She just started blogging and you can check that out here: Kami McArthur's Blog (Follow her, you can thank me later)
Also, she just did a great guest post on one of David Farland's Daily Kicks on making character strengths into weaknesses, which you can see here: Kami's Daily Kick
JD: When did you first know you wanted to be a writer?
Kami McArthur: I usually feel strange telling people this because it’s cliché and sounds too romantic, but I was in first grade; I’m one of those “always wanted to be a writer” people. I wrote a story about chickens having to go on a long journey to find water. I even edited the plot (go first-grader me). And then I couldn’t stop writing. I have a binder full of stories I wrote as a kid.
Confession: I’ve felt so weird answering this question in the past that I’ve often answered indirectly. I’d say, “I didn’t start taking writing seriously until college.” It’s true. But I also wrote all growing up. College is just when I really devoted myself to the craft.
![]() |
Kami McArthur |
JD: What do you enjoy most about writing?
KM: That moment when everything in your story—setting, character, plot, theme, style, everything—works together just the way you intended. It’s like you finally got the cosmos aligned, and in a way, you have, because this is your own world you’ve created. We get to be little gods. And all the sweat, blood, and tears are worth those moments of perfection, when you fully control language to create something that didn’t exist before.
JD: Conversely, what do you enjoy the least about writing?
That’s a lot to manage in a few words.
If anyone has any advice on coming up with titles, let me know.
JD: Who are your favorite authors? What is it about them that really makes you enjoy their writing?
Although I wanted to write stories before I read Rowling, her work has definitely influenced my plotting and character creation.
![]() |
Kami Rubbing Shoulders with J.K. Rowling |
JD: Are you willing to share anything about your current writing project?
KM: I’m working on a young adult fantasy that plays with the whole angel and demon concept, but in a way I haven’t seen before. It doesn’t really have the religious aspects traditionally attached to angel and demon stories.
The set-up is that an angel has to go into hiding among humans after the demons invade his country. But angels in this story are naturally attached to humans—they feel a great need, impulse really, to help and serve them, even to the point of putting themselves at risk. So the protagonist has to deal with his tendencies towards humans while at the same, trying to keep his identity hidden from them and the demons who want to wipe out his species.
I’m still on the first draft, but hoping to finish it soon. I’ve published short fiction, poetry, and nonfiction, but this would be my first novel. I hope to publish it traditionally. Wish me luck!
Great start James - looking forward to more :)
ReplyDeleteThis is the first interview I have ever read on a blog and would have to say JD, you have brought Kami to the forefront of the conversation by allowing her to expressive and articulate, brilliant work and surely not your last interview.
ReplyDeleteFun interview. My question would be what was going on in Kami's life when she was in the first grade had her thinking about chickens? As a city girl, that was not the first thing that would come to me mind. ;)
ReplyDeletehaha, my siblings and I all got baby chicks for Easter one year, and they grew into chickens. I didn't grow up on a farm or anything, but we had a lot of different kinds of pets. I wrote a lot of animal stories about them.
DeleteI've never heard the term pantster before this, so thanks for making me look up something new. Probably good to know as a writer myself. Great interview and answers here.
ReplyDeleteGreat questions and great interview, James. I'm getting ready to go to the publisher with my first book, so this was helpful!
ReplyDelete~Erin
Great start James! Great interview and beautiful guest! Good luck in continuing!
ReplyDelete~Kvvinto :)
James...that was a great first interview. Formulated very well and organized. Kudos buddy. Glad I stopped by.
ReplyDeleteVery enjoyable. Thanks for sharing :)
ReplyDeleteVery nice interview James, Thank you
ReplyDeletesince I am more a visual person I would ask Kami what actors she could picture playing the roles of her heroes / heroines
ReplyDeleteI would love to answer this! But I don't usually think of actors when I think of how my characters look. The person I know who looks most like my protagonist is a somewhat distant friend from high school...
DeleteAwesome. Best of luck James!
ReplyDeleteCool Blog James
ReplyDeleteVery nice blog James! Let's stay in touch, maybe do a guest blog for each other!
ReplyDeleteWell done James.... thanks.
ReplyDeleteGood blog James!
ReplyDeleteI'd never heard of Kami, but her story is eerily similar to my own story. And her novel she's working sounds very interesting, as well. Thanks for the interview!
ReplyDeleteIt's creepy when those moments happen... And your story wouldn't be the first I've unknowingly overlapped with. :)
DeleteI always enjoy hearing more about other writers. Great interview!
ReplyDeleteNicely done, James!
ReplyDeleteNicely done, James!
ReplyDeleteGreat start.
ReplyDeleteThe premise of the story sounds interesting.
ReplyDeleteThis is really good to get the inside story! Enjoyed it!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing. It was a great story and a good read.
ReplyDeleteIts really enjoyable. Thanks for sharing :)
ReplyDeleteKnowing both of you for a few years now, it's nice to catch up on where exactly in your writing careers you’re both at currently. Good piece James, and I wish Kami the best of luck on getting her novel placed—that’s the hardest part in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteOh, Happy Day!! I finally got you to follow me. :P
DeleteThanks for the luck!
DeleteGreat story
ReplyDeleteThanks everyone, and thanks for the support. :)
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteKami, love the premise of your new novel. And Les Miserables is one of my favorite reads. I remember the exact moment I read the description of Fantine's thoughts of her struggle. The tears were unstoppable, because of how she trusted, she did the best she could and it still went all so wrong.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your novel. Looking forward to the story. :)
-Amy
www.amyjalapeno.com
Thank you!
DeleteInspiring story. Thank you
ReplyDeleteNice work! Enjoyed reading!
ReplyDeletegood luck James, give it your all and pen your story(ies), cheers
ReplyDeleteInsightful questions, James. And, Kami's answers were helpful too.
ReplyDeleteBest of luck James!! :)
ReplyDeleteSuperb first interview, squire. Well done, that man.
ReplyDeleteWhat was the main factor that made you break out and seek down authors to interview? And would you recommend it?
I've been wanting to do it for a while because I've seen other blogs do it and I thought it would be a fun learning opportunity for me. Sometimes I have other questions but they rarely returned to answer my questions to those blogs, so here was my chance to get mine own in. Ultimately, I'm trying to learn the road to publication by those who have already traveled it and know where the roadblocks, potholes, and drunk drivers are.
Delete