EA: Creatively Creative lands its fifth straight interview! Next, the spotlight shines on an individual whose current novel, The Beauty of This Street Love 3: A Texas Tale is among Amazon's top 10 in Urban Fiction/Urban Romance. Today, I had the chance to sit down and speak with author, Elle Kayson.
EA: When did you realize your desire to become an author?
EK: I can’t remember a time when I didn’t want to write. I daydreamed stories all during elementary. I won an award for an essay in 7th grade. Around the same time, I carried around an old Trapper Keeper full of story scenes and plot lines. Even my professional work is about writing— I’m published in the field of history, as well.
EA: Were there any authors who influenced you to become a writer?
EK: Academically, people like Deborah Gray-White and Jacqueline Jones, who write about black women’s history, influenced me a lot. I love Toni Morrison, as well.
I read a lot of romance novels growing up, but just got into urban novels in the last year. I love Niobia Bryant and Adrianne Byrd. I adore Beverly Jenkins— she appeals to me as a historian and a romance novel lover. I was introduced to erotica by Zane and I enjoy that. My sister, who’s been reading urban for a while, repeatedly encouraged me to read and write in the field. And then I read Porscha Sterling’s Legendary Love Story series and it was a wrap. I fell in love.
EA: What is concept of The Beauty of This Street Love: A Texas Tale?
EK: Basically, it’s about growing up and growing in love against an urban back drop. I chose to set it in my favorite city— Houston. You can see the influence of traditional romance throughout the series: good girls and bad boys, the hidden child, outside love interests, etc. I wanted to show that the toughest person can be vulnerable and loyal in love.
You can also see aspects of what’s been important in my life: education, a big supportive family, humor. There were many things I wanted to bring together.
EA: Will the third installment of the series be the last one?
EK: Yes! The characters will make appearances, though. I have the attention span of a gnat, so I need a break from the Kinseys— I honestly don’t think I have 50,000+ more words to say about all of them. I’m going to wrap up loose ends in other books.
EA: Would you say that the process of writing and creating novels is easy?
EK: God, no! I’m a bit of a perfectionist so I expect things to pop from my head in final draft form. Plus, I feel like my work doesn’t get time to just sit and breathe because people demand the sequels so fast. If I could have the time to go back and catch inconsistencies and such, I’d feel better. I’m finding it super stressful.
There’s also the problem of making sure you don’t write the same character over and over. I have to watch myself!
EA: What's next on the horizon for Elle Kayson?
EK: A new set of characters, but time off to focus on my academic writing, too!
EA: What advice would you give to aspiring authors?
EK: Keep going. Keep writing. Get appropriate feedback and critique. Work on your craft. And always, always believe in yourself. I’ve been writing romance since middle school/junior high, and I’m just now getting published at 42!
EA: Finally, tell the readers why The Beauty of This Street Love: A Texas Tale series is a must buy.
EK: This series will make you fall in love and laugh. It’s the perfect escape— they live so large until it’s outlandish, but they love so deep until you’ll set new #relationshipgoals. I’ve had people applaud me using the usual tropes, but adding originality. I love the Kinsey crew and you will, too!
Epilogue
I agree that continuing to perfect your craft is key to be a successful author. No matter how good you are, or how good you think you are, there's always room for improvement. Elle revealing her age reminded me of how deceptive looks can be. I'm sure most readers will agree that she doesn't look 42 at all. Honestly, I was thinking early to mid-thirties at the oldest.
I would like to thank Elle for taking the time to speak with me. Check out The Beauty of This Street Love: A Texas Tale and more from Elle on Amazon, but visiting the link below.
Amazon Author Page: Elle Kayson
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