Joining me today in The Loft is author Kayla Cunningham. Kayla just published her first contemporary romance novel with Extasy Books. A former high school history and adult English as a Second Language teacher, she now works in an adult prison as a GED instructor. She also volunteers as a Hostage Crisis Negotiator. Kayla is currently working on her Ph.D. in Teaching English as a Second Language. She enjoys taking flying lessons with her husband, and also has a passion for traveling and meeting people from different cultures around the world. She is an advocate of exploring issues of racism and current events, including the rise in Asian hate crimes caused by the pandemic.
S: Good morning, Kayla! Thanks for visiting my loft today!
Let's start at the beginning--Why did you start writing romance?
K: I started writing romance with the aim of bringing diverse voices and underrepresented couples into the genre. It's essential to me to showcase a wide range of love stories, representing different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. Love knows no boundaries, and through my writing, I hope to celebrate the beauty of love in all its forms while providing readers with stories that resonate and reflect the rich tapestry of human connections.
S: Love does come in all shapes and sizes, and that makes diversity in romance books essential.
Book banning is back in the news and even some very popular romance authors' books are being removed from school libraries. How do you feel about this trend?
K: Words are powerful. As adults, we should have the fundamental right to choose what we read. Freedom of choice in reading is a cornerstone of individual liberty and intellectual freedom. It allows us to explore a wide range of ideas, perspectives, and genres, which can enrich our understanding of the world and our own lives. As an author and advocate for free expression and diverse literature, I have deep concerns about the recent trend of book banning, especially when it affects the work of popular romance authors. Literature is a powerful medium for exploring diverse perspectives, challenging societal norms, and promoting empathy. Therefore, attempts to ban books, particularly those that belong to the romance genre, are concerning for several reasons. Firstly, banning books limits the freedom of readers to access a wide range of voices, experiences, and ideas. Romance novels, like all forms of literature, have the capacity to educate, entertain, and enlighten. They often explore themes of love, relationships, and personal growth, which are relevant and relatable to many readers. By removing such books from school libraries, we deprive students of the opportunity to engage with these narratives and potentially broaden their understanding of the world. Secondly, book banning sends a troubling message about censorship and the suppression of free speech. It suggests that certain topics or viewpoints are unacceptable, which is contrary to the principles of open dialogue and intellectual freedom. Literature, including romance novels, should serve as a space for readers to explore different perspectives and make informed judgments.
S: How do we fight book bans?
K: To combat this trend of book banning, it's essential for authors, educators, librarians, and concerned individuals to take action, including raising awareness, supporting libraries, organizing "Read-Ins," lobbying for inclusive curricula, collaborating with advocacy groups, engaging in respectful dialogue with those who support book banning, and promoting author voices.
S: All worthy strategies.
Do you think romance books have become “too spicy?”
K: As a romance author, I believe that the spiciness or sensuality of romance books is a matter of personal preference and choice. Romance is a diverse genre, and it caters to a wide range of readers with varying tastes and comfort levels when it comes to intimate content. The popularity of the "Fifty Shades" trilogy highlighted that there is indeed a significant audience for more explicit and adventurous romance narratives. However, it's essential to remember that the genre is not homogenous. There are countless romance novels, from sweet and chaste to sizzling and steamy, allowing readers to find the type of romance that resonates with them. The key here is choice and consent. Readers should have the freedom to select books that align with their preferences, and authors should have the creative freedom to write the stories they are passionate about. It's all about offering a variety of romantic experiences to cater to different tastes. Ultimately, what matters most is that readers can find the romance novels that speak to them personally, whether they prefer mild or spicy narratives. Romance is a genre that celebrates love and human connection in all its forms, and it should continue to do so in a way that respects individual choices and desires.
S: Choice and consent are indeed key words here.
After the publication of the “Fifty Shades” trilogy, it was reported that some readers ventured into the BDSM world seeking their own Christian Grey. Some were scammed, sexually assaulted, or otherwise harmed. Does an author bear any responsibility for those types of consequences?
K: As a romance author, I believe it's essential to approach this question with sensitivity and responsibility. Authors have a profound influence on their readers, and while they may not bear direct responsibility for the actions of individuals, there is an ethical obligation to consider the potential impact of their work. While authors create fictional worlds and characters, it's crucial to remember that readers can be deeply affected by what they read. In the case of the "Fifty Shades" trilogy or any similar work exploring complex relationships, authors should take care to provide clear disclaimers or content warnings if the material deals with sensitive or potentially harmful themes. This helps readers make informed choices about what they are engaging with. Additionally, authors can use their platforms to encourage responsible exploration, consent, and communication in real-life relationships. Promoting healthy relationships and emphasizing the distinction between fiction and reality can be a responsible way to handle the potential consequences of their work. Ultimately, while authors cannot control the actions of readers, they can contribute to a responsible and considerate literary environment by acknowledging the potential impact of their stories and taking steps to mitigate any harm that may arise.
S: If you had to do it all over again, would you still choose to write books?
