Q&A with K Evan Coles – Author Interview

We’re excited to present an exclusive Q&A with K Evan Coles, the talented author known for writing emotionally rich and deeply authentic LGBTQ+ romance. With a flair for creating compelling characters and heartfelt stories, K Evan Coles brings readers on unforgettable journeys through love, growth, and self-discovery. In this special interview, she opens up about her inspirations, writing process, and what fuels her passion for telling meaningful love stories.

Whether you’ve followed her work from the beginning or are just starting to explore her books, this behind-the-scenes conversation offers thoughtful insights into her creative world. From the challenges of writing realistic romance to the joy of connecting with readers, K Evan Coles shares her perspective with warmth, honesty, and a touch of humour.

About The Author

Tell us more about you

I grew up in New England in the northeast US and still live here, actually. I’ve lived in other places for short periods, but New England feels like home and I’m comfortable with the mindset and culture. Halloween is huge here – nearly at the same level as winter holidays like Hanukkah and Christmas. And while it’s typical to never exchange more than a nod with your neighbours, they’ll materialise when you’re moving a couch or digging your car out after a big snowstorm and pitch in. As soon as the work is done, they’re on their way, no big deal, and you can go right back to head nods.

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

My glasses – I’m nearsighted as hell. A water purification straw would come in handy, as would a Swiss Army knife.

Who is your biggest role model?

I’m not much into emulating others, but I’m inspired by people who make their own path and persevere through the inevitable challenges that come from choosing to be different. Those who commit to serving others and are ambitious while remaining capable of self-reflection. People who are curious about the world around them and not embarrassed about expressing wonder.

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

I’m terrible at picking a favourite anything, but I enjoy re-reading William Gibson’s Neuromancer every few years and it has become one of my favourite books.

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

I live in an apartment and thus have limited space, so e-books work well for me. I definitely prefer reading over listening to books, but I own and enjoy audiobooks on occasion, and if the narrator works for me, it’s a good time.

Is writing your full-time profession or a hobby?

I’ve had a long career in IT that I actually enjoy because it feeds the part of my brain that appreciates technology and loves discovery. I’ve been a writer for even longer, however, and even if I were to never publish another word, writing will always be part of my DNA – I genuinely can’t imagine not doing it. Writing became a side hustle rather than a hobby once I started publishing books and understood how much effort goes into putting books out there after the writing is finished.

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

I’m on Instagram and Reddit fairly regularly –something about those platforms pleases my brain.

My social channels are:

My newsletter sign-up and other socials are on https://kevancoles.com/contact/

Your Writing Process

How do you go about starting a new novel?

I plan a bit with character sketches and an outline/timeline, and if I need to do research on a topic I’ll read and watch media and make notes. But once I get into a manuscript and start writing, it’s not unusual for things in the outline/timeline to shift and change as I get to know the characters. Despite being the one doing the writing, I’m not truly in charge of the story and more a typist doing my best to keep up with characters who have plans of their own.

Where do you like to write?

I prefer to write at a table or a desk and also have the option to stand while working – sitting for hours at a time isn’t the best for me. That said, a writing surface doesn’t necessarily have to be anywhere in particular and, like most writers, I’ll write anywhere if I feel like it and have tools and room. I’ve written scenes and dialogue on my phone while standing on a crowded commuter train and recorded voice notes while hiking after an idea snuck up on me and I needed to get it down.

What do you like most about writing?

I love world-building and giving my characters a place to move around in and call home. I also enjoy writing dialogue, particularly if a character amuses me and I can make them funny on the page.

What do you find stops you from writing more?

Time constraints are my biggest issue because of my day job and life needing my attention.

What genres do you like to write and why?

I primarily write contemporary stories because I’m interested in tweaking the world I live in through fiction. But I also enjoy writing paranormal and sci-fi stories because I can go just go wild with the world building, and that is such a freeing experience.

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

Just write. Don’t worry about what other people are doing or writing to market or how often others are producing content—tell your stories on your time. Also, use good tech and make multiple back-ups of your works in progress and the final manuscripts and assets like book covers. It is a legitimately soul crushing experience to open a manuscript and understand that chunks of your hard work are gone, possibly permanently, or that you’ve lost an entire document to accidental deletion or a fried hard drive. Cloud back-ups exist; leverage them to your advantage.

Showcase your books!

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

I’ve written eighteen works total – eleven solo works and seven collaborative works with a former co-writer. Usually, my favourite book is my current WIP because it has my full attention, and the characters are being very vocal.

How long did Hooked on You take to write?

About six months total. Hooked On You was initially intended to be a short work for a freebie giveaway event and the first version of the story became part of that event. I have trouble with shorter formats, and though the original version came in around 50K words, I knew even as I was writing there was more story to tell. After submitted the first version of Hooked On You to the giveaway event coordinator, I went back and added an additional 22K words to the manuscript.

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

I love creating stories. Not everyone gets to take images out of their head and put them into words, and I’m genuinely grateful I’m able to do that.

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