. And it really was that room which inspired the novel. I don’t like to go up there at night!
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have to take off my watch and bracelet. Can’t stand the clinking of them against the keyboard. I’m not sure if that is odd, but it is my thing. I also have a beautiful study, filled with all sorts of inspiring things, and I write at the dining room table… from here I can see the garden, which is more inspiring than the study.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
The books by Deborah Harkness inspired my first two books. The level of research she must have done is mind boggling. Also Edward Rutherfurds books – Paris, London, Sarum etc. Huge epic tomes. His ability to keep his plots straight is awe inspiring.
What are you working on now?
I’m editing my horror novel PAINTED. I investing in the tool ProWritingAid, and I am loving the level of detail it goes into. The way it can strike adverbs off the page is legendary.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My best method has been social media. I am very active in a number of Facebook groups, and on Twitter. I’m also on Instagram, Pinterest, Google+, LinkedIn, Goodreads. And I have a website!
Whew. it’s tiring just typing those.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Join some author groups. There are some pretty amazing ones on Facebook, and it makes you feel part of a community. And read. See how other authors structure their sentences and dialogue.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t read the comments?
Haha, no. I always read the reviews, they’ve been quite educational.
Probably the best advice would be:
“Not everyone will love your work, but someone will. Write for them.”
What are you reading now?
Stephen King’s time travel novel 11/22/63. If you could go back in time to stop the assassination of JFK, would you?
What’s next for you as a writer?
Publishing PAINTED. Then after that, writing the sequel to The Last Letter, followed by another horror, Dr Perry’s Waiting Room.
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/ A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness
2/ The Five People You Meet In Heaven by Mitch Albom
3/ The Harry Potter Series (cheating a bit here I know)
4/ The Game of Thrones Series (also cheating here too!)
Author Websites and Profiles
Kirsten McKenzie Website
Kirsten McKenzie Amazon Profile
Kirsten McKenzie’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account