Author Interview: Kelly Violet

About the author:
Hi, I'm Kelly Violet! Originally from the East Coast, I now reside in sunny California. As a fan of love, I write and read romance in all forms. Readers can expect my stories to be fun and flirty, angsty and gut-wrenching, or downright dark and extremely naughty. One thing they’ll all have in common is a happy ending, however it comes. No matter the obstacles or dire circumstance. Either way, it’ll be a roller coaster ride of emotions, just the way I like it. Music and dancing are my go-to outlets. If there’s a party and a dance floor (optional), you'll probably see me out there first. When not writing, I'm reading tons of romance or concocting a plan to write more.

What inspires you to write romantic fiction?
Like many of us on here, I started reading romance at a young age. I would go to the public library and get my hands on all types of romance books. A few of them featured a heroine who looked like me but most of them didn't. I think that's one of the main reasons why I write: to tell stories I didn't see myself in while growing up.

Tell us about how you write.
I have a full-time career, so fitting writing in is tough but not impossible. I have pockets of time on my lunch hour. Most of my writing is done on the weekends in one of my favorite local venues. Most of the time, I'm waffling between two different stories; they have to be in separate sub-genres. Most of my stories fall in line with the sub-genres: new adult, romantic suspense and contemporary romance. There may be an odd one out here or there!

Do you listen to or talk to to your characters?
I don't talk to my characters, not that I'm aware of. LOL. I do listen to them. Sometimes I sit at my laptop with no ideas in mind then all of a sudden BAM! I know where the conversation needs to go and how my characters are feeling in that moment. It's not forced from my fingertips. So, yes I think that's my characters speaking to me and I can't help but listen and smile!

What advice would you give other romance writers?
Take your time but don't wait too long. I spent many years wanting to do this and also doubting myself. Read, research, and go to conferences, but at the end of the day you have to put words on the page.

How did you decide how to publish your books?
For a long time I've wanted to self-publish. I like having a lot of the control over my brand (book cover, my image, writing timeline, etc.). That control part of it was very important to me. And I don't like to feel rushed, so I can take my time with the idea(s) rattling around in my head. But we'll see how it shakes out since I just recently published my debut novel Touch Me Softly in December 2017!

What do you think about the future of book publishing?
Like most things it's ever-changing. The industry continues to shift with the changing tide. I don't know what's in store exactly, but I do think it's still an exciting time to write and publish!

Which romance sub-genere(s) fit your stories best?
New Adult, Contemporary, Interracial & Multicultural Romance, Romantic Suspense, Romantic Comedy

My books are available in the following formats:
eBook, Print