Guest Author Interview with K. Dezendorf
I recently had the opportunity to interview YA fantasy author K. Dezendorf, author of the Shadows of Umbra series and Wingfall. I hope you enjoy our Q&A! –AJ
Hi, K. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to interview you today. Can you introduce yourself and your book(s) to our readers?
Hello, I’m K. Dezendorf, and I’ve written and published two fantasy books: The Wayfinder’s Apprentice is the first book in a series, and Wingfall is a stand-alone novel.
Would you like to talk a little about your writing process?
With The Wayfinder’s Apprentice, it was heavily outlined before the first draft was made, and many revisions were made before I ended up with the final product.
Wingfall was the exact opposite, where I wrote chunk after chunk daily from start to finish as a one-month writing challenge before I did any editing. Honestly, I found the latter experience far more relaxing. I mostly rely on music to help inspire me while I write, but occasionally if I’m having difficulties imagining a scene I’ll look up images to get the juices flowing again.
Let’s talk a little about Wingfall. The retelling of classic fairy tales seems to be a big trend right now, but your book is the first I’ve seen focused on Thumbelina. I love that you picked it, as it was one of my favorites growing up. What made you choose that fairy tale over so many others?
I honestly didn’t plan to at first. One day I happened to be watching the Thumbelina movie by Don Bluth, a childhood favorite, and ideas just started pouring in. What if I did this? What if this happened? And it all just exploded from there. Before I knew it, I was sketching out character concepts and I realized I needed to explore this. As you said, as far as I know, no one has made a Thumbelina retelling in a while so I thought, why not me?
Wingfall included a powerful and inspirational message at the end: That in order to properly love others, you must first learn to accept and love yourself, despite perceived “otherness”. Do your other books feature messages as well, and can you share a little about how you chose them?
I’ll admit, I don’t go out of my way to put messages in my books, but they manage to find their way there regardless. I’d say if I had to put a message from The Wayfinder’s Apprentice into words, it would be that; some relationships you need to let go of, no matter how hard it is, because they’re just not good for you.
As for how I choose them, as I said, I never start off a story thinking: This is what I’m going to teach my readers today! I simply write from the heart and if a helpful message manages to work its way in, then wonderful.
Your other book, The Wayfinder’s Apprentice, is also written for the YA audience. As an author who writes adult fiction, I’ve always wondered: Do you find it difficult to adjust the language/phrasing for younger readers, and is there anything you do in particular to help you tell the story in a way that audience will understand?
I definitely have to reach back to those times when I was a younger adult, back when every little thing felt so much bigger than it really was. I find it easiest to draw on my own personal experiences as a source of inspiration to capture those feelings and emotions. Because the truth is, our perspective of the world is ever-changing as we get older and gain experience. The feelings we thought would surely kill us in high school, we’re better equipped for in adulthood. Every journey is unique of course, but there are plenty of shared experiences that many can relate to. As far as language and phrasing, I try to avoid anything that might date the work.
Do you have any upcoming releases you’d like to talk about?
I am currently working on The Mage’s Mark, a sequel book to The Wayfinder’s Apprentice. I currently do not have a release date set, but I hope to have it out sometime in 2023. It is a continuation of Rose’s journey and explores more corners of the magical world of the Umbra.
What project(s) are you currently working on, and can you share anything about them?
I have started working on a Horror Comedy, however, I am still on the fence about whether to publish I or not. It’s one of those experimental projects at the moment I am having fun with. However, if I happen to make significant progress on it, I’ll release more details to the public.
Besides being a writer, what do you like to do in your spare time?
Books and video games were my best friends growing up, and while I have less free time than I did before, they are still my go-to if I need something to fill the boredom.
Do you have any parting thoughts you’d like to share?
To anyone else who decides to take the path of indie writing: It’s not gonna be easy, and if you’re seeking fame and fortune, odds are you’re definitely in for a rough road. However, don’t lose heart. If you have a story that you really need to share with the world, then share it. Write for yourself before anyone else. You are your first biggest fan, your first audience. If you can write a story that you love and be proud of, then everything else afterward will be a bonus.
A huge thank you to K for taking the time to chat about her books. They’re available Amazon.com, or you can learn more about K and her writing on her website, kdezendorf.com.