Author Interview: The Dame of Urban Lit- Kristal Gayle House
Welcome to Untamed Publishing's Author Interviews! As a company that caters to the self-published and independent author, we want to highlight and support indie authors. There is a vast array of talent amongst us, and here's the opportunity to connect the readers to their next favorite author!
This interview features, Author Kristal Gayle House. Let's get to know this up and coming author and find out why she is the dame of urban literature!
Welcome to UP author interviews, Kristal! Before we begin, please tell us a little about yourself.
I am a native of Dallas, Texas and an “extreme” family woman. I use the term extreme because I spend every second that I can with my husband and children. They give me the recharge I need to keep striving for my goals. I am also a middle school English/Language Arts teacher, which has taught me just as much about life as I’ve taught my students.
Wow! As an English/Language Arts teacher, writing is definitely in your blood, but tell us the reason you decided to become a published author.
I decided to become a published author because I had written many short stories, poems and even a novel—simply as a hobby. No matter what’s going on around me, I’ve always made time to create stories. It’s something I have to do as a mental release. Then once I realized how many stories I had compiled in files and on thumb drives, I knew I needed to be courageous and share them with others. I figured God couldn’t have meant for me to hide my talent from the world.
Congratulations on taking the steps to become a published author! I can personally relate to your story in that regard. So let's get into learning more about you as an author. When it comes to writing, are you a morning person or a night owl?
I am a little of both. I usually begin writing in the morning hours on days when my schedule permits, but there is something about the nighttime that catapults my ideas for spicy, dramatic plot twists.
What is a unique writing habit that you have.
I’m not sure if other writers create in this way, but my unique writing habit is developing my own “soundtracks” for my stories as I write. For instance, I’ll select a song that I imagine would be playing during the scene if it was a movie. If it’s a dark mystique scene, my music selection will reflect that. Music and instruments drive my imagination when I’m writing.
YESSS!!! I know exactly what you mean! I do the same thing especially when I am writing a portion that is something I am not comfortable with or used to. I have to get in a certain mindset and music takes me to that place. Speaking of writing, let's discuss it. What genres do you write or wish to write?
I currently write fiction that would be categorized as Urban Literature. I plan to write Historical Fiction in the near future because there are TONS of historical plots swimming around in my head.
Very interesting. Along with venturing into different genres, what are some of your other aspirations for your writing career?
At the top of my list of goals, I aspire to write a historical fiction project, and to see it played out on the big screen someday. A script written by Kristal Gayle House would be the accomplishment of my dreams.
I'd love to see the movie and I wish you all the best with accomplishing your dream. Now, let's give the readers some interesting tidbits about your work. Tell us about your current book project?
My latest project is entitled Roses & Dames. It’s the story of Destiny Reynolds, a woman who upon losing her husband and lifestyle in a nasty divorce, meets a hustler who introduces her to various aspects of street life. She goes from naïve and lost to a calculating boss. And she uses her connection to the sports world to open her own escort service for pro athletes. However, using what she’s learned from the men in her life essentially spawns a loss of self. It’s a sexy tale that shows what could happen when the idiom, “If you can’t beat ‘em join ‘em” is brought to life.
Honey, this story is giving me such life right now! I know the readers can't wait to get their hands on this one. Please tell us and the readers if you having any upcoming projects? When will it be released?My upcoming release is entitled Roses & Dames II: When It All Falls Down. It’s the sequel to the first project, and it will give the reader a deeper look into the lives of Destiny and two other females characters from the first book. The chapters are written from each character’s voice and perspective as the drama goes more in-depth than the first novel. It’ll be released later this summer.
Alright readers go ahead and pick up part one so you'll be all set for part two when it drops! The way that you describe your books honestly draws the reader in. This brings me to my next question. What makes your writing stand apart from other authors?
As writers we all have our way of conveying messages, but what makes my writing stand apart is that my characters’ messages are done in a very subtle but entertaining way. The reader gets entangled in the plot, then suddenly the message shows its face in between an action-filled scene. My characters don’t just leave the reader where they are in the present moment, but makes them wonder about the possibilities.
