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Author Kayla Cunningham
S: Welcome back, Kayla! Thanks for joining me today.
What do you think is the biggest issue facing romance authors today?
K: One of the challenges facing romance authors today is the evolving landscape of reader expectations. With changing societal norms and diverse perspectives, authors may navigate the balance between traditional and contemporary themes, as well as ensuring inclusivity in their storytelling. Additionally, the competition in the publishing industry and the need to stand out in a saturated market can pose challenges for romance authors.
S: In many ways, self-publishing has been a double-edged sword. It opened up the market for more diverse love stories, but it has also saturated the romance book market.
If you could change one thing in the book publishing industry, what would it be?
K: The heavy reliance on constant social media presence for marketing. I empathize with the challenges you highlighted--working three jobs, writing, and feeling uncomfortable with online visibility. I believe there should be more diverse and flexible marketing options that cater to authors' individual preferences. By providing alternative avenues beyond social media, authors could choose methods that align with their schedules and personal comfort levels. This way, the industry could foster a more inclusive and adaptable environment for authors to successfully market their work without feeling obligated to be online all the time.
S: Unfortunately, to attract readers, you have to go where the readers are and that's social media. It also has the advantage of being free. Other forms of marketing are often out of reach for writers on a budget. However, I have to agree that social media requires a lot of time and effort.
Why write romance?
K: Truthfully, I never saw myself as a romance writer. My true passion is fantasy. For me, choosing to write romance stemmed from various personal motivations and interests. Romance as a genre offers a unique space to explore the complexities of relationships, emotions, and human connections. During the pandemic, 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.” It was a window into the past, a reminder of simpler times before the pandemic upended our world. My aunt was battling cancer at the time, and as I read the handwritten story, 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. The thought of battling cancer during such unprecedented times was unimaginable, and yet so many people had to do just that. "Fated to Love You" became 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 first book in the series is set before the pandemic, while the second book, “Threads of Fate,” chronicles the main characters navigating through the pandemic and other significant events. As I wrote, the events of the time profoundly impacted the characters’ lives, ultimately shaping the novel’s direction. Writing romance allowed me to delve into themes of love, passion, personal growth, and it provided me with an opportunity to create compelling characters and narratives that resonate with readers on a deeply emotional level.
S: Do you utilize tropes when writing romance?
K: Yes. In this book, I explore the profound concept of soul mates, infusing a sense of destiny and a deep connection between the characters. The theme of friends-to-lovers plays a significant role, providing a strong foundation rooted in genuine friendship, which adds layers of authenticity to the romantic relationship. Opposites attract is another dynamic trope I employ, allowing for the creation of tension and sparks as characters with diverse personalities or backgrounds find love despite their differences. Xuan and Cassie are very different people, and come from different cultures. Additionally, the theme of forbidden love adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, introducing obstacles and societal taboos that heighten the emotional stakes for the characters. By blending these powerful and engaging tropes, I crafted stories that resonate deeply with readers.
S: What do you write first—the blurb or the book?
K: I write the book first. The blurb is the hardest part for me to write.
S: Do you write in other genres?
K: My true passion is writing fantasy. I have been working on a fantasy series for several years. I switched to romance during COVID. My decision to write “Fated to Love” was inspired by a deeply personal experience that touched my heart and soul. As a teacher and basketball coach, I had the honor of hosting six boys from Asian countries who quickly became like brothers to me. Some of them are still attending college in the United States, while others have returned to their home countries. I have had the privilege of visiting a few of them in China and Taiwan, and our bond has only grown stronger with time. The rise in Asian racism during the pandemic years deeply affected me. I saw firsthand the horrific things that were said to my “brothers” because of their nationality. I felt ashamed and guilty for not doing enough to promote change. I realized that I had a responsibility to use my voice and platform to bring attention to this issue. That’s when I decided to write “Fated to Love,” a novel that not only explores the intricacies of contemporary romance but also delves into deeper themes such as cultural identity, family dynamics, and overcoming adversity. I wanted to take readers on a journey through different countries and cultures, providing a window into the diversity of our world. Through my writing, I hope to honor and celebrate the beauty of these diverse cultures and to share the story of Cassie and Xuan with the world.
S: What would you like to people know about you?
