Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to KR BANKSTON. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

KR, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

Writing has always been a natural gift for me. I’ve written for as long as I can remember, mostly journal entries through a turbulent and abusive childhood. Being able to craft the written word onto pages served as therapy in a time when I couldn’t actually see a therapist. As I’ve ventured into commercial publishing, I’ve learned alot of hard knocks lessons. I’ve also met some wonderful people along the way who helped me. When I started out, I immediately fell prey to vanity publishers. These are the guys that tell you “Your book is great and we want to publish it. Just send us $995 and we’ll get you on your way.” What they don’t tell you is that your book will be priced so high you can’t compete in the market. That’s where those great authors came in who were vets at the craft, took me aside and explained how I could publish myself.
Through research, and of course more trial and error, I managed to rebrand my first book, A Deadly Encounter, and publish it myself. Then came learning how to market, price, promote, the book and my brand/vision. It’s part of what I impart in authors I work with doing consultation. Research, research, research.
I can’t say obstacles are in the way of me learning more, as the only person who can limit me is me. What I can’t find via google, or duck duck go, etc. I have plenty of authors surrounding me now who are willing, able, to help me continue to navigate the Indie lit field.
I can say that I’m fully more confident and knowledgeable in what I do now, compared to twelve years ago when I started. I do plan to take a few creative writing courses, seminars, and such in time, but for now I try to stay focused on my LOVE of writing while I continue to build the Business of writing.

KR, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m a Fiction Novelist and I write in a multitude of genres. From Romantic suspense, to thriller, to edgy Christian fiction, I will craft a story to enthrall all who pick up one of my books.

Thinking of writing a book? Writing a book? My consultation services come with a personal touch. I’m very hands on in every step of the journey while you carefully hone your craft and broaden your knowledge base to see your first born take flight. Experience, and certifications, have given me the ability to ensure you get the right start, not fall into a pit of scams, scammers, and dream killers.

How did I get into the industry? On a dare. (lol) One Sunday I was being especially aggravating to the hubs out of sheer boredom. More than likely at his wits end, he turned to me and said “why don’t you take that imagination and go write a book.” Oh yeah? Game on! I did exactly that. Sitting down at my computer I began to type out sentences from a small idea that germinated in my head maybe a couple of months earlier. From that challenge, A Deadly Encounter was born. I’ve gone on to pen nearly forty books at last counts.

What sets me apart? My slogan says it all. “Bet I Can Make You Love A Bad Guy.” Never preachy, my stories make you stop and think, feel, examine your own hidden/blatant beliefs and suppositions when it comes to those men/women who may not be the societal norm of “decent” or hardworking. KMG (Kirabaco Media Group) is my publishing house and I’m proud of the fact its pretty self contained and thriving.

I’m on Patreon and I would love for everyone reading this, or hearing my name, to come join me. I’m proud of the community I’m building there. We laugh, chat, share and bond in the group. I call them my Baddie Family. I want people to know I’m not some untouchable name behind the screen. This writer is very much human and doesn’t hesitate to share the bad as well as the good with my Patreon audience.

Take a chance and pick up on of my titles. I have free downloads available because, you know, try before you buy (lol), the same with Patreon. Check out the public posts and I think you’ll agree that getting to know me, my works, my brand, will only enhance your reader life.

How’d you meet your business partner?

So, how I met my business partner Author Elizabeth LaShaun? I was a part of an online book club years ago (like over 10) called Readers In Motion. EL was the president, moderator, all around head honcho. I had already written my first book A Deadly Encounter, but I was working on another book at that time called Atlanta.

We were able to post chapters in the group, so in an effort to get feedback and of course grow my readership, I took advantage of the opportunity offered. Now, let me say here that there were no profile photos when I joined, well I didn’t post one. My pen name is fully ambiguous, KR Bankston. Madame President assumed from my writing that I was a man. (lol). She wasn’t the only one, so I was never offended. I found, still find, it hilarious.

Annnnyway, I posted the story and it was very well received by everyone. I was pleased and felt like I was on the right path. At the end of the story, I got a comment from Madame President informing me that I was being banned for how it ended. (Yes, I chuckled, but she was serious) Turns out she actually did ban me for two weeks until I told her I would write a new ending (after she wrote one herself mind you) and not kill her favorite character this time.

I did, but the new ending turned into a whole new novel. The novel turned into a 12-book series that came to be known as Thin Ice. To date (with various offshoot series) we’re up to about book 20.

Needless to say we grew much closer after this, especially when she posted her own story and I encouraged her to make her own foray into publishing. Now we’re like sisters having formed Hard Kandy publishing for our collaborations and The Literary Evolution for our consultant work.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Networking. In a nutshell, I began talking to, friending, connecting to everyone in the lit industry (with a good reputation). You have to be careful because as quickly as you build, it only takes one negative thing to bring it crashing down. I joined writers groups, author fan groups. There are multiple promotional pages on FB for authors/writers. Take advantage of them, and post.

Do interviews online, or blog radio, with online presence. People will follow you from those appearances. Ask the base you already have to share your content. That’s a big one. People sharing will reach those you can’t, or don’t know exist. Word of mouth was/is huge for my brand. To this day is has consistent impact online to people finding me and my work.

Consistency is key. Show up and be present for the people you’re trying to connect with. That’s not to say don’t have a life, or to involve them fully in it. It’s to say that your online life should be full and robust entertaining and including the people you’re trying to convert to your tribe.

I gave away a lot of free books. Discounts. Did online contests, trivia, chats. All the things that make your name memorable in the minds of potential readers/clients/supporters.

Of course I don’t have huge numbers like many on Social Media, I’m good in the space I’m in as I continue to grow. The more I show up, the more people will find their way to me and my brand. Even when you’re discourage because its not happening at lightning speed, don’t stop. People see you. Some will never say a word, but they’ll keep watching you and they’ll tell others about you. Keep moving forward.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.krbankstononline.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookoperlegacy
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KRBankstonAuthor
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/KRBankston
• Youtube: https://bit.ly/3OjmOqX
• Other: https://www.patreon.com/KRBankston