Hello Stephanie
Tell us about you and your books
Do you plot or let the story unfold
as you write?
I do let the
story unfold as I write—I’m definitely not a “pantser.” I find plot development
for me is a very organic process. I let the characters kind of decide where
they will go and sometimes it surprises me. For instance, my Candy Hearts Series book, You & Me, was supposed to be a
light, bubbly romance, but the main character, Alex’s, back story was a lot
darker, and she was a lot more damaged than I first realized. That story just
came out naturally as I was writing it. And I think the darker parts nicely
balanced the sweetness.
Have you ever cried while writing a book?
Yes, I have.
My next novel is very dark and tackles difficult themes. I had to really get
into my character’s head and live her pain. It was difficult, but I think it
results in a more powerful work.
When did you decide to become an
author?
I decided to
become an author when I was in second grade. I was eight years old when I wrote
my first “book” about a mouse and an elephant who were friends. My teacher
loved it and told my mother I should be a writer. I haven’t wavered in my path
since. Thank you, Mrs. Hewsenian!
How do you deal with writer's block?
I love
listening to music to help me break through writer’s block. I create a
Pinterest soundtrack for each book I write early in the process. When I get
stuck, I’ll listen to the soundtrack, and it often jump starts my creativity. There’s
a lot of Ryan Star on my soundtracks. His music is incredibly inspiring—each
song is like a little story. His lyrics open up A New Life and two of my other books. I’ve got some Matt Nathanson
on each of my soundtrack boards—he also gets me in a writing mood. In addition
to those two, my You & Me
soundtrack has songs from really diverse artists—from Better Than Ezra to Mikey
Wax to Pictures of You. Some of my other boards also feature artists as diverse
as U2, Stone Sour, Seven Mary Three and Charlie Puth.
Are your books or characters based
anyone you know, or events in your own life?
Since You & Me is part of the Candy Hearts series, the idea was
sparked by the fact that my high school boyfriend sent me Candy Hearts every
year from high school through college and beyond, even after we broke up. As
soon as I saw the concept for the series, I knew I had to write a story about a
woman whose first love sent her Candy Hearts—with a big plot twist. Since I’m
still friends with my high school sweetheart, I asked him if he minded if his
Candy Hearts habit was woven into a story—and, more importantly, if his wife
would mind.
and for something personal...
Who do you see as a hero/heroine in
your life?
All of the front-line
workers in the fight against COVID-19 right now. I know healthcare workers who
are risking their lives—doctors, nurses, a radiology technician, a hospital
administrator—they’re all scared, but still showing up. I also admire every
person going to work every day at supermarkets and other essential places.
Do you have a favorite quote?
I do have a
favorite quote, and it’s been my favorite since I was a very young girl. It’s
from the movie Ice Castles (1978): “Not trying is pointless and cruel. Not
trying is wondering your whole life if you gave up too soon.” I had it taped to
my bedroom wall, written on a piece of sky blue notepaper (which I still have).
I think that quote has served me well as a writer, because it’s really easy to
give up when you get rejections, but if you keep at it—and understand that’s
just one person’s opinion—you’ll succeed.
Do you enjoy giving interviews?
I love
giving interviews! I was a journalist for a long time and my favorite thing was
getting a subject to open up. The first time I was interviewed about my writing
by a local newspaper was seven years ago, and it was a bit surreal, but so
amazing. Seeing my interview on the front page was a thrill.
If you came with a warning label,
what would it say?
Be nice to
me, or you may end up as an unsavory character in one of my books!
Who's more fun, bad boys or perfect
gentlemen? Or Bad Girl or a lady?
A combination
of a bad boy and a perfect gentleman is the most fun! And if you think those
couldn’t possibly exist, I married one. When I met him he was a drummer in a
band (and still is now, though a different band), wore faded Levi’s, engineer
boots, a well-broken in black leather biker jacket, and one earring. A crystal
on a leather cord hung around his (very enticing) neck—this was 1993, after all.
My friends all warned me he was a womanizer….but he held doors open for me,
pulled out my chair, and only gave me one chaste kiss after our first date. He
also waited until he knew we would be serious, which was over a year, to sleep
with me, which was very gentlemanly indeed—and left me a bit impatient! I guess
meeting the right woman can turn a bad boy into a gentleman (in fact, that’s
the very subject of my next novella!).
As for a bad
girl or a lady, bad girls are more fun… As the famous quote says, “Well-behaved
women rarely make history.” (Eleanor Roosevelt) But only a bad girl who is kind
is more fun—a mean bad girl is no fun at all...
Where can we find you online?
Download You
& Me on Amazon and other online retailers.
stephaniekepke.com
Follow me on Twitter
Become a fan on Facebook
Visit my Blog
Hi Stephanie: so nice learning more about you and your writing. Good quote! Checking out Ryan Star:).
ReplyDeleteSo good to meet you. I enjoyed your interview.
ReplyDeleteLoved your quote.