Kristy Centeno

Tell us a little bit about yourself, your hobbies and interests.

I'm a little bit on an introvert. I enjoy the simple things in life like watching my favorite sitcoms, movies, listening to music, reading books and writing. I'm also furthering my education so these days I'm usually busy studying, doing research, and completing assignments.

When and why did you start writing books?

I was very young when I first created my first manuscript. Wrote everything in pieces of papers I tore from a notebook. My love for books and reading was evident from a young age. Every book I read inspired ideas that I eventually felt a need to bring to life. As I got older, I started to play more with ideas and one summer back in the late 2000's I finally decided to give it a go. My first draft was god-awful. I didn't realize then that I had a lot of growing up to do when it came to writing. But every little constructive critic I received helped improve my writing. I'm still a long way from where I want to be, but I'm always open for improvement and what I enjoy the most is learning new ways to do things.

What made you decide to tackle writing as a career?

I wouldn't say I have a writing career yet. It's more of a hobby I'm fully devoted to. However, what continues to inspire me to write is putting out books that I'd like to read myself. The type of books that surprise me, make me laugh, fills me with warmth, etc.

Which one of your books or characters is your favourite?

This is a hard question to answer because I have a special place in my heart for a few characters. But among those I'd say that Lakyn, Thorne and Rovena from Tale of a Body Thief are right up there with Hayden from Deliverance and Brandon from Enchanter.

Which one of your books was the hardest to write and stretched you the most as a writer?

Tale of a Body Thief really pushed my limits because it didn't turn out at all like I first envisioned it. I had an idea and plotted out some of the chapters, but once I started actually working on the book it got away from me. The characters had a mind of their own and it almost felt like they were the ones telling the story, not me. I was frustrated in the beginning because it wasn't what I wanted, but as it kept taking shape, I just couldn't take it back to what it was. I'd originally planned for it to be a lot darker than what it was. However, the story has a bit of humor and sensual tension between the main characters that wasn't part of the plot. Would I change it if I could? No, I think it turned out the way it was supposed to.

Who is your favourite author and book?

Back in the day I had one favorite character. Nowadays there are too many to name. Every day I discover more authors that instantly make it to my favorite list.

What book are you reading right now?

So, I've watched all four movies in the Hunger Games saga. Never read the books. Heard they were good, but never gave them a try. Well, recently I decided to remedy that, and I just grabbed a copy of The Hunger Games. I'm on the first chapter and already inspired.

Where do you get your inspiration for your books?

Books, movies, music, life. Everywhere and everything. Inspiration even come to me in dreams.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Spending time with family. I enjoy movie night with the kids. Game night. Doing activities with my loved ones.

Do you have any new books in the works?

I'm currently working on the sequel to Tale of a Body Thief. I'm also on the final chapter of a paranormal romance novella, which I hope to send to my editor some time by the end of the year. I have plans to rewrite the Secrets of the Moon saga, but lack of time has pushed those plans to the backburner for now.