Meet Kaya Quinsey.

Kaya Quinsey holds her undergraduate and master’s degree in psychology. Her first novel, Paris Mends Broken Hearts, was released in April 2018. Her second book, A Coastal Christmas, was released in October 2018. Her books have sold in seven countries. Kaya’s passion for culture, travel, and psychology blend for a reading style that is fun, full of surprises, and easy to read. A romantic at heart, Kaya’s writing offers a contemporary twist to traditional love stories. She hopes to inspire women through her stories to fiercely chase their dreams.

Social Media Links:

Website: http://www.kayaquinsey.com/

Author Central: https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B07CBR7JJL

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kayaquinsey

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kayaquinsey/?hl=en

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/kayaquinsey

 

The Interview.

 

Hi Kaya! Thanks for joining us today. Tell us a little about yourself.

Hi Rae! Thank you so much for having me on your blog. I’m thrilled to be discussing my latest book, A Coastal Christmas, which was released in October 2018 with Books To Go Now. My first novel, Paris Mends Broken Hearts, was released earlier this year in April 2018. It has been a busy past few months! I studied psychology for both my undergraduate and master’s degrees, which was endlessly fascinating. I live in Toronto with my fiancé and our cat. When I’m not writing, I spend my free time painting, trying out new recipes, and exploring the city. And reading, of course!

How does your knowledge of psychology weave its way into your second book, A Coastal Christmas?

Great question! While I was completing my master’s degree, I studied a fair amount of work by Alfred Adler. The question of what drives us to fulfill our full potential was one of his main contributions. Keeping that in mind while writing A Coastal Christmas, Jessica Beaton seemingly has it all: the successful career, perfect Manhattan apartment, and handsome boyfriend.

But full potential can often be confused with perfectionism.

Perfectionism can be that vicious cycle that feeds off of the fear of making mistakes. In A Coastal Christmas, what happens when, on national television, Jessica’s worst nightmare occurs? The veil of perfectionism is lifted. In A Coastal Christmas, this is a key challenge that Jessica overcomes. A Coastal Christmas focuses on that journey of finding one’s true potential, especially when that means letting go of perfectionism.

 

What stereotypes and cliches did you fight to include and keep out of in A Coastal Christmas?

In A Coastal Christmas, one of the romance tropes that I love and included was opposites-attract. He is a small-town mayor. She is a big-city broadcaster. She is in the spotlight; he hates media attention. Their attraction is instantaneous and the fact that they have nothing in common makes for such fun conflict. I think that it is a popular romance trope partially because it resonates with readers. Opposites really do attract!

 

If you were stranded in one holiday themed store, with one literary character, where would you be and with whom?

This sounds like a dream! I would choose to be stranded at the Strasbourg Christmas Markets in Strasbourg, France, with Becky Bloomwood from Sophie Kinsella’s Shopaholic series. First of all, I think that Becky Bloomwood would be the most fun person to shop with. Period. Second, I can only imagine that she would insist we buy my cat a reindeer outfit. And an elf outfit. And perhaps a little Santa outfit too. I chose the Strasbourg Christmas Markets because I have always wanted to go. It looks straight out of a fairy tale! Then we would find somewhere gorgeous to sit and enjoy some gingerbread and mulled wine. 

 

What advice would you give to aspiring authors looking to write, or working on, a romance novel?

If you want to write, write! Write about characters you love and want to succeed (unless, of course, they are the villain). Persistence pays off, so if you are nearing the end of your manuscript or just getting started, keep going. For myself, I find that writing on a daily basis helps keep the momentum flowing.

 

Did any scene or character in A Coastal Christmas give you difficultly while writing?

I found that writing the end was tough. I really had such a delightful time writing this book, and it was certainly bittersweet when I finished that last sentence. 

 

Tell us a little bit about your writing process and why you decided to write a Christmas, romance themed novel.

A Coastal Christmas came together rather quickly. I wrote this over the course of a few days where I was practically glued to my laptop. I wanted to write a Christmas romance book because I love the feelings that they typically elicit – hopefulness, generosity, warmth, and love.

 

Is there anything else you’d like to share with the readers today?

Thank you so much for taking the time to read and I hope you all have a wonderful holiday! For those of you who like listening to your books in the car (I know I do), keep an eye out as A Coastal Christmas will soon be available in audiobook format. Thank you so much, Rae, for having me.

 

Thank you Kaya for stopping by!

Stay tuned for Kaya’s guest post coming next month!