Meet Kyoko M | Published Author

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kyoko M and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kyoko, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
For as long as I can remember, I’ve always written things, even from a young age, whether they were little stories or diary entries. I considered it a hobby for most of my life until I hit college and realized I didn’t want to become a veterinarian as I thought I did growing up. I changed my major to English Literature and realized writing was more than just a passion, but something I loved and wanted to pursue. I attended a lecture given by UGA alumnus Jackson Pearce about writing and publishing as a career, and from there, decided to become an author. To be honest, it’s never been about the money. Writers often joke that anyone who tries to become a published author for the money is doomed. The numbers show it’s not exactly lucrative for the majority of them. The reason I decided to pursue it is because I love telling stories. I enjoy the craft of writing. I enjoy all the creative and imaginative things surrounding this career as well as the incredibly talented people I’ve been fortunate enough to meet along the way. I also like the ability to create what I want to see in the fictional world and in the genres I write in (urban fantasy, paranormal romance, science fiction, contemporary fantasy) because I want to create representation for things that I feel deserve the spotlight in those genres.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have written two series so far: The Black Parade urban fantasy/paranormal romance series and the Of Cinder and Bone science fiction/contemporary fantasy series. I have also published a short story called “Ukubamba” in Marvel Comics’ Black Panther: Tales of Wakanda anthology. I am also a contributor to two black science fiction/fantasy anthologies published by MVMedia: Terminus and Cyberfunk.

I would say my biggest accomplishments are having my debut novel, The Black Parade, read and positively reviewed by New York Times bestselling author Ilona Andrews. She is literally my favorite female author of all time and I accidentally stumbled my way into her good graces via Twitter. I am still amazed she took the time to read my book and enjoyed it so much she posted it on her blog and gave me her endorsement. My other biggest accomplishment is having a story in an official Marvel Comics anthology. It’s always been my dream to write something for Marvel, given that I adore the Marvel Comics and the Marvel Cinematic Universe, so this was an opportunity to make my dream come true.

Nothing about my creative career has been easy. Not a single moment. Overcoming the challenges I’ve faced has come down to discipline and patience. You must have an unending supply of both to be an author. I’ve learned that it’s an extremely difficult career path, but a rewarding one if you do the work and do your best every single time and are open to changing your perspective.

I want the world to know that black creatives are here and have always been here and we have so many stories to offer the world. We have the talent and the perspective to entertain by the millions. I want people to know that my brand and my story is about a diverse world and exploring all the weird and wonderful creatures that inhabit it

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I currently live in the Atlanta area, specifically east Atlanta, and I’ve found that the city and its surrounding cities have a lot to offer. I’d take my friend to Highland Bakery for breakfast, because they have some of the most delicious breakfast foods in the state, and then we could go to Atlantic Station for some shopping and maybe see a movie. For lunch, we’d hit Fat Matt’s Rib Shack, which has barbecue so good that every single person I’ve ever taken there has sung its praises. After lunch, we could visit the Georgia Aquarium, which is quite lovely and enjoyable. For dinner, we’d go to Hattie B’s Hot Chicken, which is some of the best Southern/Nashville style chicken I’ve ever had. After that, I’d take them to the Cheesecake Factory for dessert and then we’d call it a night.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First, shout out to author Milton J. Davis. He is the one who referred me to Shout Out Interviews. Second, shout out to the State of Black Science Fiction group and its corresponding authors, who have been awesome in collaborating with me on multiple projects and have been supporting of my career and vice versa. Third, shout out to author/writer/producer Geoffrey Thorne, who has been my part time mentor and shining example of black excellence in the creative world. Fourth, shout out to Jesse J. Holland and all the authors who wrote short stories alongside me in the Marvel Comics Black Panther: Tales of Wakanda anthology. Fifth, shout out to New York Times bestselling author Ilona Andrews for having kindly supported my urban fantasy series back in 2018 and giving me some of the most valuable advice and encouragement I’ve ever received in my professional career. Sixth, shout out to my family and friends for being the reason I still write and the reason I am still trying to survive in this difficult world.

Website: http://www.shewhowritesmonsters.com

Twitter: @misskyokom

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Author/She-Who-Writes-Monsters-161227150647087/

Image Credits
Book cover artists: The Black Parade – Gunjan Kumar Back to Black, Of Cinder and Bone, Of Fury and Fangs – BRose Designz