Maryland
State Nickname: The Old Line State
Population: 6,075,314 (as of 2022)
Capital: Annapolis
Fun Fact: In 1850 Maryland would become an important part of the Underground Railroad thanks to Harriet Tubman, a Maryland native who fled the state to escape slavery but returned to rescue and lead others to freedom.
Tell us about yourself.
K. R. Raye is the author of the USA Today reviewed, award-winning, Amazon bestselling Colors Trilogy: The Colors of Friendship, The Colors of Love, and True Colors. In addition to writing novels, K. R. Raye writes screenplays, and shares marketing and publishing tips with other authors. Currently, she is in the process of publishing a new Young Adult Fantasy novel that she wrote with her youngest son. Throughout her diverse career working as a mechanical engineer, adjunct professor, and in sales, she continues to weave her love of marketing, computer information systems, and operations together with her passion for writing. K. R. Raye lives in Maryland with her husband and two sons.
What do the words ”literary success” mean to you? How do you picture it?
Literary success to me means both award-winning work and commercial success. It's when your writing is recognized and resonates throughout both the literary community and a community of readers from around the world.
If you could be mentored by a famous author, would it be and why?
Although I love happy endings and overall positive storylines of redemption, I do embrace a macabre side. So, I would love it if Stephen King could mentor me because I enjoy his genre-bending stories, his wicked sense of humor, and his successful foray into films and television.
What are your favorite blogs or websites for authors?
For book publishing guidance, I turn to Jane Friedman (https://www.JaneFriedman.com/), The Creative Penn (thecreativepenn.com), and Publishing...and Other Forms of Insanity (publishedtodeath.blogspot.com).
What do you think of NANOWRIMO (National Novel Writing Month)? Is it worth it?
I've tried to complete NANOWRIMO twice but I usually have other commitments during November. I love the idea of dedicating time to write, write, write, because there are always numerous things competing for our time. So, NANOWRIMO is a good concept that's helped many writers draft their books.
How would you describe your books to the ideal reader?
Regardless of my genre--New Adult Contemporary, Young Adult Fantasy, Drama, or Horror--my writing has a Law & Order "ripped from the headlines" realistic feel to them that immerses readers into my fictional worlds where justice prevails in the end. For the Colors Trilogy, I like to describe the New Adult books as a slightly darker "Different World" or "The Best Man" - the college years.
How long have you been writing or when did you start?
I started writing poems and short stories at age four, but I didn't write professionally until 2002 when I started writing screenplays. My first novel, The Colors of Friendship, was published in 2013.
What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?
In each of my stories, one of the main characters must have a last name that starts with the letter "W."
What is your favorite part and least favorite part of the publishing journey?
My favorite part of the publishing journey is seeing the culmination of all my hard work come to fruition when the book is published and finally available to the world. My least favorite part is knowing that so much of the publishing process is subjective and fickle. It's difficult realizing that so many good works never see the light of day or get the recognition they deserve.
What is your favorite quote?
"If at first you don't succeed, try, try again." - Robert the Bruce...or I also like Aaliyah's version, "If at first you don't succeed, dust yourself off and try again."
What would you like to say to your readers?
Reading is such a journey. Thank you for taking that beautiful journey with me and my characters!
The Colors of Friendship can be purchased on Amazon.
Authors Website- https://www.krraye.com/
Facebook: K. R. Raye
Amazon: K. R. Raye
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