K: Absolutely, without a doubt. Writing has been a remarkable journey for me. It's a way to bring stories to life, explore complex emotions, and touch the hearts of readers. It has also been a form of activism for me. While it comes with its challenges, the ability to create worlds, characters, and narratives that resonate with readers is a privilege I wouldn't trade for anything. The joy of sharing these stories with readers is immeasurable. If I had the chance to do it all over again, I would wholeheartedly choose to write books, especially in the romance genre, where the power of love and connection can truly transform lives.
S: What inspired "Fated to Love You?"
K: “Fated to Love You” was born out of a tumultuous time in our world’s history. When the pandemic swept across the globe and schools closed their doors, I found myself teaching from home and working on my YA fantasy novel, “Storm Breaker.” However, with everything happening in the world, I needed a break from fantasy. It was during this time that I stumbled upon an old journal from my high school creative writing class and rediscovered a nineteen-page short story I had written as a junior called, “Broken Dreams.” The story was about a college-aged male who found out he had cancer. As someone in my thirties, I was fascinated to come across a handwritten story that was 20 years old. It was a window to the past, a reminder of simpler times before the pandemic had upended our world. My aunt was battling cancer at the time, and as I read the handwritten story from my high school journal, I reflected on the struggles that people like my aunt had to endure during the pandemic. It was truly heart-wrenching to imagine the added challenges they faced, including the sudden requirement of masks, restrictions on visitations, and constantly changing mandates in hospitals, treatment centers, and doctors’ offices. The thought of battling cancer during such unprecedented times was unimaginable, and yet so many people had to do just that.
During the pandemic, our country also saw a rise in Asian-related hate crimes. As a teacher and basketball coach, I had the honor of hosting six young men from various Asian countries. These students quickly became like brothers to me, and their presence in my life was incredibly meaningful, especially since I had grown up as an only child. My parents welcomed them into our family, and we celebrated holidays, birthdays, and special events together. While some of them continued their studies in the United States, others returned to their home countries. I even had the privilege of visiting a few of them in China and Taiwan, strengthening our bonds even further. One of them, Jimmy from China, lived with me for over six years. He completed his degree at an American university and has since returned to China, where he is now married with a beautiful daughter. The surge in anti-Asian racism during the pandemic deeply affected me. I witnessed the hurtful and derogatory comments made towards my "brothers" solely because of their nationality. This experience filled me with a sense of shame and guilt for not doing more to effect change. It became clear to me that I had a responsibility to utilize my voice and platform to shed light on this issue. That's when I made the decision to write "Fated to Love You," a novel that not only explores the intricacies of contemporary romance but also delves into deeper themes such as cultural identity, family dynamics, and the resilience to overcome adversity. Through this book, I aimed to take readers on a journey through different countries and cultures, providing a window into the incredible diversity of our world.
This novel is a testament to the power of love and resilience, as it follows the journey of a relatable and complex character who faces her own challenges and triumphs in the midst of real-life events. From the very first word to the final page, “Fated to Love You” became more than a love story between a biracial couple. It’s the journey of Cassandra “Cassie” Temperance Steel, a multifaceted character who escapes to Colombia to mend a broken heart. The novel’s setting is interwoven with real-life events that occurred between 2016-2019 (Book 1) and 2020-2023 (Book 2-3), crossing borders and cultures, and showcasing the diversity of our world. The first book, “Fated to Love You,” is set before the pandemic, while the second book, “Threads of Fate,” chronicles the main characters navigating through the pandemic and other significant events, much like Forest Gump
S: The world changed so much during and after the pandemic. I think that is worth exploring.
Is there anything special you would like people to know about "Fated to Love You?"
K: The Chasing the Comet series will consist of three books. "Fated to Love You" serves as the first book in the trilogy, and I'm delighted to announce that I have already finished writing Books II and III. The second book is titled, "Threads of Fate," while the third book is titled, "The Invisible Thread." The second and third novels will be combined into a special 2-in-1 edition, scheduled for release in 2024. I am eagerly looking forward to sharing the remaining chapters of the story with my readers as the characters delve deeper into the intricacies of fate and the profound strength of love.
Here's the blurb for "Fated to Love You"--
Cassandra Steel’s passion for science opens doors to an incredible opportunity—a study abroad program in Colombia’s Amazon Rainforest. Still reeling from a devastating breakup, Cassie throws herself into research, convinced that love is not in the cards. However, fate has other plans.
Enter Zhang Xuan, a captivating fellow scientist who unexpectedly captures Cassie’s heart. As they begin to explore their feelings for each other, they are forced to confront the harsh reality that their time together may be limited.
With their time abroad coming to an end, Cassie undertakes a final humanitarian project, delivering school supplies to local children. But tragedy strikes when a devastating mudslide hits. Against all odds, Cassie and Xuan cling to the hope that their connection is more than mere chance—a result of a powerful twist of fate.
Join Cassie and Zhang on a journey of true love, blazing as fiercely as the stars, as they navigate the complexities of destiny and defy the odds that stand in their way.
S: Where can readers buy "Fated to Love You?"
K: It's available at all major booksellers, including--
Publisher (eXtasy Books): https://www.extasybooks.com/Fated-to-Love-You
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