Click on the cover to get it on Amazon!
TR: Hi, Kirstin, and welcome. Let me say first, congratulations on your book release. You must be going nuts.
KP: Thanks for having me, Thomas, and you’re right. I’m excited beyond words.
TR: Well, all the best for its success. So, how old were you when you wrote your first piece?
KP: I suppose that depends on what you consider my first piece. I have been writing my whole life… for fun, as a creative escape, and now as a career. My first attempts at writing began in high school. My first completed book was written when I was 20 in between classes at Oregon State University.
TR: That’s a lot to do between classes. What was it, and in what genre?
KP: It was a children’s book, called “Super Tumbleweed.”
TR: What made you write it?
KP: It was in between classes, and the idea just came to me. My brother has always been a self-proclaimed tumbleweed- spontaneous, fun, and a go with the flow type of person. One day between classes, I had a vision of a boy watching a tumbleweed and the different places he could go… and I felt compelled to write about it.
TR: Kind of a cool idea. What have you written since then?
KP: I have written several other children’s books, and fantasy stories, but my first published piece is a YA fantasy novella, “The Escape of Princess Madeline.” This is a fun book filled with elements of magic, adventure, and romance for readers of all ages.
TR: Nothing like something for everyone. What was the inspiration for your current book?
KP: I wrote this book during my lunch breaks at a previous job. I wanted to write something that I would enjoy reading. A coming of age, fantasy story, set at a fast pace, with adventures, twists and turns, and suspense building throughout.
TR: Tell us a little about it, and where it’s available.
KP: The Kingdom of Soron is known for many things, its rolling landscape, haunting history, fiery sunsets, and its beautiful princess. Princess Madeline woke on her sixteenth birthday to realize that her future had been planned out, a life full of privilege, royalty, and boredom… a life with a husband and knight champion that she did not choose. Using her charm, strength and stubbornness, she defies the King at every turn, determined to keep her freedom on her terms.
Freedom quickly turns to disaster as she finds herself seized by a group of wandering bandits. With the kingdom in turmoil over her capture- her Knight Champion eager to prove himself, a group of dedicated suitors determined to win her hand, and a group of exiled wizards join forces in the hunt to rescue her. Follow Princess Madeline in this adventure to find freedom and love.
It was released in digital format November 5th and will be available at amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com, and later in print.
TR: So, anyone who’s reading this, that means it’s available NOW :)
Is there a particular place or setting where you get your writing ideas?
KP: Writing ideas hit me at different times. There is usually something that sets off a moment of inspiration- and I immediately write that down.
When it comes to writing the complete story, I do have a preferred spot. There is a window in my home that overlooks a beautiful field. If I am at home, this is my writing space. Other times, I leave the house and write in my car, by a scenic vista. I find I need the quiet and a natural space to really focus on my work, otherwise I can become easily distracted.
TR: I typically prefer quiet too. What made you choose either traditional or independent publishing?
KP: At the start of this process I didn’t even know about all the options that were available for publishing. I feel lucky to have found a publishing company, Malachite Quills Publishing (www.mquills.com), that wanted to publish my work. It has been great working with them, and having their support throughout the entire publication process.
TR: Lucky you…congratulations for that. If you had to choose the most important element in an author’s platform, what would it be?
KP: One of the most important elements has been marketing and social media. Creating a website, twitter and facebook pages has been instrumental in expanding my circle of influence. There are a lot of great books and new authors out there, and it’s important to try and stand out, find a way to reach into new readers and generate that word of mouth.
TR: Important indeed. Now, what mistakes have you made in regards to publishing and marketing your work, and what will you do differently in the future?
KP: Being new to this, I have made several mistakes, errors and missteps long the way. I find it to be a learning process, and am grateful for the friends who have helped me. I feel as long as I continue to take the next step, I will eventually make it to where I need to be. I have the determination to keep pursuing, no matter what pitfalls I face along the way.
TR: Good for you! It does take determination, and no mistake. Do you have an idea for your next book?
KP: Oh yes! I am currently finishing the sequel to this story, “The Battle for Princess Madeline.” If you like reading about the adventures she has finding freedom and love, you’ll love the next- a true battle between good and evil.
TR: Thanks Kirstin. All the best with your book. There you are, folks, yet another opportunity to go right up the page and click to get one more great book…
Thursday, I interview my pal TravisLuedke, author of “The Nightlife Series”. Be there!
