New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Kaylee Ryan has been crowned the Queen of Swoon by her readers. With nearly fifty romance books under her belt, she’s known for penning happily ever afters with heart.
When she's not writing, you can find her with a book in her hand or hanging out with her family where she resides in her home state of Ohio.
When and how did you know you wanted to be a writer?
My love for reading led me on this journey. I always had stories in my head, and it was my husband who encouraged me to write them.
Did you have any influencing writers growing up?
Not particularly. I just loved to read. I read anything I could get my hands on growing up.
It wasn’t until I was older that the majority of the books I read were Romance.
Are any of your characters based on people in real life?
Not specially, but there is a piece of me and my life in every story. It’s hard for there not to be. Concerts, sporting events, cancer, it’s all been there.
Where do you draw your book inspirations from?
Everywhere. A song on the radio, a conversation standing in line at the grocery store, chatting with friends, plot talking with other authors, and even readers who reach out with requests for their favorite tropes.
My mind is never not thinking about my next story.
Do you use have a basic outline when starting a new story or do you let the characters lead the way?
I have a basic outline, but for the most part I let the characters lead the way.
When you are picturing the characters in your book, do you have a cheater photo for inspiration?
I always have my cover image before I start writing the book so that I have a strong idea of the main characters.
Many people read as a form of escape and relaxation. What is your favorite way to sit back and relax?
Reading for sure. We also go camping a lot, but you can usually find me and my friends talking about books around the campfire.
Who are your favorite current authors to read?
I have so many.
Lacey Black, and not just because she’s my bestie and writing partner.
Adriana Locke, Cora Brent, Emily Goodwin just to name a few.
What are your favorite books by others?
I have way too many to choose.
Do the locations in the stories have any meaning to you?
Some do. Some are just random fictional towns that I’ve made up in my head.
Others are places I’ve been or want to go.
Do you write in single or multiple POV?
First person, Dual POV
What do you find to be your best research tool?
It really depends on what I’m writing. The internet, experts in that field.
Do you write under a pen name? Also, do you write under more than one name?
I co-write with Lacey Black, and she and I also have a pen name Rebel Shaw (the alter ego of the romance writing duo Lacey Black and Kaylee Ryan)
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What genre do you write and why is this your preference?
Contemporary and New Adult Romance. It’s what I love to read, so it’s easy for me to write what I love.
Tell me something about yourself outside of writing. Jobs, accomplishments, family, quirky trait...what led to you being you?
I love pickles, hate onions, and I married my high school sweetheart.
If you are a duo writing team, how do you share the writing process?
When Lacey and I write, we plot together, and one of us picks a POV and we alternate back and forth. It’s different every time who writes the hero and who writes the heroine. There is no method to our madness.
What advice would you give to an aspiring writer?
Just keep writing.
Make sure when you are ready to publish you do your research about editors, and proofreaders, and don’t rush the process.
It all takes time. Just keep writing.
How do you deal and process negative book reviews?
I know that not all books are going to be the readers favorites. Just like I hate onions and love pickles, some things just aren’t for some people and I’m okay with that.
What is the most difficult part of your writing process?
Probably the first 15-20k of a book. I’m still learning the characters, and it’s the most difficult part for me.
What do you need in your writer’s space to keep you focused?
I don’t have anything particular. I do sprints (timed writing sessions) with my author friends and that helps tremendously.
What is your naughty indulgence as you are writing?
I don’t know that I have one.
If you could spend a day with another popular author, whom would you choose? And why?
Probably Colleen Hoover because she always seems to be having the best time.
What is your schedule like when you are writing? Do you have a favorite writing snack or drink?
No favorite snacks, I try to keep them healthy like celery and peanut butter, or pickles (of course!)
Do you listen to music when you write – what kind of music is your favorite?
I do. I listen to all genre’s of music. I don’t have a favorite I love it all.
Have pets ever gotten in the way of your writing?
No. We don’t have any inside pets due to allergies.
What is your kryptonite as a writer? What totally puts you off your game?
Usually it’s my characters. Sometimes things take a turn in the story you weren’t expecting and then as the author I have to figure out how to write myself out of the corner so to speak.
Have you ever killed off a character that your readers loved?
I have, and they were not impressed with me.
How do you celebrate after typing THE END?
Usually, it’s a phone call or text to Lacey. She’s my constant with each story even if it’s not a co-write, and my mind instantly starts thinking about the next one.
I hope you enjoyed this interview!
Check out all my interviews/reviews for Kaylee Ryan!
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