Written in the Stars Author: K.M. Jenkins

Interview With K.M Jenkins:

Tell us what prompted you to start the series? Be as detailed as you want.

Tales of Ferrês is 10 short stories that were part of my Tales of Ferrês short story series. I bundled them together at the end with a bonus story never seen. The reason I decided to write short stories first was due to my lack of experience writing longer works. I tended to have issues with getting bored as I got deeper into the book. These short stories not only helped me strengthen my writing skills, but also see inside my world of Tarzinëa.

I wanted to get some background stories for characters in novels I was working on and decided to create these fun tales that feature these heroes as they got sucked into the magical realm of Ferrês. I honestly didn’t think anyone would read them but many enjoyed these stories and they have become loyal fans. Makes me excited for my next series of shorts, but this time they will be novella length works.

How did you feel as you were writing the first book? Has that feeling changed between then and now? If so, how?

During the process of writing this short story series I found myself excited at the same time stressed. I struggled with writer’s block several times. I did my best to stay on a month to month release schedule, but it didn’t always work out. I learned a lot from writing this series. My surprise was actually finishing it. Then when I bundled all the stories together I realized that piece by piece I wrote a novel length book. It was on the short side of novels but still was a big accomplishment for myself.

My feelings for this book haven’t changed since I released the bundle book. I love it to no bounds and can’t wait to continue the series with Tales of Tarza. I plan to branch out more and try my hand at novella length books with the second series/bundle book. Hoping to snag some more fans and keep the momentum going to eventually one day write my novels I have planned for this world of mine.

How many times have you had a specific idea for the story but it has been derailed because the characters decide to go a different way?

I’ve had this happen to me several times with stories and books I’m writing. I didn’t have that much of a problem with Tales of Ferrês. I didn’t really write outlines. I let the characters write the story and I followed along.

As for my longer books I have in the process. I’ve had several get to chapter five then the characters change everything. It can be extremely frustrating. But I find that some books work well with outlines while others I just go with the flow of each chapter and visualize what will happen next.

What was the most difficult part in writing the series?

I would say the hardest part was keeping on a publishing schedule. I should have written all the stories in advance, instead I wrote them as I went. This led to missed deadlines and pushing releases back. I probably lost readers over this but it was a learning process I had to learn.

Another hard part is keeping things consistent at the same time. I couldn’t have the stories sound the same but had to keep things interesting. Then the issue kept coming up where I put swear words in the stories. My editor Allison was good about pointing out those couldn’t be in YA books. So I fleshed them out and did better as I got used to writing for the young adult crowd.

If you could give advice to anybody else considering writing a series, what advice would you give?

Not many writers think about doing a short story series first. I found that it helped my writing build structure and depth over the length of the series itself. It also got me in the door with several readers. Now I have them hanging around for my longer books. It is a trying process to write shorter works because you have to release the stories faster. But it does help you build a following with readers. It gives you the ability to share with the world your writing style. I honestly am glad I went this route. Then I didn’t have to stress out about my full-length books selling when know one knew who I was. Hopefully, this will help you figure out your path. Many writers can make a career out of writing short stories.

About the Author:

K.M. Jenkins is a published international bestselling author that writes epic battles, forbidden romance, and tales of fantasy and adventure. She has a big love for the fantasy genre and loves dragons above all creatures.When she is not writing, you will find her chasing her twin boys around the house. Between the three she has epic battles throughout the day and nothing ever gets boring.

Follow me everywhere: https://linktr.ee/StarsBooksAndTea