GREETINGS, BOOKWORMS! I’m Aisha Kandisha, Head Librarian at Kandisha Press. Join me in the dusty stacks of the library I will never leave again as I chat with some of my favorite Women in Horror. Today we feature author Kerry E.B. Black!
What made you want to become an author? Did you have an “Aha!” moment when you knew you were born to write? Or perhaps a beloved book inspired you?
My Mom is a writer and story teller, as was her daddy (my Pap Pap), so it’s kind of in my blood. However, I wrote and illustrated a ghost story when I was in 4th grade, and it was so well received, I was asked to present it to the younger students. I had a blast! I guess I’ve been hooked on story telling ever since. As to bookish inspirations, there are far too many to recount!
What do you believe are your strengths in writing? And when you feel you need to improve on a particular writing skill, how do you go about it?
Writing is an ever-evolving skill. To improve, I participate in writing workshops and read all of the time.
What are your thoughts on the book industry today, or more importantly, about the book community? Do you feel it is getting harder or easier to make it as an independent author these days?
I’m a bit of a dinosaur. When I started out, everything was sent through the postal system, and a Self-addressed Stamped Envelope was required for the return of a manuscript. It was a pricey risk! The internet is a marvel, and it makes submitting pieces so much easier! However, the competition for placement is even keener, so that’s a trade-off. I am so impressed by the Indie writing scene. As to the book community, it’s marvelous when people express their passion! The tricky thing about passion, though, is by its nature, it can be volatile. However, there are so many amazing people in this wild world, which means the good far outweighs the challenging.
Tell us about your work. What story are you most proud of?
I especially enjoy short stories. The challenge of completing a narrative with as few words as possible intrigues me. Hence, my four collections of shorts and flash fiction! My strongest short story is also one of my most personal. It’s called “Quietly Ross” and is the last story in my Herd of Nightmares.
What are your upcoming works and plans for the future?
I’ll continue to submit short stories, of course, but I’m also completing and “shopping” a novella titled Wolves at Bay. There’s also this MG book I’d love to publish.
KANDISHA PRESS 
Thank you for giving me and so many fellow writers a platform in your beautiful library.
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