50 United Authors of Aspiring Authors Magazine LLC/ Georgia- KR Bankston

Georgia

State Nickname: The Peach State

Population: 3,968,738 (as of 2022)

Capital: Atlanta

Fun Fact: In 1733 Georgia was established as the 13th colony, and in 1788 it became the fourth U.S. state. But at the start of the Civil War in 1861, Georgia left the Union and wouldn’t return until the end of the war in 1865.

KR Bankston

Tell us about yourself. 

KR Bankston is an established author with some 40 published works to her credit, including the highly successful Thin Ice and Gianni Legacy series. KR is the CEO of Kirabaco Media Group, LLC which houses her works. KR is a Publishing Consultant, Public Speaker and Mentor. KR is one half of The Literary Evolution specializing in empowering Authors in the literary marketplace. Quietly taking the industry by storm, KR is a nonconformist novelist who writes in a multitude of genres. 

KR's "BookOpera" series Thin Ice was voted Serial Novel of the Year and Urban Fiction of the year. Her other series The Gianni Legacy has been touted as The Godfather of modern day. Her novel, Christian was voted #75 of Top 100 Books of the year. Her novel X-Mafia was voted Urban Fiction of the Year.

KR Bankston is an established multi-genre author with over 34 published works to her credit including the highly successful Thin Ice and Gianni Legacy series. KR is the CEO of Kirabaco Media Group, LLC. 

Is there a particular genre you would love to write but under a pseudonym?

While I do write different genres I don’t use a different pseudonym for the most part. My new line of drama/relationship books is written under a new pseudonym.

Are there any books or authors that inspired you to become a writer? If yes, please name them. 

Yes, my all time favorite author VC Andrews inspired me to write serials. I loved the effortless way her stories flowed making you willingly want to follow along. Author E Lynn Harris also inspired me fully with his unabashed stories of seemingly ‘taboo’ subject matter. His writings helped me in my own effort to humanize even those some people consider unworthy of basic love and humanity.

What do you think is the best way to improve writing skills? 

To indulge it every day. Your muscles strengthen when you use them. Also, study your craft. Sometimes finding a mentor helps. Be open to honest critique.

What do you need in your writing space to stay focused? 

Music lol. I can write with quiet, but I prefer music. The genre is dependent on my mood for the particular novel, or scene.

What part of the book did you have the hardest time writing? 

Honestly? The danged synopsis. Lol. I’m telling you that has to be the hardest thing for me to sum up in a few sentences, thousands of words and multiple pages.

What difference do you see between a writer and an author? 

I honestly don’t see a difference except what people choose to call themselves. They’re both wordsmiths. Both share a love of the written word, framing a story, taking the reader on a journey.

When you’re writing an emotionally draining (or sexy, or sad, etc.) scene, how do you get in the mood? 

I’m very much a flow writer…meaning I don’t have to fall into any particular mood per se. I write as the characters speak, the story flows. Whatever the scene, what you’re getting is the view from the characters eyes and POV. I tend to zone out for the most part, only realizing how the scene came together after I finish it and go back to reread it.

When writing a series how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself? 

My characters run the show. When I’m doing a new installation into an existing series it's because a character has gotten in my ear, in my head, letting me know they have a story to tell. It can start with a simple sentence uttered. I’ve been watching television and see something that instantly opens the floodgates and all I hear are my characters chattering. If the characters aren’t speaking, then I’m not writing. I don’t conjure ideas or sit down and line by line plot out storylines. I actually don’t outline at all. My works are absolutely from the mind of characters.

If you could ask one successful author three questions about their writing process, or books, what would they be?

Hmm, so let's see. 1. Stephen King, why do you make all your POC characters evil/criminal/undesirable? 2. When did you think your fascination with the supernatural/occult would make bestselling novels? 3. If you weren’t forced to, would you attend public events?

What would you like to say to your readers?

Step into my world and give the novels a chance. I’m the first to admonish readers that I'm not for everyone. My work doesn’t fit into neat, symmetrical boxes. My subject matter is sometimes uncomfortable, but it will always make you think. It will always entertain and maybe even inspire. You have to read my work with an open mind and expect the unexpected. Nothing is ever going to go according to the ‘formula.’ I welcome you to download my free eBook, One of the Boys, https://linktr.ee/KRBankston and experience me firsthand, for yourself. 

Truth or Dare can be purchased on Amazon.

CiCi and Layla are bestfriends. They’ve laughed together, cried together, shared secrets together. When CiCi’s boyfriend, was cheating on her, Layla had her back and told her. Now Treasure, CiCi’s ex, wants his life and his woman back, the minor detail of her dating a new man, from a rival gang no deterrent. Layla is determined to keep them apart, having a few secrets of her own to preserve. CiCi just wants Treasure to leave her alone and let her live her life. Some people, however, never get the message, resulting in a collision of wills with the most deadly of consequences.

**This romantic suspense novel contains profanity, sexual content, violence, and adult situations in which the characters, while deemed imperfect by society due to their sometimes illegal pursuits, are afforded humanity in their desire to love and be loved. If this is outside your realm of comfort, then this novel may not be for you.

Authors Website- https://www.patreon.com/KRBankston

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Twitter: KRBankston

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