Author Interview - Kayla Langmaid
Tell me about yourself?
One thing about myself is I dislike this question…What do you want to know? Age? Likes? Dislikes? Gender identity…Random blah, blah, generic crap lol. What do you want to know? (Interviewer sighs. Give me a Bio.) I work as a shift manager at a McDonalds. I love to read and in the rare moments there’s not a book in my hands, I’m writing or crafting. I’ve been playing around with polymer clays to sculpt dragons.
Tell me about your novels?
I am published under the pseudonym Kaylie Lanshaw with my best friend. The first book is already published. It is a unique reading experience because book one is actually two books. I wrote Double-Edged War: Taking Flight, which tells the story of Kaelin Arlenton, a foster kid growing up in post-collapse America during the year 2044, shortly after several supernatural creatures have revealed themselves as less than myths.
What made you start writing?
I’ve always been drawn to the written word. It started as a passion for reading until I realized that the book I wanted to read didn’t exist yet. I was in sixth grade and all I wanted was to read a book about dragons. Specifically, about dragons that wanted more than virgins and gold. So I picked up a pen and wrote a 200 page story about a teenage girl who hatches a dragon egg. Of course, before I finished, Christopher Paolini released the amazing Eragon and my book—which arguably wasn’t very good—was quickly obsolete. But it still inspired a passion for creating worlds. It also proved a valuable tool in what NOT to do. I.E…If you want to switch scenes, you do NOT have to have your main character (MC) get knocked out first.
Where there any teachers who have influenced your writing?
Honestly, most of my teachers influenced my writing in some way or another, though a few perhaps had more influence. Mrs. Cobb’s creative writing class in high school was one of the earliest I remember, and of course my college creative writing teacher, Mr. Samarco, had a ginormous impact (Double-Edged War was born in my senior seminar with him). However, I also have to say that several history and government professors also helped. They’re classes are the inspiration for several elements of world building.
Where there any writers who have influenced your writing?
Patrick Rothfuss—for his worldbuilding. Holly Black—for all things fae. Sarah J. Maas—for creating kickass females in fantasy. Obviously J.R.R. Tolkien, because anyone with a love for fantasy owes it to him. Lucy Lennox-for showing me exactly how much I love M/M romances, Sloane Kennedy—for proving that romances don’t have to be fluffy and sweet. Kate Hawthorne and E.M. Denning and G.R. Lyons—their Facebook groups have kept me putting pen to paper even when I question myself. I could do a whole interview just on this question.
Why did you decide to try to publish Traditionally?
I don’t like marketing and branding and I hate blogs. I feel like it takes time away from writing and it would be nice to be able to just…give that to someone else, or at least have someone else to help with the more ‘businessy’ parts of writing.
What challenges have you came across in starting out?
I haven’t really found any challenges yet, but I’m just branching out into traditional publishing. Hit me up in 3 months when I hear back from the agent I queried and I’ll probably have a list.
Who is your favorite character from all of your stories? Or the one that has stuck with you?
This is like asking a parent to pick their favorite child. I think I’d have to go with Kaelin. There’s something so lost about him that it makes me want to just give him a hug and tell him everything’s going to be okay.
What do you love most about the writing process?
Seeing a world come into being out of nothing. I love world building. Often, more than I love writing in the world itself.
What do you hate the most about the writing process?
The feeling that everything has to be perfect immediately. I’m horribly critical, especially of my own work.
What can we expect for the future?
I’m working on book two of Ruins of War (the sequel to Taking Flight). I am also writing a series of M/M romances under a different pen name which will hopefully be out by the end of the year.
Where can we purchase your books from and get updated on your newest works?
Amazon is always an option, but you can go directly to our website to order signed copies from us, or check out special, behind-the-scenes blogs and announcements.