It’s been quite awhile since we’ve done an author corner, so today it’s back for an interview with Kayla Tirrell. She’s become a favorite author of mine and I thought it would be fun to ask her a few questions. There is also a little giveaway, so make sure to read until the end!
You have written quite a few books now, what book is your favorite?
As a mom of three, I can say asking me to pick a favorite book is almost as hard as making me pick a favorite child!
This is going to sound crazy, but Amy’s short story (found in Carnival Wishes) is probably my favorite. I’m sure this is because I have a big mess of a love story for them in my head. And I hope to write it sometime this year.
To continue with the first question. Who is your favorite character and why?
Rainer from All The Things We Found. Hands down. I just love how he starts out this shy, insecure guy and transforms into the town rockstar. Literally!
Was it always your dream to write books?
No. I never was one of those kids who wrote little stories and always wanted to be an author. I didn’t even like to read. *gasp!* But I think it’s only because I didn’t read the right stuff. I thought I was supposed to love the classics and Jane Austen, and I don’t. *another gasp*
I just really love fantasy, science fiction, and young adult.
Once I started reading books I enjoyed, I started coming up with my own stories and wanting to write them.
What does your writing process look like? Do you plot everything or just let the characters speak?
I’m not a planner. I have a general idea of my plot and typically know where I want to end up, but everything in-between is a mystery.
Sometimes this really comes back to bite me in the butt!
This is a very mean question, but what is your favorite book and why?
That is mean! I really have a three-way tie, but since you didn’t ask for my top three, I’m going to say These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner. I’ve read it several times!
What author inspired you to start writing?
There are two, and this time I’m going to give more than one answer.
Susan Kaye Quinn. I fell in love with her books as a reader, and then joined her author group. After seeing her amazing advice, I realized I could actually publish my first book.
Wendy Higgins. When I was feeling very discouraged about starting my writing career in my thirties, she posted about how she didn’t get published until she was in her thirties. That was a huge boost! I even included one of her books in one of my books as a little hidden gem.
You have written contemporary, what other genres would you like to give a try?
I would really love to try young adult fantasy or urban fantasy.
What can we expect from you in the near future?
M.F Lorson, Daphne James Huff, and I are currently working on another series together that we are very excited about. The first book will be released in February.
I am also exploring a new genre this fall. I’ll be writing my first urban fantasy novel, and cannot wait to share more about this project!
While we are waiting for new books from you, what books would you recommend to us to give a try?
Oh! Here’s where I can include my other favorite books!
All Our Yesterdays by Cristin Terrill
Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver
Or anything by Kasie West
It was so much fun getting to ask Kayla some questions! If you’re a fan of contemporary books, I really suggest giving her books a shot. These are the ones I have read and reviewed. Click on the title to go to the review:
Giveaway
Kayla was really sweet and offered to send one lucky reader a signed bookmark and some stickers. This is also open for her international readers!! All you have to do is answer the following question: In her newest series, the main character is a matchmaker, but things get mixed up. If you ended up on a date with the wrong match, what would you do? If you want an extra chance at winning, like our Facebook page and Kayla’s. When you answer the question, let me know what name you followed us with! I will pick a winner sometime next week! Good luck!
It’s always fun getting to know the person behind the book. What author would you interview if you could?
