Kandi Steiner's Blog, page 11
February 14, 2014
IBF: Meet Kandi Steiner
Hello, Indie Bookfest luvuhs!
Thanks so much for stopping by my page. I’m beyond excited for this year’s signing, and I really hope you are, too!
Before we get to the boring stuff (AKA me telling you more than you want to know about me 
), be sure to come stalk me on my sites. I love chatting with my readers and we have a lot of fun on my pages! 
Okay, now that that’s over with, here are some fun facts about me. If there’s anything I missed that you’re dying to know, just shoot me a message! “I’m an open book,” as the old cliche claims.
Also, be sure to enter the GIVEAWAY on my Facebook page for a chance to win some books and swag!
MEET KANDI STEINER
Age: 24
Location: Tampa, FL
Writing Genre: New Adult Romance
INDIE BOOK FEST INTERVIEW QUESTIONS:
Tell us a little bit about your book(s) and yourself.
I debuted my first novel in October of 2013 – Tag Chaser. Tag Chaser is a New Adult Romance about Paisley Bronson, a young woman scarred by her past and fighting to fend off commitment and trust of any kind. She finds romantic relief in dating military men because it suits her wants and needs – AKA she can hang out with them for a few weeks, have some fun, and then they leave and she’s off the hook. No commitment, no true trust, no option of getting hurt.
Well, one night her best friend calls her out on the bullshit and challenges her to a bet – one full year without dating a military man. She accepts, the competitive nature in her taking control, and so the fun begins. That very night, Paisley meets a drop dead gorgeous, melt-in-your-mouth-and-not-in-your-hand dreamboat – Corbin Ray. He’s in town on business, so Paisley is practically thanking God for her luck. I mean seriously – a business man who will be gone in a couple of weeks? Perfect! But, a shocking discovery back at his hotel reveals that he’s in the Army. So, Paisley leaves (causing quite the set of blue balls for Corbin, might I add) and resolves to move on and not think about him.
Easier said than done, right? Especially when Paisley shows up for work the next day and, wouldn’t you know it, she’s got a new client – and his name is Corbin Ray. What happens next, I cannot say – after all, I want you to read the book. But I can tell you that a story full of passion, discovery, heart break and love ensues. Sprinkled in are some funny moments, too – because I have a really hard time being serious.
As for me, I’m a simple gal. I like all the finer things in life – like cowboy boots, cats, craft beer and Zumba. I work full time as a Social Media Specialist in the corporate world, but one day I hope to write full time. I majored in both Advertising/Public Relations and Creative Writing in college because I couldn’t decide if I wanted to be a real “professional” or if I wanted to follow my dream of writing. Right now, I’m trying to balance the two. Also, I went to college at the University of Central Florida (GO KNIGHTS!). I really am an open book – so ask me if there’s something you want to know.
When was your first book published?
October 13, 2013. It was my 24th birthday.
Why did you decide to become an Indie Author?
That’s a great question. Honestly? I love doing things myself. I know that sounds so stupid because if I would have written in to a publishing company, there’s a possibility I could have been published and better known. But, I really do enjoy challenging myself, and holy crap was self-publishing a challenge. I just think sometimes we write stories that don’t fit traditional molds, but are still great stories. That’s probably where I fit in (I’m weird and don’t like to follow rules), so I decided to just do it myself. Loving the journey so far!
Are you currently working on anything?
I am actually working on a sequel-ish type book to Tag Chaser that’s about the best friend, Tanner. He kind of got his heart broken in Tag Chaser, but everyone fell in love with him and wanted to know what happened. Well, I’m obliged to tell them. I have to say I’m smack in the middle of writing Song Chaser (Tanner’s book) and it’s so fun. I LOVE Tanner – he’s an ass sometimes, but I love him.
Who and what inspired you to write?
My mom, definitely. She’s actually very into reading like I am and is a great writer herself. I hope to one day convince her to write a novel, too. She inspired me when I was very young and encouraged me to pursue my love of writing, no matter what. Everything I’ve written from awful love poems in high school (yuck!) to decent pieces in college, she has always been there for me.
Each author has his or her own inspiring journey. How did you begin writing?
