Author Interview with Kylee Shields

I don’t often join blog tours for nonfiction, but after reading about Kylee’s book, Make It Happen: A Guide to Happiness for LDS Singles, I was interested. Though I am LDS, I am not single, but I gather part of Kylee’s message is the importance of making the best out of whatever phase of life you’re in. And that’s a reminder we can all use, isn’t it? Today I’m delighted to present this interview with Kylee, and to give you information about the giveaway she’s running as part of the blog tour (read all the way to the bottom to find out how to enter).

What is your favorite book?

These are some of my favorite books and their authors. I also love reading the classics such as Poe, Dickens, Thorough, Emerson, and the powerhouse writers like J.K. Rowling & J.R.R. Tolkien. Tuesdays With Morrie by Mitch Albom, Making Loss Matter by Rabbi David Wolpe, Letters to a Young Poet by Rainer Marie Rilke, To Draw Closer to God by Henry B. Eyring, A Grief Observed by C. S. Lewis, The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, The Chosen by Chaim Potok, Dandelion Wine by Ray Bradbury, On Writing by Stephen King

Items you can’t live without?

I love Diet Coke and Jelly Beans!

Favorite quote:

There are few quotes I keep coming back to but this is my currently favorite, “I had become a new person; and those who knew the old person laughed at me. The only man who behaved sensibly was my tailor: he took my measure anew every time he saw me whilst all the rest went in with their old measurements and expected them to fit me.” –George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950) Man and Superman, 1903–

If you had a time machine, when would you like to visit?

I would go back to the past. I think I would like to hang out with F Scott Fitzgerald, C.S. Lewis, Poe, Emerson, Thorough, and like minded artists, painters and writers. I would like to dance with Fred Astaire and sing with Frank Sinatra. I would have a typewriter and a record player, and when I went dancing it would be to a club where everyone knows how to waltz.

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

I co-founded a non-profit singing/service group called INSPIRE:music.service.hope. I am the music director of the group and I LOVE it! I work as a adolescent therapist in a wilderness therapy program called ANASAZI and I am so grateful to have a job I love! I also love doing things with my roommates, reading, traveling, and spending time with my family.

Best writing advice you’ve ever received?

Stephen King, in his book, On Writing talks about the idea of “writing off the page.” I think great writers like Rawlings & Tolkien write off the page brilliantly. To create entire lives for your characters, entire worlds, languages, and at the same time write accessibly to a broad audience. He also shares that the best writers will write what they know. I really took that to hear for my nonfiction book.

Writing advice you’d give to others?

Keep writing and seeking your dream. There is so much to do and be a part of in the writing world. It used to be a writer’s dream to be published by some big name company but now there are so many options. You can self publish, be a blogger, write for a magazine, online books, poetry and so much more. MAKE IT HAPPEN!

What are you working on now?

I am working on a YA fiction novel about forgiveness, healing, and living your dreams.

What type of readers would like your book?

It was written for those who are experiencing life as a single adult but it has principles that can be applied to anyone. Some of my most positive feedback has come from people who are married and have children. Anyone who wants to be inspired to make changes in their lives and go out and make their dream a reality will like my book!

What process do you go through as you get a book ready for submission?

I have a very eclectic writing process. The following 3 pictures share a little bit about my writing story.

Thanks, Kylee!

As part of the blog tour, Kylee is giving away both an electronic and hard copy of her book, a $25 Amazon gift card, and $25 Target gift card. The drawing is a Rafflecopter giveaway, and there are so many ways to earn entries! You can earn entries by commenting on this or any of the other blogs participating in the tour (see the full schedule on The Book Bug); liking the Make It Happen Facebook Page, the Inspire Facebook Page or the Forward Walking Facebook Page; friending Kylee; following either (or both) of Kylee’s twitter accounts: @kyleeshields and @authorkylee; following any of the blog tour hosts on twitter: @GeoLibrarian, @RyanHunter45, @lovingthebooks, @toobusyreading, @LiteraryTimeOut, @jinxtweet, @AnnaButtimore, @MarcusLane14, @walnutspringspr, and @ALSowards; adding Make It Happen to your Goodreads shelf; liking Make It Happen on Amazon; following Kylee’s blog, Kigatsuku; writing a blog post about Make it Happen; or tweeting about the giveaway (once entry per day).

Make It Happen is a collection of principles, blog entries, stories, and conversations had on couches, floors, kitchen tables, and at many single-adult gatherings. It is filled with practical ways to make changes in your life, find hope, increase faith, strengthen relationships, and build the kingdom. The book can be purchased online at Deseret Book and Amazon.