A Conversation with Kimberly Stanton, a Paranormal & Urban Fantasy Author

Q1. If you could be transformed into one mythological creature, which one would you choose?

Siren.

Q2. What time do you usually go to bed at night?

Typically after midnight.

Q3. What are the least-likely three words someone would use to describe you?

Cold, boring, and reserved.

Q4. Where did you go on your last vacation?

Vegas – for my wedding.

Q5. Would you rather find your dream job or win the lottery? You can’t do both.

Dream job hands down.

Q6. What is one thing you regret spending money on?

My MBA – while it’s been helpful, just experience would have been better.

Q7. What object do you misplace or lose the most?

My phone.

Q. Tell us something about yourself that’s going to keep us wanting more.

I have always wanted to be an author, but didn’t get the chance to pursue it until recently. (Silver lining of the quarantine period I guess?) I received my MBA in Marketing from Capella University and currently work as a Digital Communications Manager for a bank. When I’m not working in the real world or lost in my fantasy world I spend most of my time hiking with my black lab Koda, Boxing/Kickboxing, and now with my recent move to Hawaii (hello paradise!) I plan to pursue a scuba certification so I’ll have another world to lose myself in – this might be the Pisces speaking.  

Q. Well, that’s just…memorable for sure. So, what books have you read more than once in your life? 

Just about anything from Mercedes Lackey’s Valdemar series’ especially Arrows of the Queen. Tamora Pierce is another author I’ve read everything from multiple times, especially the Immortals series. Most recently I’ve been obsessed with Alley Ciz’s BTU Alumni series (Maddie from Writing Dirty is my spirit animal).

Q. Interesting. Who has been the biggest supporter of your writing? 

I’ve received support from everyone in my life, but my husband has definitely been my biggest supporter. From the moment I mentioned I wanted to write a book, he has given me nothing but unwavering support.

Q. Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find?

I don’t hide any major secrets in my books, however frequently when I name someone it is usually a foreshadowing of what their role is in my book. Most often they are names from somewhere in Greek Mythology and help shed light on who become my heroes or villains in the end.

Q. Now comes the most anticipated question that every author must answer. How do you process and deal with negative book reviews?

I’m not going to lie, it sucks. No one wants to be told that what they’ve slaved over isn’t good..or much worse depending on the reviewer. I have been fortunate that I have not received many negative reviews, but for the few that I’ve gotten I try to look beyond my hurt feelings. If the reviewer gave constructive criticism I would take that and apply it to my future writing, but if they didn’t it might just not be their type of story. I know I’ve read a couple books that people were raving about, and I couldn’t even finish them. You can’t make everyone happy, so I say forget what they have to say and write the story you want it told.

Q. So, now, about your book. Talk to us about it. No major spoilers.

Sorceress Awakened is the first in a trilogy that takes place in my Shadow Lake world. The main character, Cassandra (Cassie for short) celebrates her 27th birthday with much more than the party she was convinced to have and is thrown into a parallel world she never knew existed. My main focus while writing was to have authentic reactions to what was going on, and sometimes the language these situations warranted.

Q. What part of the book did you enjoy the most while writing?

I loved writing the sassier dialogue that Cassie and Jess come up with. Much of it is similar to what I would say, or wish I could say in my day to day life. Also, Cassie’s birthday scene was so entertaining to write. I’ve never attempted to write a drunk character before so it was a fun challenge that came up.

Q. What is your kryptonite as a writer?

Easily my attention span. I without a doubt have the worst case of “squirrel” brain every time I sit down to write. About halfway through writing my first draft I finally found the best (although still not foolproof) way to write. I created a Spotify playlist (Shadow Lake Novels – it’s a public playlist if anyone is interested in the songs that inspired some of my characters). I also use Discord and set writing sprints, which are typically 15-20 minutes of uninterrupted writing time. These little bite-sized sessions allow me to stay focused knowing that at the end I can check Instagram again or respond to that text.

Q. What risks have you taken with your writing that have paid off?

I think the biggest risk I’ve taken with my writing is the same that every author does, the choice to hit print and publish it. I poured my heart into Cassie’s story, and the act of printing it and having family, friends and more importantly complete strangers read through it was one of the most nerve wracking experiences I’ve had.