I started writing way back in 4th grade. Back then it was mostly poems and short stories. In middle school, I made my own newspaper and distributed it to my friends. It was a big hit and everyone looked forward to Wednesdays (the days I handed them out). Of course it wasn’t really much news, more like stories on random people in the school and on the kids in our class. But, it was fun and everyone loved reading it. I had games in the back and giveaways, too. Well, eventually I was busted and told I wasn’t allowed to do it anymore – but, my principal was impressed and had me writing features for the high school newspaper. So that was fun.
College is where I really dived into my writing. High school I was on the editor for the yearbook and took some creative writing courses, but college really opened up the doors to expand my writing and see how far I could push myself. It was then that I knew I wanted to write. I wanted others to read my work the way my professors did and say the things they said to me. But most of all, I wanted to share the stories in my head with the world. I still stand today saying that I really could care less if I make a single dime off my work as long as people love to read it and share it with others.
While I was at UCF, I was insanely busy – working 3 jobs to pay for college along with being involved in literally everything I could be. So I really didn’t get started writing seriously until I graduated. I made writing and publishing Tag Chaser my New Year’s Resolution in 2013 and made it happen. I’m so happy I did, because now I feel like I’m in full flight.
What is on your writing playlist for your book(s)?
Oh my gosh, don’t laugh – but I seriously listen to the strangest array of music. I’m OBSESSED with John Mayer and Taylor Swift. I also have a thing for old 80′s music, 70′s rock and roll, 90′s hip hop and R&B, and pretty much anything country. I’m also a huge sucker for covers and slow acoustic songs. So, pretty much however I feel when I’m writing that particular scene.
Who is your favorite character in your books?
AHHH that’s like asking someone to pick their favorite child! I would have to say they are all my favorites, but right now I’m feeling extra love for Tanner because I’m writing his story and really discovering who he is. By the way, he’s super stubborn – I thought I knew what story to write for him, but once he got on the pages he just started running around doing whatever he wanted. Damn him.
What is your favorite book of all time?
I hate this question because, again, I am horrible at choosing a favorite anything. But, I have to stick with the classics and say The Catcher in the Rye.
Tell us in one sentence why we should read your books.
You should read my books because everyone deserves to read something different, funny, and passionate.
READER QUESTIONS:
We all have Tanner and Corbin as book boyfriends, and obviously they’re yours as well, but who outside of them is your ultimate book boyfriend?
I don’t think anyone will ever quite steal my heart the way that Edward Cullen did. Yes, you read that right – I’m a Twilight girl.
Where does your drive come from? Family, friends, yourself?
I think my drive for writing comes from my readers more than anyone. Yes, I am definitely driven by my personal goals and my family and friends, but it’s my readers who make me want to write. I live for the messages and posts from readers who love my work and want more. When I am in a rut, a writing block, or just can’t find the time to write – I always think of them and remind myself why I do this. I love writing because I love reading, and I write for those who read.
What’s your favorite scene from Tag Chaser and why?
I seriously loved writing Tag Chaser so much. I think my favorite scene was Corbin and Paisley’s trip to Key West, specifically their “perfect day”. It was so fun to write and this was like the “hearts and flowers” part of the book – when everything was perfect. I have to say that the kitchen scene is a close second lol.
What was the biggest obstacle writing Tag Chaser?
I struggled with two things mostly – time and formatting. Time was probably the biggest obstacle because it was incredibly difficult for me to determine how to balance my writing life with my work/social/family life. It wasn’t like writing was my job nor is it today, so I had to figure out how to make everything fit. Formatting was my other headache. Once I had Tag Chaser all finished, I had to format it for every channel it was going to be available on. It’s tough! Also, I struggle with writing blocks just like every other author. Those are always a bitch lol.
Who makes your covers?
Me! 
I have an awesome photographer that I use, her name is Austyn Bynon. She did my wedding photos and she’s been a great friend for many years now. Once I have her edited photos, I design the covers. I’m actually doing a cover reveal for Song Chaser on February 21st over at Schmexy Girl Book Blog. Can’t wait!
Okay, I think that about wraps up all the questions. Thanks for letting me bore you to death. Don’t forget to enter the GIVEAWAY on my Facebook page and I’ll see y’all in August!
