Writing for God // Interview with Author Kaitlyn King

This week’s post is something a bit different. Recently, I metaphorically sat down with (but actually exchanged emails with) author Kaitlyn King to get a behind-the-scenes peek at her writing process, biggest inspirations, and more.

King is the author of the YA Christian fantasy series More Than Conquerors—read more about the two published books here and here—as well as several nonfiction works. I had a grand time reading her answers, and I expect you will as well.

When did you start writing seriously?

I started writing seriously my senior year of high school. I got my master’s degree in college for writing. Then I took a break while I taught in a Christian school. My first book was published in 2016.

What’s your favorite part of the writing process?

My favorite part of the writing process is a combination of the brainstorming phase and the outlining phase. It’s when I discover the story for myself so I find it the most exciting time.

How does your faith influence your writing?

I believe that it’s God’s will for me to write, therefore I would feel wrong about not including my faith into my writing. I strive to show how to have a relationship with God through my characters.

What is the biggest source of encouragement for your writing?

I find it most encouraging when my readers express interest in my books. I love when they ask questions about my characters, or tell me a part that made them laugh. The writing process can be lonely sometimes so, I love when readers reach out to me.

What books have impacted you the most?

I have a list of books I love a mile long so I’ll attempt to pare them down. The book that inspired me to be a Christian writer was Hyacinth Blue by Tony Nunes. I think it’s important to learn from the classics. My favorite being The Chronicles of Narnia. And recently I have fallen in love with a fairytale retellings series, The Four Kingdoms, that is inspiring an upcoming project.

Did you finish any novels before starting More Than Conquerors?

More than Conquerors was the first novel I finished. I had started a spy series before that, but became overwhelmed by The Forgotten Prince story that I put the spy book to the side. I’d still like to write it at some point, but it’s lower on the list right now.

What inspired the More Than Conquerors series?

The inspiration for More than Conquerors came from a church theme poster. I walked into my parents’ church and the poster was on the wall. It said More than Conquerors across a shield. By the time the offering was taken, I had mapped out the four main characters.

Did you consider any other titles for the series or published books?

The Forgotten Prince actually had two other titles. The first one was The Red Tower. But my beta reader said after reading half of the book, she still didn’t understand the title. I changed it to Return to Endor. That was the title for a very long time. As I prepared to publish it, I decided that title was too vague. I finally decided The Forgotten Prince fit the story better.

What was your favorite part of Secrets in the Shadows to write?

Secrets in the Shadows was harder to write. I had never written a sequel before. I think I enjoyed writing the development of the kids the most. It was interesting to see how the dynamic of the squires changed after everything that happened in the first book. I especially loved continuing Bryce’s story. I feel he is a character that has a lot more to tell us.

What do you hope people come away from your books with?

My greatest hope is that Christian teens will see themselves in my characters. I couldn’t find myself in stories when I was a teenager. Most books depicted teenagers in a lifestyle that I wasn’t living due to my faith. It was a lonely time for me after spending so many years finding myself in the pages of a book. I decided I wanted to write for Christian teens so they wouldn’t feel the same way.

A huge thanks to Kaitlyn King for her time and answers. If you’re not already familiar with her work, I highly recommend checking it out at the links below.

Thanks for reading!