Let’s do something a bit different this week.

One of the best parts of being an author is having super-talented author friends. Writers are all voracious readers, and there’s nothing better than reading something wonderful by someone who you really like!

This week, let’s get to know the fabulous Kieran Scott!

Meet Kieran!

Kieran is got a lot going on lately. This August, she’s got a YA novel coming out, under her alter ego, Emma Harrison, called FALLING INTO YOU. It’s total Gilmore Girl vibes and I need it in my eyeballs right now.

And this September, she’s publishing THE GETAWAY, a tense mystery that’s for her adult readers. A friends weekend getaway, mysterious secrets being revealed, and a hurricane? Sign me up.

Let’s get into it!

Let’s have Kieran share all of her secrets…

1. Tell me what you’re working on!

So many things! My primary project right now is a mystery/thriller with the working title IMMEDIATE OCCUPANCY, which is about a down-on-her luck single mom who is finding creative ways to make ends meet. That’s about all I can say for now! I’ve got an outline and about 5000 words, so things may change. And I’m guessing the title will probably change before it’s published as well. I’m also writing a YA enemies-to-lovers romance titled BETTER THAN YOU about two valedictorian candidates who fall for each other. There are some other irons in the fire. Nothing ready for primetime yet, but I’ll keep you posted!

2. What inspires you?

I’m most inspired by people and their stories. Every time I meet someone new I learn a little something more about the world through their eyes, which is fascinating. People can be so myopic. Like “If I can do this, why can’t everyone?” Guess what? There are SO MANY REASONS. Not only does listening to people’s stories inspire me, but it reminds me of how unique and special I am. WIN WIN!

3. Tell us about your writing process.

I always, always start with a very detailed outline. If I come up with dialogue while writing the outline, it goes in. If I think a character is wearing something specific in a scene, it goes in. I’ve been known to write outlines that were upwards of 20 pages, but that’s because this is where my hardest work goes in. If I have a very solid, detailed outline, then writing the first draft can be a breeze. It’s not always a breeze, but it CAN be. Doing the hard work in the beginning means that I can enjoy the rest of the process a lot more.

4. For me, when I start a book, it always begins with character. How does a book begin for you?

Same! Sometimes characters come to me fully formed and sometimes I do have an inkling of a story and then create the character that might work best within that story. But I think all good plots come from personal wants, needs, conflicts and challenges. So it’s important to know what my protagonist(s) really want from the very beginning and then put as many obstacles as I can think of in front of them so they have to find interesting and exciting ways to get there.

5. I always say that I’m a writer because I can’t not write. What do you think makes you a writer?

I agree. I’ve been writing fiction since I was in kindergarten. When I have an idea, I MUST get it out on paper (or in Word, really). Most of the time, I find writing fun, but even when the writing gets hard, it’s at least rewarding. Even writing 200 words can make me feel accomplished. I think I was born to be a writer and I’m so blessed that I figured that out at a young age.

Thank you for joining us, Kieran!

Don’t forget to order her books asap! Get FALLING INTO YOU and THE GETAWAY wherever you like to buy books!

And a little more bookish news…

They’ll be announcing the lineup for the Gold Coast Book Fair this week, but here’s a little spoiler for you: I’ll be appearing on Sunday, May 17th. I’ll be moderating a YA panel at 12:30, and then I’m a panelist on the ON BEING JEWISH NOW panel, moderated by the fabulous Zibby Owens at 2pm.

Hope to see you there!

Besos, Bisous, Baci,
Brenda