January 28, 2014
Checking In
Hello, lovely readers!
Have I told you lately that I love you? Well, I do. You all are making writing Song Chaser SO much fun. Thank you for the messages, the emails, the wall posts, and all the kind words about how excited you are for Tanner’s story. I have loved Tanner ever since he popped into my mind a few years ago, and it’s been so fun getting to write for him. He’s quite the character.
Some of you are asking when Song Chaser is going to be out. As much as I wish I could give you a concrete date, I just can’t yet – I still work a full time job and unfortunately, I never know when I’ll get the chance to write. My GOAL is to have SC finished and in your hands this summer. So, let’s just aim for that for now and maybe (hopefully) it will come a little sooner.
Until then, here’s a little Tanner to tide you over.
Stay Beautiful,
K.S.
January 7, 2014
When I Read Reviews
So, I know you all see your favorite authors thanking your for your reviews of their work, but I don’t think you all truly understand how excited we get. For instance, let’s run through what happened to me this morning…
Clock in at work, it’s 8:00AM on a Tuesday morning. So, this is me:
I catch up on my work, and then I’m like, “Hm, I wonder how Tag Chaser is doing.”
So, I skip on over to Amazon.com.
I’m just scrolling around, viewing the sales rank and making sure the price is correct. But then, I SEE IT.
A NEW REVIEW.
So I view the most recent reviews, and as I’m reading, I’m just like:
I just seriously love reviews. I mean yes, of course, sometimes there are bad reviews and they make me a little sad.
But then I remember that I write for YOU. So, I start taking notes – because I want to be a better author, and because you’re the way I do that.
And most of the time, you guys say super nice things about my characters and my story. And you may not know it, but it makes me so happy.
So, just to reiterate, THANK YOU for taking time to write your reviews. You have no idea how happy they make the authors you write them for, and in case you didn’t know it – we’re listening.
And we love you.
Stay Beautiful,
K.S.
December 16, 2013
Kandi’s Top 9 Reads of 2013
I have always said that the number one job for a writer is to also be a reader. Many will disagree with me on this, but I think in order to truly write your best – you need to read the best. Having said that, I’m sure you’re all dying to know what I read and loved this year, right?
No?
Well, here they are anyway. Andddd you can enter below for your chance to win one of my favs – and not an eBook of one of my favs – but a PAPERBACK (US only. But International can still enter for eBooks!)
I know, right? It’s because I love you.
You can also enter for a chance to win a signed paperback copy of Tag Chaser. So go ahead, read my top 9 reads (or just skip to the part where you enter to win).
9. Bully by Penelope Douglas
Penelope Douglas debuted this year with Bully and it was PHENOMENAL. Being a debut author myself this year, I truly admire her work and wanted to scream “JOB WELL DONE!” when I finished reading. What I loved most about this book was that it wasn’t perfect. Who wants to read a perfect story line? BORINGGGG.
8. Keeping Her by Cora Carmack
I absolutely freaking LOVE Cora Carmack, and I loved Losing It so much that when I found out she was writing Keeping Her (a novella following Losing It) I literally awkward danced in my office chair. In my opinion, the best books are those that can make you laugh – and every book I’ve read by her has made me laugh so hard I cry. Definite must read!
7. Facade by Nyrae Dawn
Seriously. Nyrae Dawn. She just kills me. You want to talk about emotional reads GAH this woman makes me cry. But, it’s a good cry – a very therapeutic, beautiful cry. This is book 2 in her Games series, but it can read as a stand-alone. It was so raw and God I love a rugged and tragic H.
6. Out of Line by Jen McLaughlin
This was my first read by Jen McLaughlin and I freaking LOVED. IT. It’s no secret that I’m a sucker for a military man, but what I loved most about this book was that it felt so real. I flipped through my Kindle so fast my finger was burning because it was more like watching a movie. I was so lost in this story, and toward the end I was literally chewing my fingernails to the bone because I was so anxious. I also may have yelled at my Kindle a few times. (Poor thing, it’s not its fault!) It does leave off on a cliff hanger, but that just makes the next book more exciting – right?
