Author Interview - Kalleigh Royn

Kalleigh Royn is a debut YA fantasy and dystopian author. She writes about "resilience, rebellion, and the threads that hold us together when the world falls apart."

You don't want to miss out on her amazing insights and tips to future (and current) indie authors. Check out our Q&A with her below!

Check out more about Kalleigh on her website: https://www.kalleighroyn.com/

---

Q: When did you first start writing?

A: I’ve always been a writer, writing short stories while I was in elementary school and junior high. I didn’t start getting serious about writing until a year ago, when I finally sat down to write the novel that had been living rent-free in my head. 

Q: When did you know you wanted to be an author?

A: I think I was in grade 8. My two best friends and I were obsessed with reading and writing and I knew at that time I had stories to share. 

Q: Was there any author or book in particular that inspired you to write? Or a teacher/mentor?

A: My grade 7 English teacher, Mme. Jackson, was so encouraging that she made me feel like I could do anything. I also have always looked up to Margaret Atwood and devoured her novels into my late teen years.  

Q: What does literary success look like to you?

A: Literary success, to me, means sharing my stories with the world and knowing they made someone feel something. Whether it's hope, heartbreak, or the thrill of rebellion, I just want my words to resonate. I don’t need to top bestseller lists (though I wouldn’t complain!), but if even one reader feels seen, moved, or changed by my work, that’s success in my eyes. 

Q: What do you do besides writing? Hobbies, passions, work, etc.

A: In addition to writing, I am a middle school principal. I also enjoy aerial yoga, mountain biking, hiking, reading, and spending time with my partner and adventurous corgi.  

Q: What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?

A: Kara M. Zone has been a huge inspiration to me, she has really helped me understand marketing and is someone I can always ask questions when I don’t know something. I also really admire Teresa Louis Johnson and Grace P Rose. They are some of the most positive and encouraging people, they really know how to pump your tires and make you feel like anything is possible.  

Q: If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?

A: Just do it! Just sit down and write the stories inside of you. It doesn’t have to be perfect at first, just write! 

Q: As a writer, what would you choose as your mascot/avatar/spirit animal?

A: I think an octopus, they are incredibly intelligent and resilient creatures, they always seem to be able to get themselves out of any situation.  

Q: What inspires you to write the most?

A: Honestly, my students. When I see my students sneaking their books under their desks to read, I know how much power words and stories have, not just for kids but for everyone. I want to give people stories that they can feel some connection to, a moment to relax or getaway, or even just for entertainment sake.  

Q: What is your favorite thing about writing?

A: I love seeing how everything comes together. I think of writing as a puzzle and it’s exciting figuring out how different plot points come together and make the story a whole. 

Q: What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?

A: It’s finding the balance of everything. During the school year my job is very demanding, and sometimes I am just so tired. The story is in my brain but sometimes making the connection and putting it down on paper is hard when everything is mushy. I try to set aside time on the weekend when I am fresh and can truly feel the joy of writing rather than have it feel like a chore.  

Q: How many books have you written and what are they called? Where can we find them?

A: One. Roots & Rubble can be purchased on Amazon, any ebook platform and in my Etsy store (links found on my website - www.kalleighroyn.com).

Q: How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have?

A: I have two books in the works right now.

Untitled - The Scattered Seeds Book Two - is currently with my alpha reader

Untitled - The Scattered Seeds Book Three - the rough draft is still being drafted

Q: Do you want each book to stand on its own, or are you trying to build a body of work with connections between each book?

A: At this time, each of my books will be connected to the Scattered Seeds series, but once the series is finished I plan to write another book that I have begun plotting that will be a stand alone novel.

Q: Have you tried to go the traditional route with publishing? How did it go?

A: I did at first. I sent query letters off to several agents, but got the generic response that the agents weren’t passionate about my story. I thought about seeking feedback on my query package, but decided to try self-publishing instead.

Q: Why did you decide to self-publish?

A: Honestly… I was impatient. I knew it could be months before I got an agent and after that even longer through the submission process. I felt like Roots & Rubble was ready for the world. I had already gone through a few rounds with an editor, I utilized an alpha reader, beta readers and arc readers. I have no regrets about this and have very positive feedback about my work.

Q: Did publishing your first book change your process of writing? How or why not?

A: It didn’t. I think I went about things the right way and am using that process again with book two. If anything it did speed up the process because I know what type of bones make a story memorable and accessible to its audience.

Q: What is the hardest challenge as an independently published author?

A: For me it is marketing. I know I wrote a darn good book, but I don’t know what I don’t know about marketing. It's finding ways to get exposure for my book and to reach many different audiences.

Q: Who is your favorite author now? What is it you like about them?

A: I still love Margaret Atwood, I like that she has always been writing gritty stories and pushing boundaries in her narratives.

Q: What is your favorite childhood book?

A: I really enjoyed the Chronicles of Narnia

Q: Do you have any favorite books you recommend right now?

A: Fable by Adrienne Young

Q: What’s your favorite under-appreciated novel?

A: I Am The Messenger by Markus Zuzak

Q: Do you try more to be original or to deliver to readers what they want?

A: I think a bit of both. I like introducing new ideas or new perspectives, especially when creating a dystopian world, I want it to be a narrative that could be possible. But at the same time, I like having some of those cosy tropes like found family, enemies to lovers, and slow burn tension that the readers are asking for.

Q: How do you balance making demands on the reader with taking care of the reader?

A: I try to respect my readers’ intelligence by trusting them to draw their own conclusions and sit with complexity. If I’m asking them to face something dark or layered, I try not to do it relentlessly. Pacing matters. I’m intentional about weaving in moments of lightness, friendship, or even humor between heavier chapters, so the reader has a chance to breathe.

Q: What advice would you give to others who want to self-publish?

A: Make sure you self-publish your most polished work. That means doing the work, getting an editor, getting feedback on your story. I see some really strong amazing indie work out there, but I’ve also seen some indie stories that I DNF because they were unreadable due careless errors. You don’t want to pull your readers from the amazing story you wrote because you didn’t have someone else proofread your work!

Q: Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?

A: Just write. The first draft is just that, a first draft. It doesn’t have to be perfect. Just do it.