Q&A with K. Kenley – Author Interview

K. Kenley is an author who brings a sharp edge and a vivid sense of atmosphere to their storytelling, crafting worlds that feel as intense as they are immersive. In this Q&A, we delve into the creative drive behind The Hunt Master, uncovering the ideas, influences, and determination that shaped such a compelling and layered narrative. Kenley’s approach to writing is both thoughtful and unapologetically bold, making their work stand out in a crowded genre.

Open and refreshingly honest, K. Kenley shares the realities of the writing process, from the challenges of building tension to the satisfaction of seeing a story come together. This interview offers a genuine look at the person behind the pages, giving readers and aspiring writers alike a deeper appreciation for the craft, the grit, and the passion that fuels their work.

About The Author

Tell us more about you.

I think the coolest thing about me is that I love cars. From fixing them, to racing (yes, it’s legal) and finding out the mechanical differences in each car. It wasn’t always my passion but I fell in love with cars when I was 18.

What are the three items you’d take on a deserted island?

A straw that can filter water, a knife (4” blade) and duct tape.

Who is your biggest role model?

My biggest role model growing up and even to this day is Jane Goodall. I’ve always loved her mission, her passion and her consistency. She continuously showed kindness in spaces that weren’t always respected, and brought entirely new perspectives to the world. I will forever remember her compassion, even though I never got the privilege of meeting her in person.

What is your favourite book and who is your favourite author?

Falling Together by Erica Lee is one of my favourite books of all time, and I’ve reread it countless times. It’s a comfort book for me, for sure! My favourite author is so hard to pick, I think it’s also a bit unique as an author to pick a favourite, because I’ve had the pleasure of meeting a lot of my “favourites”. I will say one of the authors who I enjoy reading, has at least one book on my comfort list, and is honestly just a really lovely person is Kat Jackson. I will also say Katie Trapp is high on my favourite author list as well, and I love the way she shares her stories in such a calming and immersive way.

Do you prefer e-books, physical books or audiobook?

My preference is physical books, specifically hardcovers or special editions.

Is writing your full-time profession or a hobby?

Writing is full-time for me. I’ve had a lot of shifts happen in the past couple years and all of that led me right here, writing full-time.

What social media platform do you like and use the most?

Links to my socials:

Your Writing Process

How do you go about starting a new novel?

I think as a Virgo I should say I plan every single detail, but the reality is I don’t plan anything. I’m often as surprised as the reader when I’m writing. I’m not sure if that’s a good sales pitch, but it’s the truth! I find ideas pop in whenever they want to, and I jot them down in my phone, and. eventually they take shape. It’s kind of like unravelling yarn.

Where do you like to write?

I have this strange thing about routines; I simply cannot handle them for very long. I write in the

quiet of my house, I would get far too overstimulated to write somewhere public. If I spend too long typing and my brain feels that has become “routine” I have to write on paper. Basically, that means I’m currently writing entire novels by hand right now. I always write about 3 books at a time.

What do you like most about writing?

I think I’ve always loved writing, or even just journaling. I love that I can express aspects of myself I wouldn’t normally know how to articulate. I love that it’s an outlet for me to put my emotions into. I think it’s so easy to be overwhelmed in the world, especially right now. And people like myself often feel everything very deeply, yet try to stay optimistic. Writing gives me the space to be optimistic in a way that feels authentic. It’s not like I’m running away and hiding from the negativity of the world (even if I would love to do that sometimes), but it’s more about finding lighter moments to hold onto.

For example, in my book Harper Uncovered I wrote a scene where the two main characters are discussing previous trauma and how it still affects them. I wrote this scene because that scenario is something I’ve offered to other people in the past, but rarely received myself. It made me realize that none of us are given a blueprint on what healthy communication looks like. So I decided to start writing about it, in a very dialogue focused way.

What do you find stops you from writing more?

Balance, or often the lack of it. I have always been a bit of a workaholic, no matter what career I was pursuing. But I also know that my physical health declines rapidly if I push myself too hard (thank you, fibromyalgia). It was a bitter pill to swallow for me, I went from writing for 13 hours a day for almost a year to writing a couple hours a day maximum. It was an uncomfortable, but necessary slow down period.

What genres do you like to write and why?

Contemporary romance and fantasy. They are my two favourites to read so I think that influences my desire to write them. But in all honesty I’ve always been passionate about “creating universes,” even as a kid. Now I get to write universes with interconnecting stories and weave them together into something I think is pretty special.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to aspiring writers?

Write the way you want to write. Even if people tell you it’s not “the right way” or a “real novel.” Life is simultaneously too short and too long to live a life we don’t love. Write the way you want to write, someone will enjoy it. In fact someone probably needs to hear it the way you feel called to “say it.” I write with what I call “good communication style” and in all honesty, some people hate it but I’ve also gotten tear-filled hugs thanking me for writing the way I do. One day that feeling might just find you, but only if you follow your heart.

Showcase Your Book!

How many books have you written and if more than one, what’s your favourite?

I currently have 3 published, and I have 2 full length novels waiting to be released this year. My favourite is The Hunt Master. Rowan Unfolded and Harper Uncovered felt like pieces of me, while The Hunt Master felt more like distant memories of a previous life. But maybe that’s just how my brain likes to think about them.

How long did x take you to write?

The Hunt Master took 20 days of writing according to my Scrivener document. I started it in December and finished it around the end of February. I think I’m relatively fast at writing, but procrastination is a skill I possess in spades.

Lastly, what is your favourite thing about being an author?

Getting to meet readers. Without a doubt, that’s my favourite thing about being an author. I love hearing about what you loved, what you didn’t, what you hope I’m working on. Building connections with readers is one of the best and most rewarding parts of doing what I do. It’s amazing to feel my books in my palms, but knowing that the characters who walked relentlessly in my mind now freely roam through pages that anyone can pick up at any given moment, feels surreal and I’m very grateful for this experience.

Get Your Copy