K: I’ve always dreamed of publishing a book, and my mother has been a huge supporter of that dream. Unfortunately, she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease around the time COVID first hit the United States. As her disease has progressed to the mid-late stages, I began to realize that my time was running out to publish a story traditionally. Ultimately, my decision to publish, “Fated to Love You," was driven by a sense of urgency. I knew that if I waited too long, it might be too late for her to see me accomplish my dream. I gave myself a deadline to secure a publishing deal with a traditional publisher, knowing that if that didn’t happen in time, I would turn to self-publishing. It was a risk, but I couldn’t bear the thought of my mother missing out on this milestone in my life. To me, it was crucial that my mother could physically hold my book in her hands, even if she can no longer read or write. The joy and pride I would feel seeing her hold it, knowing that I accomplished my dream, is something that cannot be expressed in words. Overall, publishing my book now was not just about achieving my own goals--it was about sharing that achievement with my mother and giving her a tangible reminder of my love and appreciation for all she has done for me.
S: What is the best/worst thing that has ever happened to you as a writer?
K: The best thing that has ever happened to me as a writer was receiving acceptance for my work. It's an incredibly rewarding and validating experience to have your writing acknowledged and embraced by others. On the flip side, the worst thing I've encountered has been the receipt of hate mail and messages on social media. Unfortunately, some individuals express negativity due to the bi-racial nature of the couple in my book, reflecting prejudices and misconceptions. Dealing with hate messages can be emotionally challenging, especially when they are fueled by misplaced blame or discriminatory views related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these challenges, I remain committed to telling stories that celebrate diversity and promote understanding, aiming to overcome such negativity through the power of storytelling and fostering empathy.
S: Wow. I'm sorry you were subjected to that.
What famous book do you wish you had written?
K: I absolutely love the Throne of Glass series and “A Court of Thorns and Roses.” I greatly admire the work of Sarah J. Maas, I find that I am drawn to her intricate world-building, and complex characters. The seamless blend of fantasy and romance in Maas's writing is truly remarkable. The way she crafts a gripping narrative filled with suspense, political intrigue, and emotional depth is something I greatly appreciate. The Throne of Glass series has resonated with a wide audience, and I admire how Maas has created a compelling and immersive universe. Writing a series with such depth and intricacy would be a fulfilling challenge, and the ability to elicit strong emotional connections from readers is a goal I aspire to achieve in my own writing. Ultimately, the Throne of Glass series stands out as a masterpiece in the fantasy genre, and I would be honored to have crafted a similarly captivating and beloved story.
S: What inspired “Threads of Fate?”
K: When I was brainstorming title ideas for my series, I pondered on the themes that were prominent in the stories. I choose my hometown of surf city—Santa Cruz, CA--as the setting. As a romance novel, the books highlight the story of two people from distinct backgrounds who, despite the obstacles that lay ahead, were irresistibly drawn to one another. The concept of destiny and fate was a crucial factor in their love story, where the power of love was depicted as an unyielding force that unites people. In 2020, at the beginning of COVID-19 cases in the USA, we saw a rise in prejudices directed towards China. As a host parent to six Chinese boys, the rise in anti-Asian hate crimes caused by the pandemic deeply affected me, and I felt a responsibility to shed light on this issue through my writing. While “Threads of Fate” is a contemporary romance novel, it was important for me to address and raise awareness about social issues within my storytelling. By incorporating themes of love, acceptance, and unity, I aim to contribute to the larger conversation and support the efforts of the #StopAsianHate movement. So what brought about my inspiration to write this story? There is a great quote in the movie, "42," about Jackie Robinson--“Maybe tomorrow we’ll all wear 42, that way they won’t tell us apart.” Growing up in a baseball-loving household, today I want to wear the number 42. I do so with ink. My pen is the most powerful tool God has given me, and it’s time to use it to make a difference. This series is my form of advocacy, and I believe in writing for change #WriteForChange. I hope that my dedication to authenticity and accuracy shines through in every page of “Fated to Love” and “Threads of Fate.”
S: Is there anything special you would like people to know about “Threads of Fate?”
K: In my upcoming second book, readers are taken on a heart-wrenching journey through the COVID-19 pandemic. As the world changes around our characters, they must navigate new challenges that will leave readers on the edge of their seats. Just like my first book, "Threads of Fate” is a contemporary romance full of unexpected twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the very end. Despite the odds against them, Cassie and Xuan remain steadfast in their epic love story, willing to do whatever it takes to find their way back to each other--even if it means braving the very forces of the universe that conspire to keep them apart.
Editor's note: "Threads of Fate" will be released Extasy Books soon. For more information, visit https://www.extasybooks.com/Kayla-Cunningham.
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