5. Four Summers by Nyrae Dawn
Once again, Nyrae Dawn. This book is a stand-alone, but I seriously wish it wasn’t because HOLY CRAP I freaking love these characters. Charlie may be my favorite h ever, and that’s saying something. There were a few little twists in this book, which definitely kept it interesting, but mostly I just loved growing with Charlie and experiencing life with her as she grew over 4 summers. Loveeee it!
4-2. The Keatyn Chronicles by Jillian Dodd
Good Lord, I love Jillian Dodd. If you follow my Facebook page, then you know how obsessed I am with The Keatyn Chronicles. Well, 3 – count ‘em – THREE books in the series came out this year. I was in heaven (and also in hell – because now I have to wait again for the next one!) I promise if you start this series, you will be hooked forever and ever. I tried to rate these books with numbers, but I can’t decide which ones I love more than the others – they’re all fab. So – my number 4 – number 2 spots go to miss Jillian and her fun, fearless, fashionable and insanely lucky Keatyn. (I mean seriously, the girl has Aiden, Brooklyn, and Dawes all wanting a piece of it. Just sayin.)
Buy Date Me on Amazon
Buy Love Me on Amazon
Buy Adore Me on Amazon
1. The Game Changer by J. Sterling
Ohhhhh, Jenn. Jenn fucking Sterling. This chick has my
Buy The Game Changer on Amazon
So there you have it – my top 9 reads of 2013. I hope you one-clicked some of those babies, and don’t forget to enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway!
Stay Beautiful,
K.S.
December 9, 2013
As You Wish Reviews: Best of 2013
Hi chasers!
Did you know Tag Chaser was nominated for As You Wish Reviews’ Best of 2013?
Check out their blog here and you can vote for Tag Chaser by simply clicking the “like” button by the cover.
Thank you for the nomination and for all the votes – I feelz da love!
Stay Beautiful,
K.S.
December 3, 2013
1,000 Likes Giveaway!
We reached 1,000 likes on the Facebook page today – woo hoo! I’m running a fun flash giveway for two prizes – both eBooks of your choice! Run over and get entered – and thank you!
CLICK HERE to enter the flash giveaway.
Stay Beautiful,
K.S.
Sale!
Hey chasers!
Tag Chaser is on sale right now for just 99 PENNIES! Spread the word – and don’t forget about all those book lovers on your Christmas list.
November 14, 2013
500 Likes Giveaway Winners!
So, how funny is it that for the 500 Likes Giveaway, we got 499 entries?! Lol so close.
Okay I’ll skip all the mushy shit and just announce who won, but just know that I love you all!
500 LIKES GIVEAWAY WINNERS
Kindle copy of Tag Chaser
Natalie Townson
Tina McClay
Jacquelyn Hansen
Signed paperback copy of Tag Chaser
Erin Thompson
$10 Amazon gift card
Jennifer Matusik Ingman
Congratulations to all the winners! Be on the lookout for an email from me soon.
Stay Beautiful,
K.S.
November 7, 2013
Writing a Book: Where to Start?
When you finally decide that you’re serious and you’re ready to write your first book, it’s terrifying. It’s even more terrifying when you tell someone about it, because then you’re held accountable. Trust me, I know – all the questions start running through your brain, right? “Can I do this? Will people read it? Where do I even start?” Relax. It’s okay to be scared, but the important thing to remember is to not let that fear overcome your dream. So, take a deep breath and get ready for a bumpy – but rewarding – ride.
Organize Your Thoughts
Okay, maybe you’re like me and your idea struck you while you were in the shower and now you’re all fired up and ready to start frantically typing away in Word. Well, my advice is to slow down and take a minute to organize your thoughts. I can’t tell you how many times I had to stop writing because I honestly didn’t know where to go from there, or maybe I didn’t take the time to develop a character enough to figure out what they might say in that certain situation. I highly suggest starting with a few important pre-writing staples:
1) Make character profiles for all of your main characters. No, you don’t necessarily need to make one for every single character, but any that have big enough roles where you need to understand them more than you do already. One of my favorite character profile templates is from Deviant Art. It’s really lengthy, and I usually skip things that aren’t important to me, but it covers so much and is a great template to start with.
