20 Questions with K. Ries

 

1. What made you decide to become an author?

I’ve always wanted to write. A teacher encouraged me back in 5th grade. Then I wrote for a while but stopped. About 9 years ago, some friends were writing and I said, why not give it another shot.

I went on vacation with my bff and one thing led to another and we decided to publish the story we were working on.

2. What is the hardest thing about writing for you?

Taking the time to actually write. I have ideas a plenty. Writing time, not so much.

3. Do you have any routines or superstitions that you go through whenever you write a book – Such as a specific room to write in, certain drink, same pen/pencil every time, specific music or noise? Release a book?

I have to have coffee, nuts, water and a glass of soda by me when I am writing. Along with my cigarettes and my lighter. I used to love to write in bed but I can’t anymore. Favorite music to write to: Thirty Seconds To Mars or Fall Out Boy.

4. Who is the one person in the writing profession who has inspired you the most?

This one is tough. I look up to many people, but Author J.M Walker has inspired my inner thriller writer… she knows why 😉

5. Which character is your favorite? Which character was the hardest to write? Why?

Oh come on! Don’t ask me this. Now my head will be filled with arguments over who I like more. Dang it >.< As for who was the Hardest, Kendall, Wyatt and Ryder’s story so far.  It’s tragically beautiful. But I have more tragedy coming.

6. Would you consider collaborating a book with anyone else? If so…who? Who would be your unicorn author to collaborate with?

I’ve published 2 books (soon to be 3) with my BFF I love her. And I have more co-writing projects planned. My unicorn collaboration… Hmm. Too many!

7. Who is your favorite author…someone that you will buy their book even without thinking?

JM Walker. She is always my one-click no questions asked, I don’t even need the blurb just give me words author.

8. What is your best piece of advice for someone who wants to write or publish?

Grow a thick skin, screw what everyone says is “Standard” Have a backbone, don’t forget where you’ve come from or who helped you, and most importantly : Reviews are NOT for authors so don’t Frickin read em!

9. If you could ask your readers 1 question and have them all answer…what would it be?

Which character of mine do they feel most connected to.

10. What is your writing kryptonite?

Anything historical…and I recently found out YA! I tip my hat to all the YA authors out there. That ‘ish is hard freakin work!!

11. Do you plot out your book or do you write as you go?

Plotting is a dirty word….

12. Do you want each book or series to stand on its own or are you building a universe where all the books/series connect with each other?

For my other works that aren’t Paranormal/Fantasy I want them to stand on their own. As for the Spellcasters Universe…well I created a world from air so…

13. If you could go back and give yourself one piece of advice related to writing what would it be?

Don’t worry about everyone else. Worry about you KAT.

14. What is the biggest lesson you learned after you published your first book?

People suck. And they’re all about community….until one of their own asks for help.

15. What is a guilty pleasure?

Are pleasures really guilty? Especially if you enjoy them.

16. Do you have a favorite vacation spot?

Madison, Wisconsin believe it or not. It’s so peaceful.

17. What’s an Item on your bucket list?

To see New Orleans.

18. Do you have a spirit animal?  If so, what is it?

The Tiger.

19. What is your favorite holiday & why?

Christmas. Because of the traditions.

20. What’s your favorite Halloween candy?

I have a few. Vanilla tootsie rolls, Kit-Kat (which also happens to be my nickname) and Mini Twix bars.

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