Heather’s Bookshelf: Author Interview with Kaelyn Buzzo

What inspired you to write “In the Dark”?

Buzzo: For a more in-depth version, check out my blog post, “Why I Started Writing My Series, In The Dark”.

The short version of what inspired me to write my first book, In The Dark, was uncertainty and the need to escape from it. What I wanted to do, where I wanted to be, what I was searching for in life, etc. All of these questions nagged at me, and through that indecision and uncertainty I began writing my book. I was inspired by the stories that I fell into, the stories that pulled my imagination into worlds and stories that inspired, motivated, and soothed. I was inspired to do that same. To create a magnetic story for others as much as myself.

How did you come up with the names of your main characters?

Buzzo: I came up with the name, Kalea. And interestingly enough, the name came up in a gift of sustainable and eco-friendly coconut bowls and dishes my mother bought me as birthday gift. I’m a firm believer in there are no coincidences. Everything intertwines together and that was the moment I knew the name was meant to be for my main character.

Kalea, translated from Hawaiian, means “joy, happiness”. 

The other names of my characters were some of my favorite names I tagged onto my characters.

Is there anything that you want readers to know about you, your writing process or your book?

Buzzo: My book(s) speak plainly of dark, traumatic things. If you are triggered by that, please do not read my book. I revel in writing about harsh subjects such as this in order to unravel my characters and empower them to build back up and learn how to accomplish the strenuous task of doing so.

Are there any tips that you would like to share with other aspiring authors?

Buzzo: Do your research. Being an indie self-published author is difficult and overwhelming. Thankfully, there is a lot of information from other authors, editors, etc., on YouTube and such that are extremely helpful in providing productive information on the process of how to publish a book and market.

What is your favorite genre, book, and/or author?

Buzzo: I love reading paranormal fiction and fantasy books. Sarah J. Maas’s ACOTAR series and Colleen Houck’s Tiger Curse series are some of my favorite “series”, though I tend to normally speckle around by books rather than authors.

What are you working on next?

Buzzo: Right now, I’m actually working on finishing a separate book from my In The Dark series. It’s based in Japan with a bit of horror and mythology sprinkled in for flavor. I’m really looking forward to finishing this book and getting it out to my readers!

Learn More About the Author and In the Dark here:

Website: http://kaelynbuzzo.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/author.kaelynbuzzo/ 

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/InTheDarkBookSeries 

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/InTheDarkBookSeries 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59413939-in-the-dark?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=usduP4mQz0&rank=3

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/in-the-dark-kaelyn-buzzo/1140192773?ean=2940162324195

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