Interview with Author Tenaya MKD

 

 

  It has been officially Fall for a few weeks. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate the season by than reading a SCI-FI fantasy novel written by author Tenaya MKD, who is also very inspirational to follow on her social media account on Instagram. Her book “New Identity” which is part of a saga (so exciting!) is about a woman named Nova who finds herself in a different body very suddenly. Not understanding what’s happening she finds herself in the same situation again. She eventually links up with what would seem to be a stranger but also someone who is familiar with her power. From the beginning I am impressed with the way Nova is able to handle the unknown right away. She navigates her surroundings & the people around her smoothly. I loved the way the author wrote each chapter, I could vividly see each situation in my mind. I loved the interactions between the characters of “New Identity” as well.  Tenaya MKD was so kind to take a few moments to answer some questions about her book and her writing process as well! 

 

 


What inspired you to write
New Identity?

 

One day, I was speaking passionately about a book with my husband and he said “Why haven’t you written one?”

I couldn't give him a good answer.

So, later that evening as I laid with my son to put him to bed, I thought about “what story would I tell? Where would I start?”

Then the first line just came to me. I had no idea where that line would take me, what kind of story it would be or even who the main character would be, but I went with it. A few months later, I unsurprisingly had a superhero fantasy draft. I wish I could remember that first line that started it all… but it got scrapped in editing pretty early on.

 

How did this story come to you?

 

It was just what I had inside of me. Thanks to my dad, I have been influenced by superheroes and sci-fi ever since I was old enough to watch television or read a book. It's just always been what I loved. I sat down to write a book, and this story is what came out.

 

What organizational tips would you give to aspiring authors?

 

Organization is everything; particularly if you plan to self publish. I think it can be especially difficult for us creatives to adjust to the life of an entrepreneur that you are thrust into as an indie author, so it’s extra important to find a system of planning that works for you. I highly recommend the HB90 system by Sara Cannon / Heart Breathings. It's a goal setting/planner system created by a successful indie author, for authors, and it’s how I keep from falling apart haha.

 

What would you like readers to take away from your novel?

 

First and foremost, I want them to have had a good time. I started reading when I was young as a method of escape. I was going through a lot at home and I just needed to go to a different world for a while. Reading got me through so much. I hope to provide a method of escape to anyone needing a break from reality.

Of course, I’d love it if people recognized themes within this story, particularly as the series progresses, but that is secondary to my main mission to entertain and connect. <3


What book has inspired you or changed your life?

 Oh, so many. But the first that comes to mind is The Giver by Lois Lowry. It was an assigned book in elementary school and it turned out to be the first novel I read and thought, “Ooh, I want to do more of this.”

It made me the reader, and writer, that I am today.

 

Thank you Tenaya MKD, for your time & for your work. I am always so impressed with the way Tenaya plans and organizes her work! If your an avid reader or an aspiring author, pick up a signed copy in our paperback collection and check her out on social media. Also, be on the lookout for her second book “Powered Identity” which releases the 7th of December this year! 

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