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, Courageous: She Will Not Let Fear Stop Her (Iconic Sons MC Book 2), a daring, provocative read with heat, heart, and honesty (read the review here).
Kahlani B. Steele was born and raised in Perth, Western Australia, where she also pursued a degree in Education focusing on Early Childhood Education. Kahlani now resides in a small town called Kalgoorlie. Her passion for reading was ignited at a young age when she fell in love with Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery, a book that sparked her imagination and set her on the path to becoming a writer and educator.
Kahlani B. Steele published her debut novel, “Resilient,” under a pseudonym in 2024. “Courageous” is the second book in the Iconic Sons MC series.
Author website: https://www.kahlanibsteelecom.au/
Do you read your book reviews? Do they please you or annoy you? Do you think you can learn a lot from reading criticism about your work?
Absolutely! When readers enjoy my book and leave a positive review, it makes me feel good, not merely because the review is positive, but also because my book has resonated with them in some way. They have connected with my protagonist, which is incredibly uplifting since I write stories that convey a positive message from difficult situations. Hope is a powerful aphrodisiac and can help people move on from adversity and rise above their challenges.
When I receive a negative review, I approach it with an open mind and willingness to learn. While I understand that my writing style may not resonate with everyone, I welcome constructive criticism with an open and eager spirit. In this industry, having thick skin is essential because there will be times when you receive a negative review that is neither constructive nor helpful.
Is writer’s block real?
For me, yes. I strive to write each day. However, there are moments when I face the infamous ‘writer’s block,’ where inspiration feels elusive, and I’m unable to choose a direction for my story. On other days, my mind overflows with vivid ideas, compelling me to capture them on the page before they slip away.
How hard is it to write and publish a book?
Publishing a book requires significant financial investment, and writing a novel is not a quick task. It often takes months or even years to prepare a book for publication. After completing your manuscript and numerous revisions, the next step is hiring a professional editor. You also need to consider typesetting, designing the book cover, and marketing. All these aspects require both time and money.
If I could take a year off work to devote entirely to writing, it would be a dream come true. Unfortunately, with a full-time job and daily commitments, I typically find time to write during my downtime.
Where do your ideas for this story come from?
Some of the narrative springs from my own life experiences or the vivid tales shared by those close to me. This personal connection deepens the reader’s engagement, allowing them to step into the protagonist’s shoes and truly immerse themselves in their emotional mindset. While I incorporate elements of embellishment and fiction to heighten the excitement and intrigue for the audience, the essence of the story remains grounded in genuine authenticity.
Tell us some more about your book.
This book is particularly special to me because it delves into the lives of three characters: Clark, Gun, and Vin. Their story explores the complexities of mental health, a topic that is familiar to many individuals as they navigate their own struggles and challenges. Through their experiences, I aimed to shed light on the importance of understanding mental health and the various ways people cope with it. I’m genuinely excited to share their journey and the lessons they learn.
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