I would like to introduce the vivacious K.D. Ferguson as our "Author of the Month" for the month of September. Here is the personal interview Candie and I were treated to. Thanks so much K.D. :)
Candie and Michelle: Have you always known you wanted to be a writer? Did anything happen to push you in that direction?
K.D. Ferguson: I’ve always loved literature and I used it as an outlet, but it took a few life experiences to finally be able to put my pen to paper.
Candie and Michelle: I can completely understand and relate to that. You can't write about what you don't know or haven't experienced. How has life changed since your career has taken off?
K.D. Ferguson: It’s busier. I’ve had to learn to manage my time more efficiently. I will say that I am still waiting for my series to take off even more; at least that’s my hope. I look forward to the time when I’m recognized randomly on the street.
Candie and Michelle: I hope our website can help you grow your fan base through the month of September. Is it hard to juggle having a family and being a writer at the same time? How do you do it?
K.D. Ferguson: It can be difficult juggling the two. I do find that I work best in chaos though. Considering that is what my life is like most of the time, it seems to work out well. I try to set time aside each week to really bang out the goals I’ve set for myself. Plus, I have an amazingly supportive husband; that really helps.
Candie and Michelle: I'm so glad that you have that support. How does living in North Carolina differ from living in New York?
K.D. Ferguson: Biggest difference is the weather. That was the main reason for our move to the south. I am from a small town in upstate NY, where there wasn’t too much going on there and when I ventured off to New York City and spent a year there, I came to conclusion that I wanted to find a warm location that fell somewhere in between the two, insert Concord, North Carolina here.
Candie and Michelle: That is so great. You found the happy medium that you were looking for. Who has been your biggest supporter in your career so far?
K.D. Ferguson: My friends and family have been amazing through all of it, although I know they all had their doubts. But I must say my husband has really encouraged and supported me from the start. Now that my fan base has grown, I have to give huge props to Ms. Cheree Castellanos, because she is continually doing anything and everything to share the love of my books.
Candie and Michelle: We give kudos to Ms. Cheree Castellanos as well as your husband, family, and friends for being so supportive to you. What was the hardest part in getting your writing career started?
K.D. Ferguson: The writing was easy; it was getting published that was SO hard. I didn’t want to self publish either because selfishly, I wanted the gratification knowing that someone else loved and believed in my work.
Candie and Michelle: For those who haven’t read your books yet, how would you describe your writing style?
K.D. Ferguson: Realistic with a twist. I wanted my words to be relatable and understood. I want my heroine to be strong and weak at the same time because I think as humans, we are just that.
Candie and Michelle: We both agree that you accomplished that. :) Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
K.D. Ferguson: The editing process. That part of the process is so tedious and time consuming. It is also the time where, for me, comes in a lot of doubt. Did I give the readers enough? Would that moment be better elsewhere in the story? Does it flow? What is it missing? It can be endless! Also, the negative reviews are a bitter pill to swallow.
Candie and Michelle: Believe me we absolutely understand where you are coming from as far as editing goes. The website goes through our lovely editor, Chris, before we publish anything. My first novel is going through its third edit as we speak. However, I can only imagine what must go through your mind when you read a negative review. What is something you do to overcome writer’s block?
K.D. Ferguson: Honestly, I haven’t encountered that little evil number yet. I’ve set out to write a particular story and thankfully it’s flowed quite easily.
Candie and Michelle: We are so happy that you have been blessed to not have encountered that yet. If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
K.D. Ferguson: I’d have to thank a lot of the authors with Anchor Group. I was new to this world and they’ve all welcome me with open arms and have been so helpful guiding me through the literary world. I was fortunate to meet Stacey Rourke, Christy Sloat and Alicia Michaels in Charleston last fall and it was such a wonderful, enlightening experience. It’s been nothing but positive since that day.
Candie and Michelle: That is wonderful you had such a pleasant introduction to it all. You all will have to make a trip to Rome soon. If you could have been the original author of any book, what would it have been and why?
K.D. Ferguson: The Giver. For me, that set the bar for every dystopian that followed. I read it in fifth grade and it was then that I fell in love with that genre. It holds a very special place in my heart.
Candie and Michelle: So that is where it all started huh? :) Do you feel like there is a particular character you relate to the most?
K.D. Ferguson: Krissa, for sure.
Candie and Michelle: We thought it would probably be her. Is there anywhere that you have traveled to that has inspired you to use it one of your upcoming books?
K.D. Ferguson: The Textile unit in my series was inspired by my hometown Oneonta, NY. My world in general is basically a downsized version of the United States.
Candie and Michelle: That is interesting and good to know. What book are you reading now?
K.D. Ferguson: Where She Went, by Gayle Forman.
Candie and Michelle: We will have to check that out. Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
K.D. Ferguson: I have a reading addiction and while I predominately read dystopians I am open to reading anything. I’ve read some fabulous books by AG authors and I am always seeking great reads.
Candie and Michelle: What advice would you give to your younger self?
K.D. Ferguson: Forgive more easily. Trust your instincts and move on when something doesn’t feel right.
Candie and Michelle: That is good advice for anyone really. What advice do you give to other aspiring authors?
K.D. Ferguson: Don’t be too hard on yourself and don’t give up on yourself. It can be really difficult and downright depressing after hearing so many ‘no’s’. But keep on keeping on and just believe in you.
Candie and Michelle: That is also really great advice. Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
K.D. Ferguson: THANK YOU!!!! No words could ever express my gratitude to those who have purchased, read, reviewed and shared their love of my writing. While I only write for myself, I am so honored and grateful to everyone who has supported and encouraged me while I’ve been on this crazy journey.
Candie and Michelle: How can readers discover more about you and you work?
K.D. Ferguson:
FB - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100004971341970
Twitter- kristend732
Instagram - kristend732
Blog- http://adayinthelifeofkferg.blogspot.com
Pinterest- http://www.pinterest.com/kristend732/
Amazon Author Page http://www.amazon.com/K.D.-Ferguson/e/B00LEP4VQO/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0
Purchase Links :
http://www.amazon.com/Tore-Divided-Love-K-D-Ferguson-ebook/dp/B00KSD7GZQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1408914507&sr=8-1&keywords=kd+ferguson
http://www.amazon.com/Torn-True-Love-K-D-Ferguson-ebook/dp/B00K6GIGRC/ref=pd_sim_sbs_kstore_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=043T90W82E4H772Z8J38
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/tore-kd-ferguson/1119693612?ean=2940045992671
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/torn-true-love-kd-ferguson/1114980595?ean=9780692215203
Thank you so much K.D. Ferguson for allowing us and the readers to be able to get to know you a little more. We are really happy to be featuring you this month as our "Author of the Month". Tell Krissa and the Crew to get ready for their turn coming up. :)
- Candie and Michelle
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