I first introduced you to author K. Harris a couple of weeks ago, when we sampled Fate or Plight. Today, we’ll get to know more about the woman behind the novels. Join me in welcoming, author K. Harris to the Beautifully Inspired Blog. Don’t forget to show a little comment love and support. CHELLE: Kanika, I love the versatility of your writing style and you left me immensely intrigued with Fate or Plight. With all of that, I can’t help but wonder, are you a plotter or pantser? KANIKA: Actually I am a little of both. It all depends on the story and where my mind is when I begin a story. I plot the story in my head, then transfer it to paper. Pantser because I conjure up stories in my head on a regular basis and when I think I may go one way with book, it’s never set in stone. CHELLE: We have sampled your writing style, seen your creative design talents in your book covers, now who is Kanika Harris, the woman? KANIKA: I am a wife and mother of three. My husband and I own and operate a janitorial service. I call my different professions multiple personalities. I am an author, a business owner, praise dance coordinator, and choir director. They are all as different as night and day, coexisting in one body. I love to joke around, laughing makes me feel good so I tend to act out a lot. Nothing is ever black, white, or grey with me, I think from too many different areas to give straight answers. CHELLE: You really do wear many diverse hats. Balance is obviously something important in your life to maintain success. Most authors have a routine they settle into when they prepare to write. Yet, others toss routine out the window and go with the flow. What is your writing routine like? KANIKA: When I wake up at four am, I handle my hygiene and settle in at my desk with only the light coming from the computer. I write listening to whatever genre speaks to me that morning; gospel, neo-soul, rap, blues, or just my Write Mode playlist on Spotify. I am hooked on Spotify. In the evenings when I return to my computer after handling the daily routine of family and work, I settle in with some French vanilla chai tea. CHELLE: Girl! That’s my favorite! Sipping on a cup of French vanilla chai tea to soothe my nerves, or get geared up for writing is what the doctor ordered! I love the smooth, creamy taste. Okay, I’ve lost my way, let me get re-focused. LOL!!! The nosy part of me can’t help but ask, did you keep a journal or diary as a child growing up? If so, what secret did you not want your parents to read? KANIKA: I always kept a new diary on hand for the many secrets I held and overall get some things off my chest. The one secret was when, where, how, and with who I lost the v-card. CHELLE: Yessss!!!! You’re the first author to honestly answer this question. All other authors have glibly passed it up somehow or another. Thanks for your heart, girl. I love it! I have to ask this question for our readers, although I have an idea what you’re going to say. What genre do you write and why? And what authors have influenced your writings? KANIKA: I started writing in the urban fiction genre but I have changed so much in three years when I first began. I love urban fiction, it’s something raw, and hood about it that keeps me interested. Sylvia Hubbard, EJ Brock, Francis Ray, and Brenda Jackson are some of my favorites all for their different styles of writing. Although they are as different as vinegar and water, they all appeal to me. Romance with some hood added in the mix, paranormal with some romance and suspense, romance with drama, and prestigious black folks with romance. Therefore, I guess I would be considered as a romance junkie. Lol. CHELLE: If you could pair up with another author to write, who would you choose and why? KANIKA: Sylvia Hubbard because I love her raw, street-lit and that book would be crazy. CHELLE: If your latest release were turned into a movie, what actors would you select to play the starring roles, and what music would comprise the soundtrack? KANIKA: The latest book I released was Fate or Plight, with wolves and witches. Idris Elba would play my character Idris King, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje would play Darian Stewart, Lala Ali would play Rachel, Phylicia Rashad would play Gail King, Anansa Sims would be Monica, Denzel Washington would be Uncle Luther… The list could go on forever but seeing as though these are some expensive people, it’s a good thing this is a hypothetical question. CHELLE: I love your line up. Somehow, I’m not surprised that Idris Elba would play a starring role. When I first read about Idris King in Fate or Plight, that’s exactly who I thought of. He’s most of our fantasy man. It’s a good thing that he’s married, as are we. LOL!!! On another note, how do you handle writer’s block? KANIKA: I read to get over writers block oddly enough. If I take my mind away from what is blocked I tend to get ideas. The key is not to stress too much and it will come naturally. CHELLE: Mountains or the beach? KANIKA: Beach, although I have sun allergies. CHELLE: As an author I am sure you have encountered challenges in building your brand, and getting yourself out there. Provide one marketing tip for upcoming authors that has worked for you. KANIKA: There is no such thing as too much promoting. Putting a face with the name has proven quite successful. CHELLE: If there was one thing you would want your readers to know after reading your works, what would it be? KANIKA: Some events are possibly true stories. I write from experience. CHELLE: You shared with us earlier that you have many diverse roles in life. Each role is very unique in and of itself. So to piggyback on the statement you just made, how much do you pull from those experiences to craft your stories? KANIKA: I would have to say too much at times. I am truly a handful, a very difficult person with a lot going on. My past, present, and secret lives play a major part in my characters personalities. CHELLE: Writers often have to forsake time with friends and family when deadlines are looming, or the creative muse is flowing. What one person has been your greatest supporter on your publishing journey? KANIKA: My dear husband of course. He was the driving force that convinced me to do this full-time and quit daydreaming about it. CHELLE: It’s wonderful to have a support system like that. I’ve been getting that same push lately. But, maybe after I get a few ducks in order. Kanika, describe your idea of the perfect “me-time.” KANIKA: It all depends on which me we are speaking about, (Multiple personalities). One is spending quality time with only my husband. Another is spending alone time in my prayer room, just God and me. My author persona is all about music, a clear mind, and my laptop would be the perfect me-time. CHELLE: Kobe or LeBron? KANIKA: LeBron, never been a Laker fan even when Shaq played. CHELLE: Girlfriend, you just let me down. LOL!!!! Kobe has been my boy forever! Alright, it’s been so much fun chatting with you and getting to know you better. We live life beautifully inspired here, at The Beautifully Inspired Blog. Leave us with an inspirational post, comprised of three words. KANIKA: Greatness dwells within! CHELLE: Alright people! Listen to her words. "Greatness dwells within." After all, if you don’t believe in yourself, who else will? Be beautifully inspired and pick up some of, or all of K. Harris’ books on Amazon now. If you enjoyed this interview, and want to read more like it, sample my works, or get inspirational posts, follow this blog. Simply click the "follow," "subscribe," or "email" links in the upper right corner. I would love to have you. Living Life Beautifully Inspired!
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June 2019
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