Making it as an author has never been harder than it is now, what with the intense competition almost everywhere you look. Rejection letters might land in your inbox more than spam and the bank balance might look ever more horrifying, but that doesn’t mean you should give up, a sentiment echoed by Kelly Siskind.
Kelly recently penned a great article for us imploring writers to not give up on their passion. As someone who has been there and done that, it’s a worthwhile read for any aspiring authors.
We talked to the author about her career, finding a press, and much, much more.
Hi Kelly, how are you? What was the last thing you ate?
There’s a novel interview question! I’m wonderful, and the last thing I ate was a handful of gummy bears, aka writing fuel.
Tell us a little about yourself.
My career path has followed many twists and turns. I worked as a chef for a few years, then I studied to become an art teacher while living in Australia. That adventure was followed by a stint teaching in my hometown of Toronto. After getting married, my husband and I decided to move to a smaller town where we now own a fine cheese and gourmet food shop. I split my time between writing and running the store.
When did you realize you wanted to be a writer?
I grew up an avid reader and have always needed an artistic outlet in my life. Just over four years ago, while on a hike, I tried to imagine what a novel I’d write might look like. For fun, of course. It wasn’t a grand vision of me signing a publishing contract. Still, I took that idea and ran with it…and the hobby turned into an obsession.
Chasing Crazy was your first published novel, where did the inspiration come from?
When I wrote CHASING CRAZY, I had just finished drafting a novel with a very snarky main character. I wanted to push myself in the other extreme with Nina, making her more shy and awkward. I’d also backpacked to New Zealand a lifetime ago and wanted to relive that experience through my writing. Similarly, the first book in my Over the Top series—MY PERFECT MISTAKE—begins in Aspen. The idea for the novel sparked while on vacation there.
Did you have a routine to make sure you wrote as much as possible, or did you just sit in front of the laptop until you wore your fingers to the bone from typing?
Because my husband and I own our own business, I write whenever I can. If I have half an hour in the morning, I savor those minutes. If I have free time in the afternoon, I dive in. Mondays are my full writing days, as well as Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons. Other than that, it’s about making the most of the time I can eek out.
How was the process of finding a press to work with? A lot of our readers are new writers looking for publication.
I knew early on that I wanted to be traditionally published. That meant querying agents and struggling through the rejections that comes with the process. Once I signed with my agent, Stacey Donaghy, she put my manuscript on submission to editors. More rejections followed, but four months into the round, I received offers from two different houses and signed two deals with Grand Central’s Forever Yours.
What can you tell us about My Perfect Mistake?
MY PERFECT MISTAKE was a blast to write. It’s a hate to love romance that starts in Aspen and ends in Toronto, Canada. Here’s a sneak peek:
What happens in Aspen
is definitely not staying in Aspen. . .
A girls’ trip to Aspen was exactly what Shay needed to forget about her toxic ex-boyfriend. She’s got her girls, pristine slopes for skiing, and hot guys everywhere. Of course, her epic self-rediscovery goes completely to hell when a wild (and deliciously hot) skier knocks Shay on her ass . . . and war is declared.
Kolton doesn’t know what it is about Shay that makes him lose it. Not just his cool—although she does have an unholy gift for that—but his restraint. When anger gives way to explosive chemistry, they’re both shaken with the intensity of it. But somewhere between lust and hate, Kolton and Shay realize they could have something real . . . if they don’t kill each other first.
My Perfect Mistake is released in April. Dreaded second book syndrome or easier than Chasing Crazy? It seems to be 50/50 with most of the authors we talk to.
I had actually completed MY PERFECT MISTAKE by the time CHASING CRAZY sold to Forever Yours, and I was partway done with the second novel in the series. By then, I had a grasp on the characters, and I submitted the final book in the Over the Top series to my editor last month. With so many plot bunnies crowding my head, I don’t tend to suffer from writer’s block. Some days flow better than others, but the need to get words on the page always wins.
What does the future hold for Kelly Siskind?
I’m excited about the next series I’ve started, but it’s too early to discuss it in detail. My agent is hoping to pitch it come the fall. Until then, I’m just honored to have my books in the world. If I can make people laugh and swoon and smile, and help them escape their hectic worlds for a while, then I’ve done my job.
And finally, three words of advice for struggling writers?
Don’t. Give. Up.
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