Kim Chance, gifted author who crushes barriers!!

Name: Kim Chance

When did you start seriously writing?

Writing has always been a huge part of my life. I have boxes of old journals and diaries from when I was a kid, as well as some really terrible short stories and attempts at poetry. It’s always been how I process the world around me, so writing is something that I think makes up a huge part of my makeup—what makes me “me.” I didn’t really pursue writing seriously until college. I was a broadcast journalism major, but one of my professors saw talent in my written work and really encouraged me. She was the 1st person to tell me that I could make a career of my writing. I switched to print journalism after that. J It wasn’t until I graduated and got married that I thought seriously about writing original fiction. My husband and I had been married less than a year, he was deployed, and I was living in a brand new city all by myself. I started dabbling in fanfiction thanks to a friend’s suggestion and really enjoyed it. After I’d been doing that for a while, I got the itch to try something original. The rest, as they say, is history.

What genre is your book, KEEPER?

KEEPER is a YA Contemporary Fantasy.

Do you write full-time or part-time?

Unfortunately, I only write part time—and I don’t know if I’d even call it that. More like whenever I manage to find a few spare minutes. My life is pretty crazy. I work full time as I high school English teacher (a job that does NOT end when the bell rings and all the kids go home), and I have two five year olds to take care of. I’m also currently pregnant with my third child. My writing time is limited to the occasional lunch break, weeknights after my children are sleeping, and the weekends. It sounds like a lot of time, but it really isn’t. I lose a lot of sleep! LOL! I won’t lie, it’s really difficult juggling everything on my plate, but I’m determined. (and maybe a little crazy!) I always say dreams don’t work unless you do, so no matter what I find the time. I don’t ever want “I’m too tired” or “I’m too busy” to be an excuse for not pursuing my dreams.

What inspired you to write KEEPER?

Honestly? I have no clue. Haha! KEEPER started out as a story about elemental magic. I knew I wanted to write about magic and a young witch, but the story I had in mind was far from what I ended up actually writing. I wrote several craptastic drafts and was feeling incredibly frustrated when an idea just sorta popped into my head. It was something that ended up being a huge plot point in KEEPER and it’s what really helped the story evolve in my mind. I’d tell you what it is, but it’s a major spoiler so my lips are sealed!

Do you aim for a set number of words/pages per day?

Not really, no. I aim to feel satisfied with my writing session. Sometimes that means finishing a single scene or chapter, and other times it means finishing multiple chapters. There are days that I only manage 100 or so words, but as long as I feel like I’ve accomplished something I’m usually happy. I do set deadlines for myself (and my agent also gives me deadlines) but I try to be flexible with myself. The minute I start getting down on myself is the minute all productivity stops.

What is the hardest thing about writing?

Everything! Can I say that? Writing is honestly one of the most difficult things in the world to do. Every day is a challenge and it will certainly put you the ringer. BUT it’s quite possibly the most rewarding experience a person can have.

Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

Writing KEEPER taught me that I CAN, in fact, write a book. For years, that was a concept that was so far removed from me. I never thought I’d actually finish or that I had enough talent to even make the experience worthwhile. I’m much kinder to myself now. I still have a lot of learning to do and I’m far from being a New York Times bestseller, but I’ve learned to let myself believe that my dream can come true.

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?

Sarah J. Maas. I look up to her for so many reasons and her books have truly captivated my heart. She has SO much talent and if I’m ever half as good a writer as she is, then I will be incredibly lucky.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

Don’t let your own insecurities keep you from doing something you love. All first drafts are terrible and we’ve all written things that would make better kindling for a fire than anything else, but you have to keep going. Keep writing, keep fighting, and never quit.

What are you reading right now? Are there any authors (living or dead) that you would list as influences?

I just finished reading Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon and now I’m reading Holding Up the Universe by Jennifer Niven. I love reading YA books! They make me happy!

When can we expect to see KEEPER on the shelves of our favorite book stores?

I wish I could answer that! I’m on submission at the moment and my agent is working so hard to make sure this happens, but we’ll see! Cross your fingers for me!

How can readers discover more about you and you work?

Website: www.kimchance.com Blog: www.kimchance.com/blog Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kimwritesbooks/ Twitter: @_KimChance Youtube Channel: www.youtube.com/kimchance1

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

Never give up on your dreams! You can do it!

Also, thank you to everyone who has supported me on this crazy journey. I feel so lucky to have such amazing people in my corner. You guys are the bee’s knees!