Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have always loved creative writing but I took a logical path in college studying Computer Science.
For the bulk of my career, I was an IT Business Analyst/Quality Assurance expert for websites (financial, mostly). I actually wrote steadily, however, the writing was technical in nature. The Business Analyst part of my job entailed meeting with clients and writing the program requirements clearly and concisely so that everyone who read them (developers, clients, etc), interpreted them the same way, critical in the IT world. Quality Assurance entailed testing the program at all levels after development to ensure that the program worked as the requirements specified. I loved it.
When I retired from work, my creative side asserted itself and I started writing creatively again.
I have written one book, #HuntedLives, and am currently working on the sequel.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
#HuntedLives, a thriller, is my debut novel. My inspiration came from my grandkids, who love social media and gaming. I used to watch them play their games, asking them questions about what they were doing and why. It intrigued me. My twelve-year-old granddaughter is teaching me how to use TikTok now. It’s amazing how fast they learn how to use the apps! I am concerned about how social media has changed the way we communicate today. There are plenty of good aspects to it but I wanted to highlight the darker side, and it was very natural to weave my technical background into the story.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Hmmmm…that’s hard to say. What may be unusual to one person could be perfectly normal to another. 🙂 I usually write a rough outline of where I think the story will go. It’s only a guide though, and I frequently update it as the story unfolds. I don’t have a regular writing schedule…I write at various times of the day. And I don’t have a set amount of words I want to write each day. If I’m on a roll, I won’t stop and if I’m not feeling it, I walk away for a bit.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love Janet Evanovich! I also enjoy JD Robb/Nora Roberts, and Catherine Coulter. I’m reading a delightful series called Warriors (about warrior cats) by Erin Hunter that my ten-year-old grandson got me hooked on. All styles are unique and I’ve learned from all of them.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on the sequel to #HuntedLives. Mali and Jake’s story is not over yet.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I don’t have just one website that I use. I’m new to all of this and try different things. I appreciate Pretty-Hot for all you do for authors. Without sites like yours, getting the word out about my book would be so much harder.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t reinvent the wheel. Learn from others and follow what works, both in terms of writing in your genre as well as marketing.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
In terms of marketing, two things:
1. Work with other authors to cross promote your books.
2. Platform Leveraging – guest podcasting, author interviews, attend events, etc.
One last thing:
Traffic x Conversions = Sales
You have to not only get people to your book’s page on Amazon (or wherever), but you have to get them to buy your book once there. If you don’t convert, no sale. You do that by having a great cover design, title, description, ‘Look Inside’ sample (if on Amazon), competitive price point, and by having multiple customer reviews.
What are you reading now?
I’m reading some books by authors with whom I’m collaborating:
The Lady and the Cat’s Meow, by GL Robinson
The Arbonox Syndrome, by Michael Spitzkoff
By Valentine’s Day, by Catherine Johnstone Petit
Loved So Much It Hurts, by Rebecca Olmstead
And of course, the next book in the Warriors series by Erin Hunter, called Fire and Ice.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Events coming up:
May 15 – Blanco Market Days (Blanco, TX)
June 12 – book signing at The Boerne Bookshop (Boerne, TX)
September 18 – Blog Interview on Brummet’s Conscious Blog
In between, I plan to finish the sequel to #HuntedLives with plans to publish it in the fall.
Whew! I’m tired just reading what I’m going to be doing! 🙂
What is your favorite book of all time?
There are so many, I can’t think of just one.
Author Websites and Profiles
Kady Hinojosa Website
Kady Hinojosa Amazon Profile
Kady Hinojosa’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile