Today we’d like to introduce you to Kyle Shoop.
Hi Kyle, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’m a Utah author. Even though I’ve now published eight novels, I actually never set out to be an author. In hindsight, though, the path was always right in front of me.
I graduated from law school. After taking the bar, I had a huge vacuum of time. Once the idea for the first couple of chapters came to me (in a dream!) for my first novel ACEA AND THE ANIMAL KINGDOM, I filled that time with writing them down. I had to get the idea down on a page. And since then, I’ve continued. I began writing for myself – to entertain, move, surprise, or compel myself … and I think I’ve done a good job of doing that now eight books later.
When I wrote the first novel, I never expected anyone to read it. I’ve been very lucky that it caught on quickly and that so many readers were asking for the next novel, which would eventually be ACEA AND THE SEVEN ANCIENT WONDERS. That series turned into a trilogy, which has since been completed.
While writing the last couple of chapters in the last of the trilogy, there’s a chapter in there focused on the main character. It’s a moving chapter which I enjoyed writing deeply. It was so different from the rest of the series, which focused on a face-paced and adventurous plot. I enjoyed writing that chapter so much that I wanted my next series to give me the same feeling. This would eventually turn into my next series – a sweet romance series called the SENSES OF LOVE.
Each book in the SENSES OF LOVE series is focused on a separate love story told thru one of the five senses: Sound, Sight, Taste, Aroma, and Touch. They can be read in any order. I’ve been thrilled to hear from countless readers who have told me how much the series has moved them, helped them feel hope in the world, and left them crying … both sad and happy tears!
The most recent in the series came out this year and is THE TOUCH OF LOVE. It is a dual-timeline novel consisting of two intertwined love stories. One is set in Poland during WW2 and tells the story of a young couple in love trying to survive the war. The other is set in the modern day and tells about the journey a woman embarks on while trying to survive a separation. I absolutely love the ending!
Like I mentioned, I never set out to write novels, let alone be a writer. But when I look back, the writing was on the wall (lame dad joke alert!).
When I was in high school, I wasn’t the most focused student. Instead, I was a daydreamer. Because of this, I missed a lot of things in class. One year, my high school was part of a state-wide short story competition. Every student was required to turn in a story, and only a couple of students in the whole state would win the coveted “Gold Key” award for best story. Whereas most students schemed to write the best story to win it, I forgot all about the competition until the night before. I threw something together, and was so oblivious to what was said in class that I didn’t even know what genre my story fit into. In the end, though (and after guessing which genre to enter it in under), you guessed it … I won the Gold Key award. That was the moment that something inside of me said “Hey – I might just be good at this writing thing.” Years later, I decided to listen to that inner voice and write my first novel. And I haven’t looked back since. I definitely have a lot more writing on the horizon!
All of my novels are available in ebook, paperback, and Kindle Unlimited on Amazon. I also have two audiobooks out on Amazon and Audible.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It most definitely has not been a smooth road. By choice, I am self-published, and proud of it. There’s a stigma attached to that, and it presents other hurdles. But through it all, the main thing I focus on is my writing. To be honest, I (like probably most other authors) experience highs and lows while writing. The one thing that always pulls me out of it is a positive email or a positive book review. I’ve been blessed to have several positive book reviews online … thank you to my readers – you have no idea how much it motivates me! I love book reviews!!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
What I’m most proud of is how my novels have emotionally resonated with readers so strongly. I honestly never expected that. The reason why is because my number one rule is to write for myself – to entertain, surprise, move, or compel myself. If I can’t have that reaction from my own writing, how could I ever hope someone else would? After years of writing, and having heard from many readers asking when the next book is coming out, hearing their emotional responses to my stories has been the most humbling and unexpected thing.
I’d like to think that I’m known for writing books with depth. I write in several genres (fantasy, action, romance, adventure…) yet I think the depth in story and characters shows regardless of genre. And along the way, there might even be some laughs!
What matters most to you? Why?
That’s a great question! And one that’s tough to answer. My answer will have changed dramatically while writing over the years. But lately, the fact I just finished reading my ACEA BISHOP TRILOGY to my kids has influenced my answer. What matters most are the looks on my kids’ faces while reading what I wrote. Surprise. Laughter, Tears. All of it. That’s the greatest.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.KyleShoop.com
- Instagram: WriterKyle
- Facebook: AuthorKyleShoop
- Twitter: WriterKyle
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@kyleshoop5472/videos
- Other: https://www.amazon.com/Kyle-Shoop/e/B00BV96J2C