Your writing is very entertaining and it makes me interested to know, if you were to write a book about yourself what would you name it? Why?
This is an interesting question because I would definitely like to write a memoir someday, but I’ve never thought about what I’d call it. Thinking about it now, it would be titled Intuitive Reflections because in hindsight I can recall my intuition warning me and attempting to guide me in every situation I’ve experienced in life. Even if I ignored it, which I often have, the intuition was there.
I think a lot of people, if they are honest with themselves, can relate to that and it would make for an interesting and self-reflecting read. So now let's allow the readers to get to know a little bit more about Kristal. Outside of writing, what are your favorite past times?
I have several past times outside of writing. I am a foodie to the utmost of “foodism” lol. I love creating new recipes for my family, and I restaurant hop on a regular basis. I also enjoy traveling to cities with deep historical culture and learning the when’s, why’s, and how’s of a place.
Now you are speaking my language, I am a history buff when it comes to traveling. I love to learn about the history and rich culture of places. It reminds me of the reason I love reading because it is much the same. But let's hear a little more about you. Please tell us one thing about you that is a little known fact.
A little known fact about me. Hmmm. I would have to say my passion for writing. Until recently, only my closest family and friends knew that I write. Now that I’ve chosen to seriously pursue my art as a career, the secret is out of the bag.
Are we literary twins? My story is much the same. Ok, readers Untamed has found a long lost sister here, lol! Wow. That is amazing! Please tell us some indie authors whose works you enjoy?
Most of the indie authors I enjoy have become mainstream published at this point, which is a huge inspiration. My favs are Ashley Antoinette and JaQuavis Coleman: The Cartel Series, and Mercy B: The Rahmeek and Bella love stories.
Untamables! Untamables! Yes, I think I have found a literary twin, lol. Kristal, you are a woman after my own heart! I am such a fan of Ashley and JaQuavis. They don't know about those Cartel and Prada Plan series, lol! On a serious note, as authors, I think it's both inspiring and encouraging to reflect over those authors who we admire and who inspire us. I've found that sometimes this has led to some dynamic collaborations. In the future, would you like to collaborate with other authors on a book project?
Collaborating with other authors is something I’ve daydreamed about a time or two. Yes, I think it would be fun to swap creative ideas with another writer, and to see how our different writing voices could mesh together to form a project.
What is one lesson you’ve learned since becoming a published author?
I have learned that self-publishing means tons of self-promoting. You can have the greatest piece ever written, but if you don’t do the legwork to promote the project it will remain an awesome story untold. Often times we get caught up in our day to day lives; work, family, etc. And I’ve had to realize that the art by itself is nothing without self-promotion.
Lastly, what is one myth about being a published author that you learned and would like to share?
This is a great question! A myth I often hear people claim is that you have to acquire a well-established publishing company to be successful as a writer. And that is so far from the truth, because I continuously see great writers come to the forefront without a mainstream backing. So, let’s dead that myth right now. Rest in Peace!
Kristal, it has truly been a pleasure to interview you, and we look forward to your future works. Please connect with the author and pick up your copy of her last release, Roses & Dames and get ready for part two in late summer!
Kristal Gayle House
Website and Social Media Handles
Website: www.kristalgayle.com
Facebook author’s page: https://www.facebook.com/kristalghouse/
Instagram: @kristalghouse
Twitter: @KristalGHouse
Synopsis
Destiny Reynolds is a beautiful woman who lives a life of privilege. As the wife of successful sports agent, Brent Reynolds, she has every tangible a woman could desire. But like roadblocks in the middle of a fast paced highway, her life as a housewife is interrupted by secrets and betrayal. In the midst of the madness, Destiny evolves from a meek housewife who lives in Brent’s shadows, to a bold seductress who calls her own shots.
Purchase Link:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Roses-Dames-Kristal-Gayle-House-ebook/dp/B00I16J038/
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