An Interview With Romance Author, Libby Kay

 

An Interview With Romance Author, Libby Kay

 

A Hocking Hills Book Fair Author, Libby Kay writes about romance, relationships, and love. From her bio: “Libby Kay lives in the city in the heart of the Midwest with her husband. When she’s not writing, Libby loves reading romance novels of any kind. Stories of people falling in love nourish her soul. Contemporary or Regency, sweet or hot, as long as there is a happily ever after—she’s in love!

 

“When not surrounded by books, Libby can be found baking in her kitchen, binging true crime shows, or on the road with her husband, traveling as far as their bank account will allow."

 

Welcome, Libby!

 

GM: Can you share the initial spark that ignited your journey into writing?

LK: I’ve always been a bookworm. My earliest memories involve my parents reading to me and trips to the local library. As I got older, that passion for books turned into my career as a librarian. I have dozens of notebooks and Word documents with story ideas going back over 20 years. I’ve always wanted to write my own stories.

About a decade ago, I got serious. I started attending workshops, joined some writers groups and started outlining my first novel. While that novel hasn’t seen the light of day – and never will! – it got me in the habit of writing a story from start to finish.

I write romance because that’s my favorite genre as a reader.  Life is complicated enough, why not have some brain candy to escape to? 😉

 

GM: What is your favorite part of the writing process and why?

LK: Finishing the book before my editor sees it. It’s that glorious moment in time when you know you have a complete story, but before you have to start picking it apart.

Editing is a natural, and required, part of the writing process, but it’s fun to pretend I wrote the perfect book. 😊

 

GM: How do you handle writer's block if it ever strikes?

LK: It happens more than I can to admit, and I combat it by reading something completely different. From true crime books or celebrity memoirs to twisty thrillers, I get my brain outside the world of romance. 8/10 times that does the trick.

If that doesn’t help, I will completely step away and try to do something active like go for a walk or clean the house.

In general, I don’t fight writer’s block, because when I force it, the story suffers.

 

GM: Could you shed light on your research methods for your books?

LK: I’m fortunate as a romance author that I don’t need to do too much research. I will do some Googling of places and foods I reference in my books, but for Buckeye Falls very little research was required.

The most research I ever did for a book was for my first novella, Snow in Love. It’s about two Paralympic athletes, and I had to do some research for skiing terms, places, and equipment. I also wanted the discussion of their injuries and training to be authentic, so I fell down the Google/Wiki rabbit hole on the Paralympic Games.

 

GM: How do your personal experiences influence your storytelling?

LK: I am inspired by the love stories in my life, whether from my husband, family or friends. I do not pull anything directly from real life, but I do let that shape my stories.

 

GM: What themes or messages do you most aspire to convey in your work?

LK: My books will ALWAYS have a happily ever after. That’s the key part of the romance genre and why I love it so much as a reader. My books will leave you with a satisfying ending and a smile on your face.

 

GM: Who are some authors or works that have significantly inspired you?

LK: There are too many romance authors to name, but my biggest inspiration over the years has been from Jane Green, Marian Keyes, Tessa Bailey, and Emily Henry.

 

GM: Can you discuss any challenges you've faced in the publishing industry?

LK: Oh yes I can! 😉 I’ve dealt with my fair share of rejection over the years from publishers, agents, and anthologies. I wish I had advice for how I got past the feeling of rejection, but it’s a constant struggle that I think comes with writing. If you want to see your words out there in the world, it’s going to take some hard work and potentially some rejection. My best advice – don’t stop writing!

 

GM: How do you develop your characters to ensure they resonate with readers?

LK: I try to make them as real, flawed, and complicated as real people. I want my characters to feel like your friends and family. I want them to have dreams and 3-dimensional personalities so you root for them from page one. I also want them to have challenges that feel authentic, whether it’s a stutter or disability or an unrequited crush. Readers want to relate to what they see on the page, even if only a little bit.

 

GM: What do you hope readers take away after finishing one of your books?

LK: I want them to leave Buckeye Falls with a smile on their face and a sense of contentment. I don’t write books to make you think, I write books to make you swoon. I want you to fall in love with small-town Ohio and the folks that make it magical.

 

GM: What advice would you give aspiring authors trying to break into the industry?

LK: As I mentioned above – don’t give up!
If I had a dollar for every time I thought about quitting writing, I would be able to retire. 😉 It’s important to work on your craft, have faith in your stories, and surround yourself with people that cheer you on.

 

GM: What are you currently reading?

LK: Every holiday romance book I can get my hands on, no joke! From November 1^st through the end of January, I will read whatever cheesy, sappy holiday romance book I can find. I have no shame! 😊

 

More About Libby Kay:

 

Libby Kay lives in Columbus, Ohio with her husband. When she’s not writing, Libby loves reading romance novels of any kind. Stories of people falling in love nourish her soul. Contemporary or Regency, sweet or hot, as long as there is a happily ever after—she’s in love!

When not surrounded by books, Libby can be found baking in her kitchen, binging true crime shows, or on the road with her husband, traveling as far as their bank account will allow.

Libby cohosts the Romance Roundup podcast with Liz Donatelli on the Reader Seeks Romance Channel where they recommend romance books and interview authors, influencers, and publishers. Check it out for your weekly dose of romance!

Connect with Libby…

Website: https://www.libbykayauthor.com/ 

Instagram and Facebook: @LibbyKayAuthor

Goodreads: @LibbyKay

Bookbub: @LibbyKayAuthor