Shining a Light on Debut Author K. Starling
I'm thrilled to introduce K. Starling, a debut author whose imaginative storytelling transports readers to a reimagined Regency era brimming with dragons, intrigue, and magic. Her first novel, Talismans, Teacups, and Trysts, is making waves this summer, captivating readers with its blend of fantasy and historical charm.
K. Starling’s journey to becoming a published author is as compelling as the stories she writes. For twenty years, she honed her craft by writing articles, novels, and blogs for various organizations and clients. Now, she’s turning the page on a new chapter, fulfilling her lifelong dream of seeing her name on the cover of a novel.
When K. Starling isn’t crafting witty heroines or intriguing villains, she’s exploring the great outdoors with her family, hitting the trails or taking to the open road in their pop-up camper. Although she doesn’t have any pets, her home is filled with a lively collection of dinosaurs, stuffies, and imaginary creatures, courtesy of her kids.
A native of Nevada, K. Starling continues to draw inspiration from the rugged beauty of the Silver State. Join us as we dive into a quick Q&A with this talented new voice in fantasy fiction and discover the magic behind Talismans, Teacups, and Trysts.
Q&A:
What inspired you to write Talismans, Teacups & Trysts?
Jane Austen’s Persuasion is my comfort novel. During rough patches, I turn to its pages for solace and to escape.
When I contemplated writing a novel, I wanted to put a fresh spin on the world of that period—one filled with charm and society, as well as mystery and magic. I planned to write a cozy mystery novel set in the era about a female sleuth who investigated private matters for ladies. Then, one day, I wondered, “But what if there were dragons?” Needless to say, once you get an idea like that stuck in your head, you are ruined for writing anything else but fantasy.
How do you create complex and relatable characters in your novels? Are there any specific techniques or inspirations you draw from when developing their personalities, motivations, and arcs?
When I create characters, I have two guiding principles: disrupt the status quo whenever possible and make each character memorable.
Most of my characters, especially those featured in multiple chapters, rub against the grain. We have Penelope, our protagonist, who is a heiress by day and a sleuth, well, when no one is looking. She’s proper, yet, when she is alone with friends or family, she is quirky and has a rebellious streak. Walt, her assistant, comes to mind. Though she is a woman in 1811, she smokes a pipe, gambles, solicits taverns, and is a whirlwind.
Each character is layered with backstories and loss to paint them in vibrant hues.
What keeps you motivated?
My family. I am the mother to three children, two are adopted and one is Deaf. Each of them entered this world with a few obstacles in their path. I write for me, of course, but I also write to teach them that dreams, even those that are decades in the making, can be achieved. That, and if I don’t finish this series in a timely manner, my readers may revolt and hold my tea captive until I do.
Could you share some insights into your writing process?
My writing process is a bit unique. I do not have daily or weekly word count goals, but chapter goals. My books are roughly planned out before I begin with the plot outlined in chapters. Since I set my release dates before I begin, I write with a deadline in mind and am good about keeping it. My first job in writing was at a newspaper, so deadlines are in my blood.
Another oddity is that I hate rough drafts. It’s the perfectionism in me rearing its obstinant head. This causes me to write slowly and with care. My first draft is not substantially different from my final draft. I can’t write more than 300-500 words an hour as a result. This does not work for everyone, but it does for me.
Her Debut:
Talismans, Teacups & Trysts
Synopsis: Society insists that the life of an heiress ought to be consumed with dancing, polite conversation, and cards. The sadists!
As Penelope Sedgewick would rather fly to Saturn's third moon than conform to society's whims, she became a sleuth, investigating private matters for ladies—thefts, missing domesticated dragons, stolen charms… the usual. Of course, it is all very hush-hush. Do try to keep it that way.
When a routine inquiry into an elopement becomes derailed by a dead body (or two), and one dear to her is implicated, Penelope’s skills will be put to the test.
With so much on the line, it will take a combination of her intelligence, magical abilities (Shhh! These are also secret), and marksmanship to protect that which she holds dear while shielding the innocent.
Includes:
Dragons
Magic
Intrigue
Reimagined Regency World
