Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
After writing purely as a hobby for many years, Laura Kyle decided to take the plunge into the world of professional publishing. She has a background in computers, writing, and health care, including an exciting, rewarding stint as an Emergency Medical Technician. A resident of New Jersey, Laura lives with her husband, daughter and a Bearded Dragon named Butternut. She loves all animals, and has previously enjoyed the companionship of dogs, cats, ferrets, gerbils, rats, hamsters and a horse, though allergies now sadly limit sharing her house with companions without fur or feathers.
Laura’s novels span several genres and often deal with characters on the fringe of society. Her stories involve character driven development combined with ample complexity and plot twists, and are designed to thrill, entertain, and touch peoples’ hearts.
Aside from a few published short stories, Laura has written and published a Young Adult anthropomorphic tale, and has two other novels nearly ready for publication – a medical thriller and a science fiction novel. Her next pursuit will be a Young Adult paranormal romance.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My first published novel, “Kavishar: Reflections In A Wolf’s Eyes,” was inspired by my fascination with wolves, especially true stories about individuals raising wolf pups.
“Kavishar” was originally handled by an agent. It attracted publisher interest, but no offers. Before taking the self-publishing route, I heeded constructive comments I had received, and rewrote “Kavishar.” Looking back at my first draft, I realize the new, rewritten version is much more professional, sleeker and more polished. My experiences with the world of professional publishing have helped me grow and mature as a writer.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
My writing habits aren’t overly unusual, but they work well for me. I like to write while listening to lively top forty or New Age music, preferably while gazing out at a natural setting. When I have writer’s block, I like to go for a bicycle ride to clear my head.
For each novel, I conduct significant research, but am selective what factual information I include in the finished product. I believe realism and authenticity should enhance a fictional tale, not overwhelm it.
After performing research, I produce a rough outline, allowing plenty of leeway for the characters and plot to evolve. As I’m writing, my characters often take me in fascinating directions I hadn’t initially imagined. My final step is to edit, edit, and edit some more, until I’m satisfied that the text flows smoothly, the plot maintains a decent pace, and the characters appear as vivid on the page as they are in my imagination.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I read numerous quality books with the goal of not just enjoying them, but understanding what makes them so good (writing style, plot development, characterization, descriptions, etc.). Such fundamental understanding can help with analyzing and improving my own writing. Some of my favorite authors include Jim Butcher, Rachel Caine, Richelle Mead, James Patterson, Joseph Finder, Lois McMaster Bujold, and Maria V. Snyder.
What are you working on now?
I am currently working on a medical thriller, “The MOROCO Project,” inspired by real-life news stories of medical wrongdoing and by my personal experiences riding an ambulance. As a former EMT, I am intimately familiar with the exhausting, heart-wrenching experience of performing CPR, leaping out of bed at three in the morning to respond to a life-and-death call, and experiencing the rewarding satisfaction of comforting a sick patient.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I take of advantage of Amazon’s free giveaway days for digital books. Additionally, I promote my works on as many different social media and book review sites as possible, including Facebook, Goodreads.com and BookGoodies.com.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Writing is a never-ending journey of self-improvement and self-discovery. Use your personal strengths to your advantage, and strive hard to improve your weaknesses.
And don’t forget to build a marketing strategy for your works.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Believe in yourself, and never stop trying. Even the best writers often face an uphill battle initially.
What are you reading now?
“Silver Borne (Mercy Thompson, book 5)” by Patricia Briggs. I love her lively, vivid characters, and the special twists she adds to her urban fantasies, such as a shape-shifting coyote living among werewolves.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I believe it’s important to keep learning and growing as a writer, whether you’ve just published your first book or your fiftieth. My next undertaking will be a Young Adult paranormal romance.
What is your favorite book of all time?
This is a difficult question, because I love many different books. If I were forced to choose, it would be the “Lord of the Rings trilogy” by J.R. R. Tolkien. I first read “The Lord of the Rings” when I was a young adult, and its vivid world-building, superb characterization and epic storyline affected me profoundly.
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