BookView Review

Welcome to BookView Interview, a conversation series where BookView talks to authors.

Recently, we talked to Kahlani B. Steele about her writing and recently released book, Resilient: She Will Not Be Defeated (Iconic Sons MC Book 1), a taut, gripping exploration of human resilience set against the raw, unforgiving backdrop of motorcycle club life (read the review here).

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Tell us a little about how this story first came to be. Did it start with an image, a voice, a concept, a dilemma or something else?

Resilient began as a small idea planted in my mind. My primary thought was to create a strong female protagonist who embodied the admirable trait of resilience. From that starting point, I envisioned various scenarios that evolved. As the concept developed, characters were introduced, and dialogue between the main characters unfolded. Once I started writing these ideas down, the narrative began to flow. My initial visions often took unexpected turns, especially if I felt that a particular scene wasn’t working.

What makes this book important right now?

The story’s central theme is resilience, a vital quality that allows us to navigate the turbulent waters of modern life. 

Charly faced numerous challenges but consistently bounced back, partly thanks to her support system and inner resilience. Although she might sometimes appear weak, that is not the true story. She confronted Dom, Jax, and Jess’s betrayal with quiet strength. While Charly may have felt overwhelmed at first, her tenacious spirit eventually emerged, allowing her to move forward.

How many rewrites did you do for this book?

I went through several drafts of my manuscript—at least three, though it could have been more. Each time I reviewed the story, I found myself making changes and edits to various parts to ensure everything flowed smoothly and resonated with readers. I’ve learned that many authors grapple with knowing when to finalize their work and move on. That’s why I believe it’s crucial to have your book professionally edited; a fresh set of eyes can provide invaluable insights and help identify areas for improvement that you might miss after countless revisions.

What is your favorite childhood book?

I must have read “Anne of Green Gables” by L. M. Montgomery a hundred times. I remember carrying it with me when I took the bus to school. I had my nose in that book day and night. The world of Avonlea came alive for me as I followed 11-year-old orphan Anne Shirley’s journey. 

In addition to Montgomery’s classic, I was also captivated by Enid Blyton’s “The Faraway Tree Adventures.” The stories of magical trees and enchanted lands sparked my imagination and shaped my love for reading and storytelling.

How long on average does it take you to write a book?

Over the years, I have started hundreds of stories but never finished any of them. I still have these drafts, and when I look back on them, I realize they would require significant editing before I even consider showing them to an editor.

“Resilient” is the first book I completed. It took about a year and a half to write, edit the manuscript several times, and have a designer create the cover and typeset the interior. It was a long process for my first time.

I am currently in the editing stage for the next book in the Iconic Sons MC series, “Courageous.” This process hasn’t taken as long because I have a clearer understanding of what is expected, and knowing the right editor and designer has been incredibly helpful.

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