It's every writer's dream to graduate from the unpublished to the published world. In our newest corner of the Playground, we're proud to introduce you to the newest writers to slap on their mortar boards and head into the scary and wonderful world of publication.

Kira Sinclair - August 2008

This month, the Playground is pleased to welcome our very own Instigator to the much coveted section - The Graduates. As a reader of the website and the blog, you've probably followed Kira from her revisions to the call and now to the release of her book - Whispers in the Dark - which is now in stores. Since she's the first to make the journey, we invited her here to pick her brain and acquire some of her vast knowledge about publication. :)

Smarty Pants: How did you come to writing? 

Kira Sinclair:  My first foray into writing came during my Junior year of high school.  We broke up into groups and were assigned to write a story.  I convinced my group to write a historical romance complete with kilted highlander.  Little did I know that we were going to be required to read the story out loud to the class.  Needless to say, the group volunteered me since it was my idea and I turned beat red. 

I took several years off after that but played around here and there with some ideas.  I started writing in earnest after my oldest daughter turned one.  It just seemed to be the right time to try and live my dream.

SP: How many manuscripts did you finish before you sold?

KS:  I had 4 completed manuscripts and was working on a 5th and 6th.

SP: How long after you received the call before your book appeared on the shelf?

KS:  I received the First Sale Call (for more information visit our blog) on June 5th 2007 and my book hit the shelves August 1st 2008.

SP: I know you work full-time.  Many of our readers also juggle a love for writing along with family and full-time jobs.  How do you find that balance between your writing and life?

KS:  I have a wonderful husband, fantastic kids and amazing friends.  Without them I never would have accomplished all that I have. 

As for balance…I’m not sure I have found that.  There are definitely days where I feel guilty for taking time away from my family in order to follow my dream.  But I know that it’s an important lesson for my girls to see – me working hard for what I want out of life.  And I know that my husband supports me unconditionally.  That support means so much.

SP: What was the most helpful advice you received? What one piece of advice do you wish you'd ignored?

KS:   Hmm, put 1/3 of any money in the bank for taxes.  I’m sure I would have figured that one out on my own eventually…but probably way too late. 

The other piece of advice that I would recommend everyone follow is to find your strengths as a writer and work towards them.  It took me a while to figure out what I was good at, where I fit, but once I did it was like coming home. 

Advice to ignore?  Anything that doesn’t resonate.  Even if the advice is sound for someone else that doesn’t mean it will work for you.

SP: What have you enjoyed the most about selling? What have you disliked?

KS:   Seeing my book in print.  Having people email or call to tell me that it’s on the shelf. 

Not a blessed thing.  At the moment I’m still in the honeymoon stage.  Even the disagreeable things like synopsis, revisions, art fact sheets…they’re all new and exciting.  And an opportunity to learn.  Ask me again in about five years and we’ll see how this answer has changed. 

SP: What's coming in the near future for you?

KS:   My next book is tentatively titled Afterburn and will be part of a twelve month military mini-series within Blaze.  The tentative release date is September 2009.

SP: What’s something about you that we’d be surprised to learn?

KS:  Hmm, that’s hard because I think the Playfriends know everything about me.  In high school I was in the color guard.  And before I started writing my hobby was acting in local theater productions.  My husband and I even shared the stage a couple times – once as love interests.  The directed had to keep reminding me not to put my hand on his rear when we were embracing on stage.  Hey, I thought it made it more real. :)

Fun Stuff

SP: If you could travel anywhere, where would you do?

KS:   If I have to pick one place it would be Africa. 

SP: What’s your idea of a relaxing day? 
KS:   Waking up late.  Cuddling in bed with my girls while they watch TV and I read a book.  Taking a nap. 

SP: And how do you plan to celebrate your first release? 
KS:   Well, I purchased myself a pair of beautiful earrings on Orkney Island during our recent trip to Scotland.  The trip came just days after the phone call so I thought I deserved something nice.  Coincidentally, the actual release of Whispers in the Dark will be during the RWA National convention in San Francisco.  I’ll probably celebrate with a few drinks at the bar and buy myself something special. 

SP: If you couldn’t be a writer, what would you do for a living?
KS:   Well, probably what I’m doing now which is being the office manager for my father’s company.  Not very exciting but it pays the bills.  I do like working with my dad and brother though. 

SP: What are you working on now?
KS:   I’m currently working on the sequel to Chris and Karyn’s story.  Anne and Blake will get their chance at a happily ever after. 

Be sure to check out Kira's website at www.kirasinclair.com for more information about her upcoming releases and contests. As always, you can also see her around the Playground and on the blog. Also, get on over to your local bookstore or order Whispers in the Dark online here (or here) (or here)!

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View the Graduate Archives for prior interviews.