13 Reasons Why || Interviewing My Release Buddy

Happy Sunday, lovelies!

I hope y'all have/are having a marvelous day, rejoicing in the Lord's goodness. <3 As for me, I'm out of town visiting some friends this weekend—and consequently writing this post from their couch at nearly midnight last night, haha.

Today's post is another fun interview. This time, Kaitlyn and I did "author interviews" of each other, almost as if we don't know each other and the stories behind each of our works. So that was cool. Read on for my interview of Kate, and visit her blog for her interview of me.

Kaitlyn Krispense, Author

|| Interviewing My Release Buddy

Hello, my dear! Tell us a little bit about yourself and your writing journey. 
Hello! I'm Kaitlyn, a farmer's daughter that loves books, writing (obviously), music, and going barefoot. I'm a born-again believer in Christ, and it's Him that gave me the inspiration for this story. I'd dabbled with creative writing for a few years (even wrote a novelette that'll never see the light of day, thank goodness), mostly with fan fiction for my favorite book series. But then in 2016 I saw a pin on Pinterest that inspired the story of what is now Beloved. When I first started it, I wasn't planning on publishing it. I mean, there was always that tiny hope in the back of my mind, buuuuut I didn't really take it further than that until my writing partner read it and was like 'YES YOU'RE PUBLISHING.' She more or less got me hooked on the idea. And now we're here. #mindblown


I understand that Beloved is your first completed novel. How long did the writing process take and what was your favorite and least favorite parts? 
Yep! And hopefully not the last! ;) I started this baby in July of 2016, and finished it that September . . . I think? I'd have to go look through one of my notebooks to be sure, haha! So, yeah, it took just over a month. My favorite parts . . . Anything with the brothers. I love these guys so much. Though *cough* Erich is probably my least favorite? *cringes* Even though he's the heartthrob, he's just . . . too perfect. And yes, I'm aware that I'm the author saying this. It just . . . happened. But I love those couple scenes between him and Cara. No spoilers, ya know. ;) My least favorites . . . anything with Mrs. C. She drives me nuts. And that scene in the middle of the book (I can't give any spoilers *cries*) with Erich and Cara . . . while I love it and it's precious, I rewrote it and edited it and reread it and I still feel like it's the weakest part of the book. *sigh* I hope that's just because my eyes were tired of looking at it.

From Beloved, which character do you relate to the most and why? 
Cara, hands-down. I mean, I basically created her as mini-me. I'd been struggling with depression and insecurity and self-worth when I wrote it, so I wanted Cara's path to redemption to reflect what I knew was true, but was having a hard time getting myself to really believe and live out. Her struggles, her sarcasm . . . yep, Cara is definitely the one I can relate to the most. ;) Though, I don't have conversations with my conscience . . .


Your debut novel is releasing in two days—how does that make you feel? 
Uh. AHAHAHA. NOT READY. NOT. READY. *coughs* I honestly feel soooo unprepared for this, even though we've been planning this thing since . . . January? Yeah. Anyway. I'm super excited to take this step, I'm freaked out at the idea that my book baby might not be good enough (I wrote this for God's glory, not my own, but what writer doesn't want her stories to be loved?), I'm overwhelmed by God's grace that allowed everything to get this far. I hope my book touches someone for Him. <3

Thanks for being here today! Any parting words or advice for new writers? 
Thank you so much for hosting me! Ahh, there's so much I could say here . . . for one, write what God's put on your heart. Let His hand guide your words, and when you're doing His will, don't let the outcome scare you. Also, get yourself a writing partner! They're so amazing, and encouraging, and they don't get tired of you screaming about random plot twist ideas! ;)

|| R2L

Today's reason to live is: sunlight. There's something about sitting out in the sunshine, lifting your face to it's warm beams, and letting the sunshine-y glow seep into every fiber of your being. My worries become more bearable, my heart fills with joy, and no matter what's going on, I can't help but smile a little. It's just one of those simple, every day occurrences that makes life worth the living. <3

|| Today on the Tour

Sunday, September 8th

Rebekah @ RebekahAshleigh — Interview w/ Faith
Rose @ Adventurous Bookworm — 2x Spotlight
Hannah @ Elizabeth’s Corner — Review of Freedom

We'll be answering questions from the Q&A in tomorrow's post, so get your questions submitted! Giveaway is open through the 13th, and the paperback sale/fundraiser is open through the 30th! 

is Kate a dear or what? what's your R2L of the day?