Pump Up Your Book Chats with Kirsten Kelly

Halith

Kirsten Kelly lives in Miami, Florida where she enjoys kayaking, fishing, and travel. Like her characters, she lives for good friends, good food, and the next adventure. You can visit Kirsten Kelly’s website at www.pcwbooks.com

To find out more about Kirsten visit www.pcwbooks.com

On Halith

Q: Can you tell us why you wrote your book?

I have always had a fascination with the ancient world, especially the role of women in some cultures. Women were respected more, had greater roles before the dark ages. I wanted to explore the period before this change happened, and so Halith was born.

Q: Which part of the book was the hardest to write?

The relationship between Thomas Garrin and Halith. It was a challenge for me to develop a relationship that would ultimately end in betrayal without giving too much away and yet not making it a total shock to the reader.

Q: Does your book have an underlying message that readers should know about?

Yes. That happiness should be a goal, and something to define your life, no matter how confusing it may be, or whatever restrictions, such as duty, keep you from it. I think this is particularly important for women because we too often tend to live solely for others. Not that that is a bad thing! But still, I think that happiness is a treasure—the one possession you will keep to the end of days and beyond.

On Writing

Q: Do you remember when the writing bug hit?

Yes. Sixth grade. I think I was twelve years old. My teacher really encouraged creativity in his students. It hit again at sixteen.

Q: What’s the most frustrating thing about becoming a published author and what’s the most rewarding?

The most frustrating thing is promoting—getting the word out there. The most rewarding thing is finishing the novel.

Q: Do you have a writing tip you’d like to share?

Be mindful of your overall plot, but don’t be married to it. It may evolve and that can be a good thing. Your characters can take you places you had not imagined.

On Family and Home:

Q: Would you like to tell us about your home life? Where you live? Family? Pets?

I live in Miami, FL with my German Spitz, a Lhasa Apso, and my iguana. And I am getting married this Sunday since New York is allowing gay marriage now.

Q: Where’s your favorite place to write at home?

I don’t write at home. I write at Starbucks or in pubs.

Q: What do you do to get away from it all?

I like boating and all water sports. And fishing!

On Childhood

Q: Were you the kind of child who always had a book in her/his hand?

No, not really. I was out playing with my friends until my mother forced me inside. And then, I would have my nose in the Lord of the Rings for hours.

Q: Can you remember your favorite book?

Yes. The Lord of the Rings as a young child. Then Moby Dick in high school.

Q: Do you remember writing stories when you were a child?

Yes. Always.

On Book Promotion

Q: What was the first thing you did as far as promoting your book?

I was not able to promote my book when it was first released. My long-time partner got advanced breast cancer at a very young age and lost a yearlong battle. That was more important to me than book promotion. It was devastating.

Q: Are you familiar with the social networks and do you actively participate?

I am becoming familiar now. Again, I didn’t even think about any of this until now. It was a difficult year…

Q: How do you think book promotion has changed over the years?

Funny thing: more technology, and yet it seems more grassroots than ever before.

On Other Fun Stuff

Q: If you had one wish, what would that be?

Wow. That is such a hard question right now. I would like to say I would change things that had happened, but some things are just beyond my control. So, I think I just wish to always be happy, for the most part. I wish that I will always enjoy life to its fullest.

Q: If you could be anywhere in the world other than where you are right now, where would that place be?

Cornwall, England.

Q: Your book has just been awarded a Pulitzer. Who would you thank?

My book for a Pulitzer? My, if that happened I would have to thank God! All of the gods! No, but seriously, I would have to thank my friends and family, both past and present. I have had so much support from everyone. The book is dedicated to my late partner, because she is the bravest woman I have ever known—the bravest and the most generous heart and spirit. She inspired my heroine.


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