Author Raven Kennedy #Interview

Tell us a bit about yourself

Oh shit, talk about myself? Okay. Let’s see… I’m admittedly not that cool. I’m the awkward wallflower chick who has always fit in better with the misfits. I was shy for most of my life, and honestly, if I ever met a reader in real life, I’d probably blush about ten shades of red. I’m a mom and a wife, but I’m just me, too—the pale girl from the desert who drinks creamer in her tea, listens to alternative music, and hates working out but probably should do it, anyway.

Have you always wanted to become an author?

Yes. Always. I know that’s a boring answer, but it’s true. I’ve been writing stories since I was little. I’d fill notebooks with bubbly handwriting that had heart dots over my i’s and j’s. The stories were bad, but they were an escape I could create for myself when I wanted to be in a different world and be a different person.

What was your inspiration for the Heart Hassle series?

At the time, I’d been writing a heavier book that was very difficult for me emotionally to write. So difficult, in fact, that I couldn’t bring myself to finish it. So I needed a light-hearted escape. I’d had this idea for a cupid character for a while. So I thought, I’ll just write it‚—it’ll be a nice break from the heavy. Originally, Signs of Cupidity wasn’t going to be a reverse harem, but the story sort of demanded a #whychoose approach. I wanted it to be fun, funny, and a total escape for readers. Granted, I never thought anyone would actually read it, but I loved Emelle too much not to publish it.

Do you have any quirks while writing?

I don’t think I really have quirks while writing. Sometimes I like to listen to music, sometimes I like silence. Sometimes I like to write at night, other times I do well during the day. Sometimes I enjoy writing in the hustle and bustle of my small town hipster cafe, other times I’m just in my leggings on the bed. Really, when I can get any time to myself, I’m writing. Even when I’m not writing, I’m usually thinking of new ideas or scenes for books. It’s a tad annoying when I have to get up at 3 AM to jot down a note in my phone!

What are you working on now?

I have a few projects going on simultaneously. I just finished writing the third Cupidity book, I’m working on a psychological thriller-ish story that is nearly ready, and I have a few surprise releases coming out soon, too. I also have some awesome co-writes coming up, as well as more books in my shifter Misfits world. I’m also doing some darker themed books, to balance out the funny rom-coms. I never want to get stuck pigeon-holed in one type of story, because I love writing all kinds of genres, and I hope my readers will tag along with me.

What are your hopes for the future?

My hopes are to just enjoy the ride. I’m fucking lucky to be able to write and have people who actually care enough to read my stuff. I have all of these stories in my head, and my hope is that I can get them out and do them justice. My hope is also that people will connect with the characters I create, whether that means I make someone laugh or cry, think, or escape.

Do you have any advice for new authors about the publishing world?

Write. Just fucking write, man. It’s hard. Sometimes you don’t want to. Sometimes you doubt yourself. Sometimes you think your words and your ideas are utter shit. But if your soul is in it, and the story is calling to you, just write it. Get it down, and then find people who will be your solid support system. Find your squad. Those beta readers and writing partners who will give you constructive criticism and push you to be better. That makes all the difference. I tried to get a literary agent for years, and I was always rejected. But that’s the beautiful thing about today. Writers can take a chance on themselves without agents, and self publish instead. I was nervous as hell to do it, but I’m so glad I did!

Do you have anything to say to your fans?

Fuck, yes I do. Readers: You guys have blown me away. I still have to pinch myself sometimes to realize that this is real. Particularly the people in my reader group….I’ve never met any of you in real life, but geez, I love you crazy beautiful chicks. I try to read each and every comment and post…even when I’m supposed to be writing and not be on Facebook. Lol. But honestly, you guys encourage me, make me smile, and I love it every time I read that you’ve enjoyed reading one of my stories. Author to reader is a beautiful connection, and I’m so fucking grateful. I hope to meet some of you guys in real life at upcoming book signings. I’ll be the one with the obnoxious red cupid wings. Just kidding. Maybe. Probably.

XOXO—Raven Kennedy