BY Simpson is a Kindle Vella author as well as a KDP author (full length books in “regular” format). She does a great job with world building and bringing her characters to life. Plus, she’s a positive member of the Vella Community! Let’s get to know her a little more:
Why a series, this time?
How did you know you had this series in you?
After the birth of my second son, I was rocking him to sleep one night. Thoughts of life and death kept flowing through my mind while watching him fall asleep. I suppose it was a mix of feeling blessed and also terrified of leaving my child too soon, but the concept of Death Date came to me that night. It never let go.
I like how you took this idea that many parents feel and turned it into a book.
Why did you choose to use a series format?
Kindle Vella came at the right time. I was working on publishing my novel, Hades Sent, but also wanted to try something new.
The Process
What is your greatest challenge in writing?
Finding time to write. It’s hard to find the time because I work fulltime and I’m a mom. My work takes a lot of mental devotion so I’m kind of drained by the end of the day. But I refuse to give up!
Don’t give up! But it is hard, I fully acknowledge that.
Is there something that you found particularly helpful?
The writing community is so supportive. I’m amazed at how helpful everyone is and I hope to pass what I’ve learned to others in the same way.
The audience
Who is your expected audience?
Young adult fiction readers or dystopian readers..
Who has been your strongest supporter?
My partner, my sister, and also my best friends Jennifer and Beth. They are always first to read my chapters and give me advice. I keep going because of them.
A special shout out to my author friend Nellie who’s always so anxious to read my next chapter. You also keep me focused on completing Death Date. 🙂
Sounds like you have an amazing support system of readers!
If you could have any author (alive, dead, or fictional) read your book, who would you like to read it?
Oh gosh there’s so many authors I’m in awe of. Its hard to choose one! For Death Date, I’d say either Suzanne Collins or Veronica Roth. For my YA fantasy novel, Hades Sent, I would go fan girl crazy if Susan EE read my work.
What author, or book, or series most influenced you?
Since I write both fantasy and dystopian, I have a few different books that have influenced my stories and also my love for writing. The Hunger Games, The Maze Runner, Divergent, and Angelfall to name a few.
I haven’t read Angelfall yet, but it’s on my TBR. The others are fantastic!
We want more!
Reading has been so important to me since I was a little girl. In elementary school, I would go to the library and read the Polar Express and just be mesmerized by the text and pictures. My love for reading never stopped. When I’m not writing, my nose is stuck in a book.
I think continuing to read helps us as writers. I think it also saves our sanity from the stresses of life.
When can we expect more from you?
I am hoping to publish Death Date as an ebook by the end of the year.
Nice! I hope you do!
Where can we find your book?
Death Date is available on Kindle Vella and Hades Sent is available on Amazon as an ebook and paperback.
Where can we find you? I am on Instagram, tiktok, and Facebook. My introverted self is really trying social media.😂
https://www.amazon.com/kindle-vella/story/B09645SL95
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09GFKQ9W2
