Today I am happy to have as my guest, Kayla Tirrell, author of the River Valley Lost & Found series. She’s here to tell us about her writing and All the Things We Lost, the first book in her young adult, contemporary romance series.
About All The Things We Lost
After her mother’s death, eighteen-year-old Katie finds herself in a town she never thought she’d see again. Lost in turmoil and sadness, a ray of hope shines when she comes face to face with Julian for the first time in years.
However, he isn’t the same boy she left behind. Reserved and covered in bruises, everyone in River Valley avoids him. Rumors of his activities run rampant.
Despite his cold attitude toward her and her own sadness, Katie can’t keep her thoughts from straying to her childhood friend.
Julian is barely keeping it together. He’s the sole provider for his family after his dad leaves. His dreams to go to college are ruined. Even his relationship with his older brother leaves its mark.
But Katie’s back in town and is stirring feelings in him he thought were lost forever.
Can they find hope and love in each other, or will the struggle to survive their desperate situations prove too much?
All The Things We Lost is a young adult contemporary romance perfect for both teens and adults. It is the first in a series of books, each revolving around a different couple living in the same, small town.
Tip: You can download All the Things We Lost from Amazon for just 99 cents or read for free with Kindle Unlimited.
An interview with Kayla Tirrell
Earlier this year, you released a YA series set in Idaho. What made you choose Idaho? Have you spent a lot of time there?
I actually grew up in a small town called Kuna. River Valley is loosely based on this town. It was fun to relive some of my childhood experiences through Katie and Julian.
What challenges did you face in the writing process? How did you deal with writer’s block, and so on…?
Well, for one, I don’t actually live in Idaho anymore. So I spent a lot of time talking to my childhood friends. I asked a LOT of questions.
Writer’s block hasn’t been a problem as of yet. Finding the time to write is the real struggle.
Do you have any advice to offer other writers?
It’s cliché, but don’t give up. I almost put All The Things We Lost down, never to be finished. I’m really glad I didn’t. I’ve met so many amazing authors and readers along the way. This book has really touched people. That’s an amazing feeling.
I am guessing you read a lot. What genre do you most enjoy reading?
I actually don’t get to read nearly as much anymore. Writing takes a lot of my free time. But I enjoy young adult, specifically fantasy and science fiction. In fact, I have a science fiction idea that I HOPE to be writing early in 2018.
What writers or books have most inspired you?
Considering I write romance, Kasie West and Morgan Matson have been some of my biggest influences. Wendy Higgins is another.
What are you working on now?
Right now, I’m working on a collaboration with two other authors. I’m really excited about it. We recently released a collection of short stories (that’s available for free on all major retailers), but are co-authoring a full-length series together. Each one of us is writing a book in it, and it should be released early 2018.
What role does social media play in your life?
I have such a love/hate relationship with social media. I actually took a several-month hiatus when I was finishing up All The Things We Lost. I find it to be such a black hole for time. That said, I’ve so enjoyed connecting with readers and writers I wouldn’t have known otherwise.
What do you do when you’re not busy reading and writing?
I’m a mom of three very active boys. I spend a lot of time chasing them. I’m also very active in my church.
And last but not least, if you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
I really, really want to visit Russia. I’m fascinated by the architecture of their cathedrals.
About the Author
Kayla has loved to read as long as she can remember. While she started out reading spooky stories that had her hiding under her covers, she now prefers stories with a bit more kissing.
When she gets a chance to watch TV, she enjoys cheesy sci-fi and superhero shows. Most days, you’ll catch her burning dinner in an attempt to cook while reading just one more chapter.
Kayla lives in the sunshine state with her husband and three boys.
You can find Kayla on: Amazon Website Twitter
Additional works by Kayla include:
- All The Things We Found (River Valley Lost & Found Book 2)
- All The Things We Were (River Valley Lost & Found Book 3)
- Help! My Parents Are Zombies!
- Home for Christmas
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