Interview with K.N. Messier

Author of Top County Case Closed

Where are you from originally and where do you reside now?

Born in Rhode Island now reside in the great state of Maine

If you currently reside somewhere besides where you were born, what’s the story that lead from there to here?

I wanted a place with a fair amount of land and little codes. I love to go off roading and explore. Maine has an abundant amount of land and mountains to explore.

What made you decide to write and publish your first book?

I was bored and looking through Craig’s list and saw an ad for actors for an Indie film. I thought hey why not I always wanted to act. (bucket list thing) So I applied for the part of Sheriff Patrick Johnson and got it! One thing lead to another and I found myself rewriting some scenes and ghostwriting on the film and was very good at it, most of the movie was shot on my property so I had a little pull and changed the direction of the character I was playing and keep my character rights because Sheriff Patrick Johnson was going become a lead character in my Series Top County.

How would you describe your books to first time readers?

Multiple genres, Romance, comic relief, horrific crime, suspense and a who done it. They are easy reads that are fast-paced and enjoyable with no over-complicated storyline. The characters are easy to love and hate and will leave you wanting more.

Who do you feel is most likely to connect with the topics you write about?

Readers who like Fiction with a realistic storyline and a western touch, if they liked the book series Longmire by Craig Johnson they will love Top County.

What unexpected or surprising thing did you learn during the process of writing and publishing?

How bad my spelling is, plus working on character development without making them sound cheesy. Take notes, and find a great editor who will work with you.
One surprising thing I learned is how my thoughts can turn dark and light in a few mere paragraphs.

If you could, what advice would you give to your past self before embarking on this journey?

Be dedicated and not a slacker, I’m a bit of a writing slacker but love reading my own work so that motivates me to write.

How many people would you ideally like to reach with your books?

I think authors would all like to reach as many readers as possible, but a small following can make it all worthwhile.

What has been the biggest challenge and frustration during the process to date?

Keeping my motivation and being focused on my writings, its hard while working full time and homesteading. My frustration would be time, I wish I had more time to dedicate to my writing.

What’s your biggest strengths when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

I can make exciting characters that you can connect with, from a cop to a handyman and everything in between, plus the ability to make the story line flow right out of the gate, I do a very little rewriting. I am not pushy with marketing but do talk about my series whenever an opportunity arises.

What’s your biggest weakness when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

Writing romance or sex scenes, I would not call it a weakness but it’s a struggle to get it from my mind to the words. I know very little about publishing but working on that. I’m a major marketing slacker, I prefer the writing process over marketing, marketing should be left to a marketer.

When do you think you will write your next book?

Working on the second installment to the series as we speak, hopeful for a spring release.

Are you self published or did you use a hybrid publisher, or a traditional publisher?

Self-publisher, but my first book was published by my editor’s non-profit publishing company, which is in the process of being switch over to me, as I want full control over my series