There are romance novels, then there are steam romance novels. Need I say more? A high school teacher writes her first novel.
Please, introduce yourself. Tell us about your personal life, family, education.
Hello, I’m Stacia Kaywood and I reside in Kansas City, Missouri, USA with my two teenaged children, husband of almost sixteen years, two cats, and a parakeet who loves singing us awake. It is strange to think I’ve ended up here after growing up in Texas, then graduating from both high school and university in Kansas, but this state dug its claws in and hasn’t let me go. Over time, I’ve learned to love this unique city with its odd mix of fabulous art, delightful cuisine, jumbled history, and mad devotion to sports teams. Kansas City now pumps through my veins, while my childhood first love – Texas – is all but a pleasant memory.
My younger brother and I dabbled with creating plays when we were young and I took classes in creative writing, but never imagined being able to produce anything of substance. I guess the truth was, I didn’t truly believe in myself, so I went to school to become a teacher. I graduated with a degree in secondary education from the University of Kansas (Rock Chalk Jayhawk) and then with a Master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Emporia State.
My family is why I write, my support in the storm of life. My mother is my line editor. My sister-in-law my copyeditor. My daughter and son cheer me on, while my husband endures countless strange questions about plot points, scene development, history, and whatever random thought pops into my brain. They are the ones who give me the strength to continue when doubt creeps in and the courage to create my stories.
A High School Teacher
If you are active in career fields other than writing, what do you hope for the future of that business? Describe your work or business activities in which you are presently active.
For the past twenty years, I’ve been a high school teacher. A long career, not yet over, of educating students about the wonderment of the German language, culture, and peoples. During my tenure, I’ve taken students abroad to six different European countries (this summer, I’m hoping to add Hungary for number seven), managed to somehow win Teacher of the Year during the second year of covid, and expand my program. I love teaching, because where else can you inspire, support, love, and encourage 100+ developing minds on their journey to young adulthood. What do I hope for my future? Retirement, naturally, but to look back on my career and know I’ve made a difference.
Do you have hobbies? How did you get started in them?
Does hauling children to band rehearsals count as a hobby? I think I spend most of my free time bouncing between my daughter’s different concerts, competitions, and lessons for French horn, trumpet, and whatever new instrument she might pick up. But when I manage to have time to myself and writing has taken a backseat, I have a few hobbies like cross-stitching and baking. Cookies, pies, cakes – anything sweet, gooey, and delicious and you will find me whipping up my magic in the kitchen. My specialty is chocolate covered cherries, a three-day process with mouth-watering results. I started baking after watching my Nana and mother doing the same. My Nana’s freezer was always stocked with mountains of cookies, waiting for appreciative tummies and now those recipes have found their way to my own children. And hopefully many more generations to come.
If you are a writer, are you an avid reader?
I’ll be honest, I don’t know how you can be a writer and not be a reader, so absolutely I am an avid reader, though I might use the word voracious to describe my reading style. Give me a solid mystery, an intriguing thriller, or a spicy romance and I’m happier than a clam hanging out in my ocean paradise. I often don’t bother to post what I am reading, because by tomorrow, it will be another book. Thank goodness for the kindle and libraries, otherwise, I might not be able to afford or house my book reading habit!
What is your ultimate writing goal as you see it today?
My ultimate writing goal is to create a solid fan base who enjoys my novels and to continue writing the multitude of ideas I have stashed in the recess of my mind. Winning awards and recognition isn’t important to me, rather that I connect with a group of people who find my writing entertaining and enjoyable. I want readers to sigh, smile, laugh, and cry the same way I have done while reading. To me, that is the ultimate sign of success.
What inspired you to write your first book?
While Bathed in Moonlight isn’t my first attempt at writing, this was my first fully developed novel, inspired by many of the historical events I’ve studied throughout adulthood. I heard a voice one morning when I woke – the voice commanding Greta to run in German. Lauf! For the longest time, that scene was the start of my story, but later moved places as I looked for where the story began, versus back story. A dream and a pandemic drove me to complete the novel, as covid lockdowns afforded me the time to sit down and produce a work of fiction.
How do you decide on the title of a book?
Deciding on a title of a book is truly the fun part of writing, as it comes all together. Like icing on the cake, it draws you in to enjoy all the goodness it contains inside. Bathed in Moonlight came from a scene when my two main characters make love for the first time. The moon peeking through curtains, bathing the characters in silvery light, it captured so much of their desire for one another. I prefer short titles, something catchy and quick, though my contemporary romance (coming out hopefully this year) is the exception with the title Tattoos and Other Misadventures of a Midlife Crisis.
Who is your favorite writer, and what is it about their work that really strikes you?
Right now, I would say Danelle Harmon is my favorite author, though I am not sure I have forgiven her for killing off two beloved characters. Her stories are that perfect blend for historical romance of fascinating multi-dimensional characters, authentic and well-researched historical facts, and beautifully woven plots. The American Revolution before was a sort of meh time period for me, but after reading her novels, she totally spiked a new level of interest. Not to mention, how she does remarkable justice to both the American and British perspectives of the war. How do you create sympathetic characters from both sides of the fence? It shouldn’t be possible, but for Danelle Harmon, masterfully done. Beat for beat, the plot lines flow, keeping the reader engaged throughout the story. I never find myself wondering how much longer until the book picks up again. Her novels have it all. Pirates, spies, naval officers, strong female characters, a yummy veterinarian. She is a must read!
A Favorite Author
Is there an author, past or present, you would love to meet? Why?
I would love to meet Agatha Christie. I adore all her books and ingenious creation of Ariadne Oliver – her voice in many of the Poirot novels. The way she blended her love of archeology into so many of her stories, I feel like I’ve travelled the globe. I have so many questions to pepper her with, she would probably think I’m a bit nutty, but she was fabulous, an absolute treasure.
When you see new authors struggling, what single piece of advice could you give them on a moment’s notice?
My general go-to advice for struggling writers is to read. Read your genre, read other genres. Read to clear your mind of the clutter preventing your book from happening. Read to give yourself ideas on character arcs and conflict resolutions. Creating a story isn’t an exercise in isolation, use the resources available to you to stoke the fire. Then you will find the success you desire.
Do you have a blog or website viewers can visit for updates, events and special offers? Include links to any and all of your sites.
I am starting a newsletter, first edition is set to come out in March, so I am currently collecting email addresses through my website: staciakaywood.com. As well, I have a blog and I post discounts and links to my novel. You can connect with me through Facebook and Twitter @StaciaKaywood. I love hearing from my readers, so please drop me a line anytime!
Major retailers: https://books2read.com/u/bwrXYe
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bathed-in-moonlight-stacia-kaywood/1142643898?ean=9784824156297
Next Chapter (publisher): https://theindependentbookstore.com/products/bathed-in-moonlight