Today I have the opportunity to do an author interview with Kaitlyn Krispense. Kaitlyn has just published her first book, Beloved.
1. What is one thing that God has taught you through writing Beloved ?
I’ve learned many things . . . but probably one of the most important things is that I really can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I learned that this girl, who’d never written more than 14 thousand words in a story, could write a full-length novel. I learned that through it all, He’s faithful. Even when I doubt. And that I am loved beyond measure.
2. Which of your characters do you relate to the most?
Cara. Hands down. I pretty much based her off myself without meaning to. When I wrote Beloved, I’d been struggling with depression. So really, I wrote this book as much for myself as for anyone who might read it. Because we all need to hear how loved and precious we are in God’s sight now and again.
3. How long did it take you to write Beloved ?
A little over a month, I think. I started near the end of July and finished sometime in September. I’d have to go digging to see exactly how long, but yeah, a little over a month. *flips through my notebook* Yep, 42 days. And a fun fact: when I finished, it was about 2,000 words longer than it is now.
4. When did you first become interested in writing?
I’ve loved reading ever since I learned how, and I can remember writing down random stories in a notebook in my elementary-school scrawl. But when I really started to fall in love with it was probably . . . I don’t know . . . 5 or 6 years ago. I started writing fan fiction for the Circle C books and didn’t stop after that. The rest, as they say, is history. ;)
5. What was your favorite scene to write in Beloved ?
I can’t really pick just one scene! Pretty much anything with Cara’s foster brothers is bound to be a definite favorite in my opinion. Especially that one scene with the clamming—but I can’t give any spoilers . . .
6. Do you have any advice for those who are either new to writing or are looking to publish their first book?
Don’t let criticism get you down! Criticism is what helps you grow as a writer. And sometimes, people just aren’t going to like what you write. But that’s okay. You can’t please everyone—just strive to write what God lays on your heart, and let Him guide your story to the person that needs it the most.
Kaitlyn is a farmer's daughter and a born-again believer in Christ with an obsession for books and music. It is these obsessions that led her to write her own stories. Psalm 46:10 gives her inspiration, her brothers make her laugh, and there's nothing quite like the excitement of opening an unread book for the first time. Her passion is to share the steadfast love of her Savior through the writing that takes up much of her free time, whether actual writing takes place or writer's block, in which case she's probably browsing Pinterest.
