Ask the Author: Kerry Anne King
Answered Questions (7)
Kerry Anne King
Hey, I'm so glad you loved the magic and the concept! Other People's Things was such a fun book to write. I think the trick to adding those touches of magic is rooted in the same ground rules as writing full on fantasy (which I adore, by the way!) It's important to ground your characters, and therefore your readers, in the version of reality you've created. Whatever the magical element is has its own rules and has to be consistent. Nickle, for example, just knows things are in the wrong place, and eventually where to move them to. She doesn't suddenly have a burst of psychic power that will get her out of a tight spot, etc. The other thing that works well is to thoroughly ground the characters in real word sensory details - what they can see, smell, touch and taste, etc.
Kerry Anne King
Hey Beth,
That's so strange! So they said you couldn't recommend it? A lot of libraries are carrying it, I know, so I don't know what to say about that. They wouldn't tell you why?
That's so strange! So they said you couldn't recommend it? A lot of libraries are carrying it, I know, so I don't know what to say about that. They wouldn't tell you why?
Kerry Anne King
Good to know! :) I work from a structure I learned from James Scott Bell. There are 12 "signpost scenes" in every book that I know I need. Beyond that, there is a central question in every book and every chapter needs to connect to that. If it doesn't, out it goes!
Kerry Anne King
Hi Claudia,
Of course real women eat!! Hopefully steak dinners and ice cream and all that is good. However, what I know of grief and crisis, both personally and professionally, is that during those times the appetite is often deeply depressed and people have difficulty eating. Since my characters are generally going through times of grief and crisis during the book, this has been their experience. As to your question - I honestly can't give you an answer because I don't remember whether Rae eats a full meal or not. Thanks for reading the other books, and I'm glad you like the style & story. :)
Of course real women eat!! Hopefully steak dinners and ice cream and all that is good. However, what I know of grief and crisis, both personally and professionally, is that during those times the appetite is often deeply depressed and people have difficulty eating. Since my characters are generally going through times of grief and crisis during the book, this has been their experience. As to your question - I honestly can't give you an answer because I don't remember whether Rae eats a full meal or not. Thanks for reading the other books, and I'm glad you like the style & story. :)
Kerry Anne King
Ideas flit into my head all day long. I work in a clinic as an RN. Every person who walks through the door has a story. Every person who lives long enough has lived a tragedy. Their stories drop into my imagination and collide with other ideas and before I know it there's a beautiful story wanting me to write it. I also foster inspiration by showing up at my desk nearly every day at 5 am and putting down words.
Kerry Anne King
I'm just about ready to turn in my latest novel to editor Jodi. This one is about a woman who is called home to care for her parents when her mother is dying, only to discover that her mother has been harboring life altering secrets. I LOVE this book, but then I love whichever book I happen to be working on. I love my writing job.
Kerry Anne King
I get to re-create reality the way I want it to be. I take my characters through very dark places of grief and loss and despair, but I can always help them find their way through to a better place. And that makes me happy. Besides, it's always just fun to make stuff up.
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