Fighting Prose Interview with Kandi Steiner

Welcome to my in-depth writers series Fighting Prose. Where I talk to authors in the industry on what their process is like and what it takes for them to keep on creating, through all the odds. This week I’m interviewing Kandi Steiner. I loved reading about her advice for writers on getting to know people’s lives better! Read below to find out more.

How long have you been writing?

I've been writing since the third grade. It all started with poems about stupid boys, then it morphed into short stories, and I wrote my first "book" at age 12. Of course, no one read that one except my mom. ;)

Of the books you’ve written, which is your favorite?

THIS IS SO UNFAIR. I'd say my favorite is probably On the Way to You.

What’s your favorite genre to read? Write?

To read, I love romance, psychological thriller, mystery, chick lit, and historical. To write, I love romance, motivational, nonfiction, and poetry.

Tell me about your process: how do you get in the mood to write? How do your characters come together? How do you get your ideas?

I put writing first every day, so when I wake up, I make my coffee and sit down with my manuscript. If I'm having trouble or I'm stuck, I'll take a long bath or work out. That always helps clear the mind! My characters come together slowly -- first as a dream or a fleeting thought, then they progress and grow. I outline them, build them up with the Enneagram and such, and then start writing. My ideas usually start as dreams or fleeting thoughts that I have while traveling. I get a LOT of inspiration by talking to strangers!

What do you admire the most about the writing world?

Brittainy C. Cherry. I just think she is such a positive ray of light!

If you're not busy writing, what are you busy doing?

I'm usually traveling, hanging out with my boyfriend or my friends, or pole dancing (not as a stripper, but as a fitness... LOL!)

Have you ever had writers block? If so, how did you get out of it?

Oh, of course! Like I said, for me, it's usually taking a bath or exercising. I just need to get away from the screen for a bit.

For a writer starting out what advice would you give them?

Get out and live. The best thing you can do for your writing is experience life so you have things to write about! Get your heart broken, break a few hearts in return, travel, talk to strangers, read, watch TV, ask people what their biggest memories of their lives are... living is what gives us the fuel to write.

Have you always been creative?

I really have been. When I was little, I would entertain myself for HOURS alone with my Beanie Babies or Barbie dolls. I would create wild stories, as my mom tells me, that would take place over entire years of my life. I've always loved to create!