Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I currently have ten books published. Officially I have written sixteen books. Some are in that holding queue waiting for a publication yes or no. And some, well the early ones were part of the learning curve and really weren’t ready to be published.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Tears We Never Cried was inspired by my father’s battle with Alzheimer’s. While the inspiration was real life, the book is completely fiction. I never had to act as a full-time caregiver but I wondered what it might be like if it was only you and your parent. What if you had to move home and take care of them as they slid into the darkness of dementia? What if you were fighting a mid-life crisis and the possibility of romance appears at the bleakest point of your life? What if your parent wasn’t exactly who you’d thought them to be all these years – what if they had secrets – secrets that affect who you think you are as a person?
It was that list of questions that got things going and the story was one of the easiest to write. And, of course, I couldn’t resist – the boy you went to high school with – he’s all grown up and not such a geek anymore.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have a pair of bunny slippers – courtesy of a friend. She would always tease me about wearing bunny slippers to write and presented me with a pair a few years ago. Other than that, I have a writing sweater and my classical music that often plays in the background. If not classical, Etta James. Otherwise – I don’t think I have any quirks.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Lavryle Spencer, Stephen King, Taylor Caldwell. That’s only three and there are so, so many more. I read across the board – fiction, non-fiction, romance to literary to horror to whatever book is sitting on that shelf. I’m just a bookworm, always have been.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on a series of suspense with six former members of the female engagement team that last served in Afghanistan. They are all working privately now and each of them will have their own story. The first begins in Afghanistan where two of them are trying to bring down a human trafficking ring.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
There are so many ways. a) Talk about them, hit up the local media. Get them out there on your own blog and website. Connect with other authors – they’re readers too. Connect with book bloggers. And then, of course, are the online promotion sites – there’s too many to list. But, one of the methods I like best lately is newsletter swaps.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Find a writers group and join. Learn everything you can. Pick a genre and schedule time. Write every day. If you have trouble with what to write about – grab one of those great interactive writing books that ask daily questions and give prompts on what to write about.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
As Nora Roberts famously said – butt in chair. I’m not sure if that was the exact quote but truly you do have to put in the work.
What are you reading now?
Stephen King – If It Bleeds
What’s next for you as a writer?
A series – suspense with a hint of romance or romantic suspense, my characters haven’t decided.
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?
Gone With the Wind, The Stand, a survival guide
Author Websites and Profiles
Ryshia Kennie Website
Ryshia Kennie Amazon Profile
Ryshia Kennie’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account