Kaylie Newell - Author Interview: Debut Novelist

What kinds of fiction did you read as a child and teenager, and did you have some favourites?

As a child, I read a lot of fiction about animals. Horses in particular. I was a horse nut! I read every book in The Black Stallion series, some of them twice. As I got older, I read a lot of romance. My mom always had Harlequins lying around, so I started early on those (earlier than my mom probably would have liked) and I fell in love.

Would you say your childhood and teenage reading has had a distinct influence on how you write fiction now, and why?

I definitely do, because the more you read, the better you write. I’m sure that discovering books at a young age taught me, even if subconsciously at the time, how to write. Those books gave me my first glimpse into character development, plot and world building. They taught me what makes a reader pick up a book, and more importantly, finish it.

What did you do before you became a published novelist, and how did you come to write your first novel and get it published?

I worked for many years in the records section of a small police department. I’d been writing short stories for years, but one day I decided to shoot for the moon and write a romance novel. It had always been a dream of mine, so after six months of writing, another six months of editing and several months of rejection, I was ecstatic to hear that a publishing company wanted my book. Feeling that it was now or never to try and build a writing career, I made the decision to quit my job and write full time. I’d never be able to do this without my wonderful husband’s support and for that I’ll be forever grateful.

How would you describe your style of fiction or your approach to writing fiction?

I write romance, so I think I write with a pair of rose colored glasses on. I like my stories to be realistic. To a point. Then I like the fantasy to take over. I mean, we all know some men wear socks while naked. But in our stories, we can leave that part out :)

Is your first published novel standalone or part of a series, and what advantages or disadvantages does this present for you?

My first book, A Death That Lingers (releases on November 21st-woohoo!) is a standalone book. I think when I started writing it I really couldn’t wrap my mind around anything more than just the immediate story at hand. But now I can really see the wonderful aspects of having a series. Readers often say, “I wasn’t ready for the story to end!” With a series, you can delve deeper into the character’s lives and the lives of those around them. Also with a series, your reader base is established with the first book. If it’s good, those readers will keep coming back for more. I definitely think I’d like to try my hand at a series in the future.

Have you found writing your second novel easier or more challenging than writing your first novel and why?

Ugh. My second book was SO much harder to write. And that surprised me. I’m still not quite sure why it gave me so much trouble, but it did. I actually had to stop at the halfway point and go back to wipe out a big chunk of the story. It wasn’t going in the direction I wanted it to, even though I had the outline pretty much worked out. My characters were feisty and rebellious. I had to reign them in a little.
I guess each book is different. They’re like your kids. Each has a distinct personality. Some are easy to work with, others are difficult. But you love them all.

Who is another novelist whose fiction writing you admire and why?

I absolutely adore Stephen King. He’s my hero. I have an autographed copy of On Writing that I keep by my computer for inspiration. The guy is an amazing story teller, but even more than that, he’s a master of the English language. He can take just a few words and weave them into the most incredible sentence that you’ll find yourself going back to read again and again, just for the sheer enjoyment of it.

How would you summarise your debut novel in one paragraph?

A Death That Lingers is a romantic suspense with a supernatural twist. My favorite kind! It was written in the spirit of books by Karen Robards with a sprinkling of Alice Hoffman thrown in for good measure. Here’s the blurb:

Josie Collins’ story is just beginning when she finally summons the courage to leave her famous, abusive husband and return to her hometown among the winter wheat of Kansas. She thought she’d escaped him this time. But she was wrong. When he is killed in a fiery car accident on his way to find her, it’s clear he may have died, but he has no intention of letting her go. With his death, an unthinkable evil is born. His presence only seems to intensify when Josie develops a rapport with sexy young police Chief, Paul Stark. Their attraction is undeniable, and Josie immediately knows there’s something special about the tall, brooding officer with the long jagged scar down his face. He has a nightmarish past, and what Josie soon learns, is that Paul has lost someone too, and is haunted by love, even as she is haunted by obsession.

How would you summarise a chapter from your debut novel in one paragraph?

I love the first chapter, because it sets up the rest of the book. At the beginning of Chapter One, Josie is packing her bags to leave. Her husband is a world famous musician. Handsome and talented, but very cold and abusive. She heads back to Kansas, anticipating a brand new life running the family’s antique shop. All these thoughts are running through her head. When will he come after me? What will he do if he finds me? She’s terrified, but she’s been pushed to the absolute breaking point. And that’s where the story begins. At her breaking point.

How would you describe the contribution this chapter makes to the novel?

This chapter is where you learn how bad Josie had it. How rotten her marriage was. How horrible her husband treated her. It’s also when you see what kind of life is awaiting her. And how much she stands to lose if she can’t finally be free of him. It’s my hope that the first chapter introduces you to a frightened young woman who discovers strength she never knew she had. Until now.

Author website: www.kaylienewell.com