2) Draft up an outline. Do you have to know exactly everything that’s going to happen in your book? Well, I guess that depends on who you ask. In my opinion – no, you don’t. Through my experience, my book literally transformed as I wrote it. Characters showed up that I didn’t foresee, situations changed, hell – even the ending changed. But, I do think it’s smart to start with a foundation. You can’t build a mansion on top of a sink hole, right? So, take a minute to write what you know you want to happen – then let the rest fill itself in.
3) Do your research. You might already know everything you need to know to write your book. If you do – that’s awesome! But it also probably means you’re being lazy. Most books are going to require you to write about things you don’t know much about, whether it be because of a character’s background and interests or because of a setting or plot concept. Trust me, most of your research will be done as you’re writing. You’ll be in the middle of a scene and have to pull up your trusty friend Google to help you out. However, I highly suggest taking the time to do your main research in the beginning so you know exactly what you’re writing about and you don’t make any fatal mistakes.
Format Before You Write
When you’re self publishing, formatting is a bitch – no doubt about it. But, you can save yourself a lot of headaches if you do as much as you can beforehand. Consider where you’re planning on publishing your book and do the research so you can at least write your first draft in one of the formats. I didn’t do this, and I had to change literally everything before I could publish… like 7,000 times. It was awful. I highly recommend checking out KDP’s formatting guide and starting with that. Then, it should be pretty easy to change it for your print version and Nook or iBooks, if you decide to do those.
Set A Goal – And Stick To It
When I first decided to write my book, I did it as a New Year’s Resolution and made my goal to finish it by the end of the following year. I did it way sooner than I expected, but I knew that I wanted to give myself plenty of cushion just in case. I mean, let’s face it, life is crazy. If you’re lucky enough to be able to stay home and make writing your full time job then I ENVY you. However, most of us probably still have to work the 9-5 grind to make the bills. And that’s okay! Just remember that once you decide to start writing, writing needs to become a priority in your life. You might want to watch hours of trashy TV like you used to, but that’s valuable writing time that shouldn’t be wasted. It takes a lot of discipline and was definitely something I struggled with. So, set a goal for yourself and stick to it. Divide it up and figure out how much you need to write each week to accomplish your goal. Odds are you’re going to have some weeks where you can write 20 pages and some weeks where you can’t write even one single sentence. So, make sure when you plan your goal date, you keep that in mind and give yourself room for lazy weeks.
Take A Deep Breath And Write
“Shit. Shit shit shit.” Those were the words that went on a rampage through my brain when I sat down with that damn blinking cursor in front of me and realized I was actually doing this. I was actually writing a book. Like I said before, I’m not going to sit here and say that it’s easy or that it’s not scary. It was one of the most difficult things I’ve ever done and it was fucking terrifying. But, if you want it – really want it – then y
ou can do it. The first thing you’re going to realize is that all those people you thought would be there to support you probably aren’t going to care much, until you hit the publish button, at least. People love to see you succeed, but only if you’re not succeeding more than they are. You’re going to have people tell you that you can’t do it, that you’re idea is stupid, that no one in their right mind would ever read your book – you name it, they will say it. But, DON’T listen to them. Don’t let their thoughts and opinions crush your dreams. If I can leave you with any advice from this entire post I would want it to be this: If the book in your head is important to you and you think others would enjoy reading it, then screw what everyone else thinks – write it.
Is this all you need to know before writing your book? Absolutely not. You’ve still got A LOT to do – find beta readers, get an editor, figure out the title of your book, make a cover – the list is endless (look forward to more posts from me on these topics). But, if you’re just getting started, this should help you take the first step. If you’re reading this because you’re ready to go, then I wish you nothing but the best of luck. And for those of you who read this and immediately got scared again, trust me – take that fear and turn it into motivation. You can DO this.
Stay Beautiful,
K.S.
November 5, 2013
500 Likes Giveaway!
500 Likes on my Facebook page say whaaatttt?! You guys are seriously THE BEST.
So, to share my appreciation and show you how much love I gotz for ya, here’s a little giveaway with some fun prizes. Share with your bookie best friends and good luck!
Oh, and this:
——-> ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE
Stay Beautiful,
K.S.
