SIX MINUTES WITH KASSY TAYLER:

Author Kassy Tayler joins LitPick for Six Minutes with an Author! Kassy is the author of Ashes of Twilight, Shadows of Glass, and Remnants of Tomorrow. This diversified writer also writes historical westerns under the name Cindy Holby and sci fi under the name Colby Hodge.

How did you get started writing? 

I always wanted to write, however I had an undiagnosed learning disability and just figured it was out of the question for me. Once I understood my disability (I'm dyslexic) I was able to sit down and just write without worrying about my improper grammar and horrible spelling. I got to a point in my life when all I could think about was this story that had been in my head since I was a teenager and couldn't wait to get the words down. I also like to give God all the credit. He gave me an awesome gift and paved the way for me to be able to use it. 

Who influenced you? 

Diana Gabaldon was the biggest influence. I admired her series so much and wanted to do something in the same vein. I started out writing historical westerns and made the transition over to writing YA after many books. I've written 20 books at this point in my career, under several different genres.

Do you have a favorite book/subject/character/setting? 

I love all of them. Of the ones I've written, I'd have to say Rising Wind is my favorite. But the world of Ashes of Twilight is one of my favorites and one I hope to revisit again. 

What advice do you have for someone who wants to be an author? 

Trust your instincts. Don't listen to the haters. Keep plugging away and never, ever give up.

Where is your favorite place to write? 

My office. I also like to go to the local library. And a very special place is Pawley's Island, SC. My cousin has a house on the beach. There's a screened in porch that I love to sit in with my laptop and just let the story take over. 

What else would you like to tell us? 

I'm hoping to try some new and different things this year, and also revisit some old friends. And I have a kitten named Gabe who loves to lay on my keyboard about the time I decided to sit down and write. Yes, he's spoiled rotten. 

Kassy, thank you so much for joining LitPick for six minutes! We look forward to seeing what 2015 has in store for you!