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 Kendra Smart!
Kendra Smart is a proud Mother first and foremost. But after that her written words have been her voice for almost the last decade. Between being a lead reviewer for Dark Knight News and contributing writer for Fantastic Universes, she also contributes short horror stories as a Lady of Horror monthly. A true kid of the 90’s, she grew up on the Crypt Keeper as well as Rainbow Brite, Goosebumps and Gunni Bears, Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark and The Giving Tree. You get the picture. She works as a QMA in frontline healthcare when not indulging in her family and all the offerings of media this world has to offer. A true wearer of many hats, you may even find her inking artwork. More than likely though she is playing CODM.
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?
Fair enough question. My greatest strength I feel is being able to establish a connection with my readers, whether it be through them being able to experience a scene through a description of sounds or smells, or being able to have them relate to a character’s perspective or point of view. When I feel I am lacking in an area, I reach out. The whole “I get by with a little help from my..” ya know. I’m a huge fan of listening and love to hear different takes on what I write. It is especially helpful when I want something specific to be conveyed.
What are your thoughts on the book industry today, or more importantly, about the book community?
I feel a resurgence in the book community as a whole. A ripple if you will. A joining of minds and sharing of ideas. We are seeing people embrace literature in different ways and at different rates and how wonderful is it to be a part of that time? Where we are seeing literature brought back in spotlights that are capturing minds and inspiring people at different stages of their lives.
I love seeing all the different layers of the community merge and crossover. Regardless of genre.
Do you feel it is getting harder or easier to make it as an independent author these days?
I believe that is more a question of perspective. I feel like we are seeing more voices given broader stages than we have before. The advent and ever changing world of the internet is allowing for different ways of sharing and conversing. But as with the art world A.I. is also causing issues in the writing world and I see that being impactful, especially with those indie authors who are genuinely just trying to share their worlds and creations.
Tell us about your work. What story are you most proud of?
I am not an atypical writer, I like the avenue of short stories and interactions. I love the world of the reviewer. So my writings take on multiple sides of the writing world and I think of my work as a map. An experiment in different avenues because there isn’t only one right way to do anything.
I have a story titled “Shattered” I am pretty fond of. A fellow author and friend, Leah Lederman, did this compilation titled Cafe Macabre. I loved the concept and another author I am supremely fond of, Michelle Soffe was partaking too. So when the second compilation was announced, I threw my hat in the ring. The concept was so inspiring. An anthology of different authors paired with artists whose work reflected the artist’s tale. I was accepted and paired with an amazing artist, Victoria Young.
I got my chance with other Indiana authors to read snippets from our work aloud. It was such a wonderful experience seeing people react to my work with my own voice. A memory I treasure.
What are your upcoming works and plans for the future?
I am someone who really just twists with the wind and what will come for me will. I love the world of writing and am a continuing lead reviewer for Dark Knight News. I will continue contributing short horror as a Lady Of Horror. I may even compile some writings together or join any number of opportunities. As the great Fred Mercury once sang, “Any way the wind blows…”, I look forward to whatever awaits. There are too many doors left to be knocked upon.
KANDISHA PRESS 
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