Welcome to the Literary Library Lounge where I interview fellow authors. Today, I am chatting with K.A. Meng from Grand Forks, North Dakota that she claims is one of the coldest towns in America.
Thanks for joining us, K.A. Please take a seat and make yourself comfortable.
How long have you been published? What titles have you published and with which publisher? Have you self-published any titles? Please give details
I was published for the first time at the end of September 2016, a little over three months ago. My only publication right now is Superior Species with Solstice Publishing.
Congratulations.
Tell us a little bit about your books — what genre you write, if you write a series, any upcoming releases or your current work-in-progress. If you have an upcoming release, please specify the release date.
Superior Species is about an eighteen-year-old girl who moves to a new town to start a better life. Ivory Ames has caught the attention of four gorgeous guys. At Los Roshano University this isn’t normal, even when all the upperclassmen have perfect physiques, flawless complexions, and hypnotic looks. That’s not even the weirdest part. The town has a strict sunset curfew because of wild animals attacking. To keep her friends and herself safe, Ivory must figure out the truth behind the town’s mysteries before it’s too late.
That sounds very interesting.
I write Paranormal and Urban Fantasy stories. Superior Species is planned for a series. I am editing the second book now. I don’t have a release date.
Good luck with that.
Describe your goals as a writer. What do you hope to achieve in the next few years? What are you planning to do to reach these goals?
My main goal is to finish the Superior Species books which will take the next few years. I need to write them. My plan is to write the books, put it aside for a bit, and then edit it. My goal is to release two a year.
Nice. I write a series, too, although I enjoy writing short stories and standalones. I find it’s always good to put a first draft aside after you finish it and then go back and edit when it’s fresh to you again.
What type of reader are you hoping to attract? Who do you believe would be most interested in reading your books?
I hope to attract readers who are interested in the paranormal just like me. I believe those who are tired of monsters not being scary anymore will enjoy my books. My plan is to bring the fear back for them. My characters might be good-looking, but they’re still monsters.
Interesting point. I sometimes enjoy a touch of the paranormal in the books I read. My self-published book, Cloudy Rainbow, was a paranormal romance, and I also have another that I started and hope to finish one day.
What advice would you give other authors or those still trying to get published?
Never give up. If you want to be an author, write the book, find a great writers group or friends to polish it, and then submit it. Keep submitting until you are published. I do recommend going with a publisher the first time. You need help. I’ve learned so much in the last few months. For those self-published and are making it, I applaud you.
I agree. You have to be persistent to get noticed in this competitive field. You’re also right about self-publishing. It’s not for everyone, although some people do well.
What particular challenges and struggles did you face before first becoming published?
My biggest struggle was trying to find a publisher. I had a lot of rejections, but I never gave up.
It’s very hard to break in; but like the saying goes, “the squeaky wheel gets the grease.” I’m currently querying agents for another title. No bites yet, but I’m not letting the rejections stop me from continuing to submit.
Have you taken any writing or publishing classes? If so, please provide information about them and if you feel they helped you further your professional skills.
I’ve taken two writing classes in college. I’m also involved in critique groups. They helped me out and shaped me.
I’m involved in my library’s writing group now, and I also took some online writing and publishing courses. In addition, I had journalism experience from the work on my college newspaper.
What are your hobbies and interests besides writing?
My hobbies are reading, watching TV and movies, and playing board games. I’m a homebody and I’m proud of it.
There’s nothing wrong with being a homebody. I think most of us authors are. I like to travel a little but mostly to conferences and with my family in the summer, but I don’t like to spend too much time away especially since I have cats.
What do you like most and least about being an author? What is your toughest challenge?
I like being an author because it’s my dream job and I’m slowly building the career to do it. What I dislike is how long it is taking. I want to write every day only, but I like to eat. The toughest job so far is marketing my books. I’m still trying to figure out what works and what doesn’t. Can’t I have a fairy godmother? *Twirls wand* The next day, I’m a best seller.
Lol. I feel very much the same. I work full-time, so I can’t devote much of the day to writing except the early morning. Marketing is tough. It can be frustrating and time consuming without much reward. However, I agree the best marketing tool for authors is to write more books. You have to prioritize all the rest including eating and sleeping, of course.
Please list your social media links, website, blog, etc. and include some book cover graphics and author photos if possible.
Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/KAMengAuthor/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KAMengAuthor
Website: http://www.kamengauthor.com/
Blog: http://www.kamengauthor.com/blog
Superior Species buy link Amazon: getBook.at/SuperiorSpecies
Superior Species trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cOzCNL3irmg
Wonderful! Thanks for the interview, K.A. I wish you all the best on your series and future writings.
Ruff Drafts 