Keira Lane interview
AUTHOR INTERVIEW
A little introduction:
In her free time, Keira enjoys reading books of all different genres, writing, photography, painting, crafts, hanging with her family, playing video games, and Moscato.
When did your love of books begin?
The very earliest memories I have of reading books was about 3 years old. There was this old book that had pictures in place of words in the sentences with stories of Aesop's Fables. Shane & Hester's "Tales to Read" I remember reading with my grandmother over and over again. My favorite tale in the book being Puppycat and the Christmas Star. It was at the tender age of 3 that I realized books were a means to transport you to magical worlds and far off places.
When did you start to have the wish to become an author?
I never really grew up thinking I would become an author. I know many have this drive to write their stories down. I did dabble in writing a little bit via flash fiction, made up silly songs, and terrible poetry when I was a young teen, however, it wasn't anything I took seriously at the time. It wasn't until the pandemic that I figured I might give writing professionally a try. Many in my life growing up told me I had a talent for the written word and I finally decided to give into their small voices that echoed in the recesses of my brain space.
How have you found the process for becoming an author?
Honestly, at first, incredibly confusing. There isn't much information out there unless you know what to look for that will help you in your writing process. It wasn't until I stumbled haplessly into the server Scribes and Scribblers on Discord, that I really started to learn about writing as a whole, the process involved, the structure, just all of it. By that time I had already spent time on a portal fantasy and had four chapters written. All of them about 3k words or so. That poor project ended up being my practice quilt and it is interesting to go back and look at. It is a real time measure of my growth as things get tighter and neater the further in you read.
What would you say to those wanting to become an author?
I have so much I could say. Conciseness is not my forte, however, I will attempt to be brief. If I, a mom of five kids who just has life experience to go off of, can learn to write and write well along with learn the publishing process and get a book out there, then you absolutely can. When I started this journey I was beyond clueless. You will only be as good as time and effort you put in however. Don't be afraid of being terrible, we all were when we started out. If you don't put yourself out there or your work for people to see and tear apart with criticism then how can you actually improve. I think the best writers out there are ones who can take a step back and truly evaluate their work, be critical about it, and listen with an open heart and mind (while not getting defensive) to those who have advice to give. Take what you can use and discard the rest. Just as practice makes people better in sports or instruments, it also makes people better writers. So write, write, write. Also, the second best thing you can do to become a better writer is read. Read anything and everything. Break from your normal genres. Truly study the words on the page for the author's.
Tell us about your book/books:
My newest release From A Heart-Shaped Box (available via Amazon, Barnes & Nobles, Apple Books, among many other outlets) is a collection of short stories that are works of fiction straight from my heart. I draw upon my own experiences to share glimpses of my heart and soul. It captures raw sentiment and shares it with the reader to let them know that while life experiences differ, emotions don't, and we are truly never alone.
Each story has an illustration by the incredibly talented Fishspice, and features two new up and coming authors in their own right, Autumn Curtis and W.H. Ringer.
What do you love about the writing/reading community?
I have had the good fortune to connect to genuine people who have profound talents. It's such an incredible vibrant and lively community that truly seeks to lift others up, support them, and collaborate with each other. I've rarely found it to be negative, toxic, or inhospitable.
If you could say anything to your readers what would it be?
If there is anything I could say to you and you take it to heart it's:
Love yourself. Be kind to those around you. Know when to walk away from toxic
situations and have the courage to do so. My grandfather, who recently passed, instilled in me a deep sense of agape love. A pure, raw, and real love that radiates making the world a better place by touching someone's life just by loving them. I hope you feel loved when you read my works. I hope you share your love to those around you freely. In that, we can truly make the world a better, brighter, more tolerant and accepting place.
Where can people connect with you?
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Dear friend, This is a wonderful, refreshing insight into increasing volume. I'm trying it Write for us. Thank you for sharing.
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