USA Today Bestselling Author S. K. Gregory writes urban fantasy, paranormal romance and horror stories. Rarely seen without a pen in her hand, she loves writing about supernatural worlds and the creatures that live within them.
An avid reader and chocoholic, she has been creating fantasy worlds since she was a child. When she isn’t writing, S. K. enjoys binge-watching her favorite shows and hanging out with family and friends.
To learn more and to keep up to date with her latest book releases, you can follow her Facebook page here: www.facebook.com/authorskgregory or check out her website: www.skgregory.com
Image Description: A woman with a peachy complexion and long, dark hair sits with her hands clasped under her chin. She smiles gently into the camera.
Credit: c/o S.K. Gregory
Q&A with S.K. Gregory
Q: Please introduce yourself! Share your name, pronouns, and something fun, interesting, curious, or important (take your pick) about yourself that you would like your audience to know.
A: Hi my name is Sam and I write under the pen name S. K. Gregory. My pronouns are she/her and I am a neurodivergent fantasy author. I have been writing since I was seven years old, but I was first published at twenty-six.
Q: What genre or format do you write in? (for example: romance, fantasy, short stories, poetry, etc.)
A: So, my main genre is urban fantasy, but I also write paranormal romance, dark fantasy, horror and I love fairytale retellings.
Q: Who do you write for? Who is your audience, and are you seeking to reach a particular type of reader with your work? Why?
A: As a late diagnosed neurodivergent I have found that my books do well with other ND readers, but I think my books can be enjoyed by anyone who loves a kick ass FMC who doesn't always work within the confines of the law ;) I write these characters because they are the most fun to write. I don't like predictable characters, and I love a bit of humor too, so I try to include that in my books.
Q: When did you decide you wanted to write?
A: I told stories in my head as a child to distract my ADHD brain as I tried to get to sleep at night. Writing them down seemed like the next logical step. I rarely finished them back then, as I would jump from one idea to the other, but I still get the same rush from a new notebook, knowing I can create anything.
Q: What got you interested in the world of writing originally?
A: I am hyperlexic and I was obsessed with words as a kid. I loved the idea of all these books containing multiple worlds. So I created my own.
Q: There are so many possible avenues to take. Why write?
A: Like I said above it's my favourite medium, adding words to the page, seeing how it all unfolds.
Q: Similarly, why pursue being an indie author? What is your goal?
A: I was originally published in 2012 and have been with a few small presses over the years, but I like the control and being able to hold a sale for example whenever I like. Or making changes without having to go through several layers and waiting weeks for a reply. I would like to get to the point where I can live off my income as a writer, but I would keep writing even if that doesn't happen. I love it too much.
Q: What do you do to hone your craft?
A: I have taken a lot of courses, read a lot of books and even trained as an editor. But the best way is to keep writing, trial and error, see what works and what doesn't.
Q: What tricks do you use to get out of writer’s block?
A: I don't really have writer's block, my brain never stops with ideas, but my ADHD can just go nope, don't want to do any work today. It's about pushing through if you have a deadline and if not, just giving yourself a break. Sometimes I will jump between projects too as this helps to kick start my brain too.
Q: Would you mind telling us about your writing process?
A: Process implies there's some kind of logic to it! I just try to get a certain word count done in a day. Usually around 2k. Sometimes it can be done quickly, other times it can take all day to get it done. I've learned not to fight my executive dysfunction so much, it will pass.
Q: Do you have any other writing “hacks” that other writers might benefit from?
A: I would say learn everything you can about the industry. Even if you don't do certain things yourself like cover design, it's important to know what works, why it's done a certain way etc. I see too many people throwing their book up online and they have the wrong type of cover, a poorly written blurb and a book that doesn't know what genre it is.
Q: Where do you get your inspiration?
A: My mad brain. Ideas just pop in and I write them. A lot of things trigger them - dreams, headlines, misheard conversations. It varies.
Q: Would you like to share anything about your current work in progress?
A: I am working in a few different things, but I'm most excited about my new book Queen of Thorns. It is similar to Alice in Wonderland in theme with a witch who is sent to another world as a punishment and must find a way to escape.
Q: What do you wish you found more of in books today? Why?
A: I like grey characters who are properly grey. I love witty one liners, the unexpected and more neurodivergent characters.
Q: What does representation in literature mean to you? Is it important to you? How so?
A: Absolutely. I hate stereotypes and the best way to break free of them is to show people in every day situations and how they are
Q: What advice would you give to new writers?
A: Do the work yourself, ignore ai and that nonsense. Art is human and must remain so. Stop doubting yourself. Everyone's first draft is going to be rubbish, suck it up and write another and another and you will improve. People seem to think that all writers are trained in some way, that they have an English degree and know all the big words. It simply isn't true. Everyone has to start somewhere and you don't need those things to get going. Your voice is what matters, not an artificial one. If you have a story to tell, it will keep nudging you until you do.
Q: What do you wish someone had told you when you were finding your path?
A: That you never stop learning. There is always something new to consider and you need to be ready to pivot.
Q: Do you have any work already out there that you would like to talk about? If so, please tell us about the project, why you wrote it, and what you hope readers will take from it.
A: I have a lot of books out already. My favorite series that I have released is my Road to Nowhere series. It is about a half wizard called Nissa who lives in a small town full of supernaturals. I was influenced a lot by Wynonna Earp, and I love a character who is kind of a mess, but they are the one who is supposed to save the day.
Q: Where can readers find your work? Please share links and pertinent information.
A: I am in the process of moving my books to my website https://www.skgregory.com and they are available on Amazon.
Q: Thank you for sharing your thoughts, today. Any final words?
A: Thank you for supporting indie authors.
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