Author Interview: Kiki Howell

No matter where you are on your writing journey-from novice to bestselling author, you can learn a lot from Kiki Howell.
 

I certainly did, when I had the opportunity to interview her about her new release, The Sorcerer's Songs.

Kiki Howell is a successful author of many titles but her new release-a book based on a song, is significantly special.

 

“This story was a writing exercise inspired by music that has touched me in indescribable ways.   My husband is an amazing singer, songwriter and producer.  And, his song, “The Road” always got to me.  There is just something about it.  Having regrets scares me.  Always has. 

Songs are stories told in under four minutes, but this one, I just needed to write a whole detailed story for. 

It is also different in that it is one of my first few adult romances, which is not erotic in nature.  And, it is the same in that it is still a paranormal romance.  While the song, “The Road” does not mention a sorcerer in anyway, it seems writing about mystical things is just what I do.  And, before I knew it the man and the music had powers which makes perfect sense in my mind.”

Kiki’s creativity and ability to push herself into new avenues is evident by the unique process she undertook to write The Sorcerer’s Songs.

“Once I started the story from that one original song, other songs just started coming to mind.  So, I had the idea to include others.  This had a snowball effect in that then I wanted a song in each chapter, but that meant making them fit with what was going on in the story.  I sat down one afternoon and listened to the CD.  I started sorting the songs by what could be happening in the plot.  This part took some time, but in the end, each song just seemed to so naturally find its place.  My husband said it was amazing how songs he wrote for completely different reasons seemed like the hero in the story wrote for his own purposes.  During editing there was one song cut because the editor-and I easily saw her point and agreed-said that while the rest of the lyrics just flowed so easily into the text, the one seemed forced.  It was bound to happen.  I am grateful it was with only one.”

Though no stranger to paranormal fiction, the elements in The Sorcerer’s Songs drew upon different research.

“I found a lot of research about the use of music to effect peoples emotions and thoughts.  It actually changes the brain waves, and is used in therapy in many ways.  I also read about its use in Wiccan spells.  All of this lead me to imagine a sorcerer, one who never asked for his powers, and at times resented what they took from him.  So, in his loneliness, he uses the songs combined with his magic to reach out to people, to change them.  And, I think, as I always do, I showed how potentially dangerous having such powers could be.”

The Sorcerer’s Songs are also described as a ‘sweet romance’ and intrigued by this term, I asked Kiki to explain.

“Well getting my start as an erotic author, for me it seems like going backwards a bit.  LOL Holding back, maybe.  While sex is still prevalent in the story, it is not described in graphic language or using sexually explicit terms.  I still had fun with adult oriented matter.  Maybe a little too much fun in the initial revenge scenes, but I carefully chose my wording to keep it more sweet and sensual with flashes of hot left to the imagination.  I hope that makes sense.  It is a fine line one walks here, and a very subjective matter where lines get easily blurred depending upon opinion.”

While The Sorcerer’s Songs will appeal to the audiences that have been graced with Kiki’s work before, it also opens to the door for new readers.

“Basically, it is first and foremost a romance.  So for those who like that genre.  But, a lot of it is from a man’s point of view.  While it contains the elements of magic and fantasy, it also touches on deeper issues of life circumstances making decisions for us, or so they are perceived to.  It is about lost loves, forgiveness, secrets, revenge, and that longing for redemption.  So, I guess it would appeal to those who like some raw emotional conflicts mixed in with their love stories.  And, last, it would be for the music lovers.”

The Sorcerer’s Songs will hold a reader's attention but there is an experience Kiki would like readers to have while reading.

“I have a few goals for all of my stories beyond the obvious.  I want people to be swept away from life, to have a moment of escape.  And in that escape, I like to give them something to think about.  I guess in this one, well I won’t give too much away.”

The Sorcerer’s Songs provokes thoughts of that mythical thing called love.

“I hate to sound like a broken record here, pun intended, but I can’t tell you what a big responsibility it is to take someone else’s creative work and then use it in your own.  I am excited, nervous and grateful because in this story I not only put myself out there, but I dragged my husband along as well.  I can’t say thanks to him enough.  I am so fortunate to have a loving husband who has always gone above and beyond to support my dreams, and this is just another shining example of that. “

And her husband, the songwriter had this to say: 

I have to say that, at first, I had no reservations about the marriage between this book and my music; a marriage seemed appropriate, after all. But I must say that I began to feel a bit anxious as Kiki asked repeatedly if I thought this might not be a good idea. I guess I imagined that she was worried about something, and that maybe I should be worried about something too. But I couldn’t find anything to be fearful about. Once I read the book, I was not just relieved, I was fascinated – intrigued by what the music had led her to imagine and ultimately create. It was very rewarding. For years, she had inspired my writing, and it was moving to know that I inspired hers as well.~Steven Howell~

Books and authors come in all guises but sometimes we are fortunate to find a piece of literary work that has something more than a story to offer. Perhaps a little of the esoteric, a little more honesty and a little more heart.

Kiki Howell approaches all her work with a passion, sincerity and humility seldom found but with this book, The Sorcerer’s Songs, the heart of the writer is shining  and that is awe-inspiring. 

To learn more about Kiki Howell and her work please visit: http://www.kikihowell.com/