Author Spotlight: Deatri King-Bey

           Happy Hump Day, Imaginarians! We got good things cooking up around here and I couldn't be more excited.  Today I have the amazing author Deatri King-Bey in the house. Whoo Hoo! A developmental editor turned author, Deatri is the author of several novels and short stories that span many genres. You can find out more about her work by clicking here.

 Tell us a little about your latest, The Other Realm. What inspired its creation?

My inspiration for The Other Realm was a Canadian goose. One morning I was sitting in the courtyard outside of my office building when a Canadian goose decided he wanted to visit with me. It scared the heck out of me at first because these are not small birds and if they are nesting nearby, they will attack. I guess the goose decided I wasn’t a threat so hopped himself up on the opposite end of the bench. I jokingly said, “You’d better keep your feathered butt on that end of the bench or there will be a problem.”
That’s when the concept for a plot came to me. What if the goose answered? Next thing you know, I was writing The Other Realm.

You've written historical, contemporary and fantasy. Is there a genre that remains your favorite?

My favorite genre is the same as my favorite color and novel, it depends on the mood I’m in at the time I’m asked. The hardest to write is romance, because there are so many genre rules, but that is also what makes it fun. Making an original story out of a cookie cutter is a challenge.
 
What surprised you the most about the business side of writing?

Before I was published, I worked in the industry as a developmental editor, so I was lucky. I of knew what was out there on the traditional publishing side by the time I was published, but I was also more protected. I didn’t realize how many crooks are out there posing as professionals (editors, publishers, graphics artists…) it’s a shame. It’s truly sad.

Who or what inspired you to begin this writer’s journey?

Unlike many authors who have been writing since they were children, I didn’t write. But we are story tellers in my family. While neighborhood children would be watching television or playing ball, we’d be up in my grandmother’s tree making up stories. By the time I grew up, I was also a reader, but never thought of writing a book until I was in the bookstore with my sister, complaining about the numerous bad books I’d purchased lately. My sister said something like, “If you don’t like what’s out there, write what you want to read.” A month or so later, I had written my first novel—Deeper—which was a great story, but horrible writing. Don’t worry, I’ve gotten better.

If you could take one of your main characters out on the town, who would it be and what would you do?

I would take Tahlan, the hero from The Other Realm, out because he doesn’t understand this realm. I could take him just about anywhere and be guaranteed a good time watching him discover this new world (to him).

If we looked at you e-reader or book shelf, what titles would we find?

A few years ago, I went through a print book purge. I gave away over a thousand books (I can’t throw a book away. Even one I don’t like). I own a Kindle and Nook that have way too many books on them, but my physical book shelves hold books I want if the universe goes crazy and we no longer have electricity for my eReaders. Isaac Asimov, Sharon Shinn, Beverly Jenkins, Nora Roberts, J.D. Robb, Mercedes Lackey and several other authors’ titles occupy my limited shelf space.
 
Do you have a routine when you write such as music, a favorite beverage at your desk?

I write in complete silence. My original draft, I write by hand. I used to type directly into my word processor, but I’m more creative when I write it out first.

What was the best piece of writing advice that you received?

Continue learning the craft and business. The moment you believe there is no room for improvement, you’ve lost your edge.

How do you keep your creative juices flowing?

I often tell people I have multiple personalities, and if I don’t write their stories, they’ll take over. I’m just a conduit to express their stories. Seriously though, just about everything sparks a plot idea for me.

What's next for you?

Mid-July the forth book in my romance series (The Write Brothers) is due for release. I’m so excited. I’ve never written a series before, and I love this family. I’m thankful to all of the readers who have supported me throughout the years.

I also have a sci-fi I’m still bouncing around in my mind before I start writing.
Currently, The Other Realm is available in Kindle format from Amazon and will be coming out in print next month.

Melissa, thank you so much for having me. This was great.
Deatri King-Bey