Q&A with Kathryne Lentes – Author Interview

We’re excited to share an exclusive Q&A with debut author Kathryne Lentes, a rising voice in fiction whose work blends heart, imagination, and emotional depth. In this engaging conversation, Kathryne opens up about the inspiration behind her writing, the themes that drive her stories, and the journey to publishing her debut novel. With a passion for storytelling and a talent for crafting relatable, vivid characters, she offers fresh insight into what it means to be a writer today.

Kathryne discusses everything from her creative process to the challenges and joys of bringing her first book to life. Whether you’re an aspiring author, a curious reader, or someone who loves stories that stay with you long after the last page, this interview is filled with thoughtful reflections and behind-the-scenes moments that will leave you inspired and eager to read more.

About The Author

Tell us more about you

I spent my formative years moving around the northeast (Boston, New York Cleveland) before settling into St Louis. I grew up  in a family of nine people and many cats (at one brief point, we had 18 after our 3 cats all had kittens simultaneously)    

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

My cats (are they items?), War and Peace (so I could finally finish it) and a boat. 

Who is your biggest role model?

Pink, I just love the way she uses her creative side to explore all the hardships she has gone through in life.

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

Jim Butcher, I am a superfan of The Dresden Files books. I was completely hooked the moment the wizard was riding a necromantic T Rex in Dead Beats.

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

I used to be a physical book snob but have become an e-book convert. I just love being able to carry 20 books with me at all times.

Is writing your full-time profession or a hobby?

I recently made the jump to try and do the author thing full-time. I am hoping the 401k will last long enough for my books to start providing a living wage. For the last 30 years, I had a weird job where I processed unemployment claims, so at least I have experience in that field if things don’t work out. 

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

I have a love/hate relationship with social media as I am an introvert at heart.  But I have to say some of that has been alleviated since switching from Twitter to BlueSky. You can find me on there or Facebook pretty regularly.  

My social channels are:

Your Writing Process

How do you go about starting a new novel?

Generally, I start with some art that inspires me, that usually leads to a character, and then I think of what are the best and worst things that can happen to that person. I really need to start working on plotting my novels instead of having just broad strokes, but  I like seeing where the characters lead me.

Where do you like to write?

I have a spot on my couch where you can find me most days.  I finally came to an agreement with Thomas O’Malley, my orange kitty, for him to sit between my legs behind my laptop so I can actually write. There were many months when he wanted to be on top of the laptop.

What do you like most about writing?

I think the thing that I enjoy most is the endless possibilities. I cannot sculpt or draw, but if I can imagine it and describe it, then it becomes real. Then I get to share it, and if it causes someone to feel something, that is the best part of my day.

What do you find stops you from writing more?

ADHD.  I usually have six or seven series ideas fighting it out in my head, so it is hard to focus and just knock one out. 

What genres do you like to write and why?

I like to write romance and urban fantasy.  The romance part is that for so long I never got to see any queer romance in most of the media I was exposed to. I grew up in the eighties, and it was not a good time for the LGBTQ2+ community.  The urban fantasy genre I like because you get to play with all the toys, cyberpunk, magic, shape shifters, vampires. 

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

Learn to be social. Writing is such a solitary endeavour that it is easy to feel isolated, and the bad news is that now, if you are an author, you also basically have to be a publicist and social influencer if you want to get book sales.

Showcase your books!

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

I have one book The Night Menagerie come out April 15 and another one that should be coming out at the end of May – Sin-Eaters.  The good news / bad news was that I spent almost a year trying to find a literary agent that when I got The Night Menagerie picked up for publication, I could go hey I have a whole other finished book do you want to check it out. I was overjoyed when Nine Star Press picked up both.

How long did The Night Menagerie take to write?

The Night Menagerie had a long run to getting completed.  A while back Harlequin books had a contest to find new paranormal romance authors. I knocked out what was a pretty good story but it never felt real or honest. It wasn’t until I came out and I could include all the queer elements I had always wanted to include that it really got good. So, from start to publication, it was like five years.

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

I think the idea that I wrote a story and now I get to share it.  I generally find it hard to put myself out there, but this is like sending a piece of yourself out into the world for everyone to check out. It’s a chance to say I think this is cool how about you.

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