Author K.M. Colley is keeping it all in the family in her debut release. I recently spoke with her about The Roaring Ridleys.
Tell me about your latest book.
It’s 1920s New York, and seven lucky children from around the world are adopted into the wealthy Ridley family. As they are now of age, each of them now has secrets that they would kill to keep. Except that’s exactly what one of the Ridley siblings did, killing the infamous gossip columnist Dale Caimen, who was ready to expose it all. The siblings have to make a choice: save their family name or expose the truth.
How long did it take you to write it?
It took over three years to write The Roaring Ridleys, but the idea came almost 15 years ago.
Which character could you relate to the most and why?
Kavita Ridley, the youngest daughter, making brash decisions, reminds me of myself when I was her age, also getting married very young. Kavita is definitely seen as the life of the party, as I have been told by a friend or two that I am the same way, more or less!
How are you celebrating the book’s release?
I will be doing an interview on release day. I plan to also drive back to my hometown to celebrate with family and friends, going to a fun speakeasy!
Who is your author best friend (either in your head or in real life)?
Charlene Wang! She has been my saving grace, especially as a debut author. We became so close last year that I even got to attend her wedding in New York. She also writes thrillers.
What is the most valuable piece of writing advice you’ve received?
Write what you want to read in books, not what’s on trend. I remember when I started writing The Roaring Ridleys. I knew for a fact there wasn’t a concept like this out in this time period. So I was going in with just hope that someone would love this peculiar idea that was far from the norm.
What books have you read lately and loved?
All The Little Houses by May Cobb and The Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells.
What books are you excited to read?
When No One Is Watching by Alyssa Cole, With Love From Harlem by ReShonda Tate, and In the Great Quiet by Laura Vogt.
What’s next for you?
I am working on a twisty domestic suspense! I always enjoy reading those, so I am happy to be working on this one. I can’t wait to share more soon!
Do you have anything you would like to add?
If something isn’t working, give yourself permission to try again. I do feel we live in a society where, if we fail at something or don’t get the feedback we think it deserves, we tend to crawl into a little hole to prevent people from seeing our vulnerability. I believe as a writer, and if someone is new to this. It’s completely okay to keep going because one day you can see all the hard work it took to get to where you’ve always wanted to be.
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To learn more about K.M. Colley, author of The Roaring Ridleys, visit her website or connect with her on social media:
Website: keturahmaree.com
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