AUTHOR INTERVIEW

WITH ASH & MARCUS KUSI

https://amkusi.com/

This week I’m welcoming A.M. Kusi for the interview. This dynamic wife-and-husband author team write under the pen name A. M. Kusi. They enjoy writing romance novels that are inspired by their experiences as an interracial/multicultural couple.

A.M. Kusi novels are about strong women and the sexy heroes they fall in love with, are emotionally satisfying and always have a happy ending.

  • Do you try more to be original or to deliver to readers what they want?
  

We are always trying to come up with new or interesting ways to twist the tried and true tropes that readers love. We like to infuse socially relevant issues as well as other topics that are close to our hearts. Diversity in race, sexual orientation, bodies, and ability is also important to us to give proper representation in the books we write.

  • What comes first, the plot or the characters?

Both! Usually I (Ash) ask myself, “What if two people were stuck/had this happen?” Usually I get my ideas starting at the break up, but occasionally it stems from a creative meet cute idea.

  • Do you use anything to get in the mood for writing, especially if it’s emotional?

Music! We have playlists for different vibes/moods. Music is a huge form of inspiration for stories as well as setting the mood while we’re writing a specific emotional scene.

  • What was the best money you ever spent as a writer?

Coaching from our structural and line editor. Our editor is a fantastic woman with an amazing team behind her. She also offers one on one coaching where she goes over a chapter or so with us, pointing out what needs work and what we can do better. Our writing has improved drastically from our earlier books to this Shattered Cove series.

  • Describe your perfect book hero or heroine?

Strong, fierce heroines who don’t take crap and stand up for themselves. And broody, reserved, emotionally wounded heroes who are protective and take charge in the bedroom, but are sweet and caring to their lady.

  • What was your hardest scene to write?

There have been a couple scenes that top the most difficult for me (Ash) to write. One time when I had to kill off a beloved side character to drive the point home on the plot. That was especially hard because that character felt like my own family member. And in the manuscript I just finished the first draft on, book 6 in the series that releases later this year. There was a particularly vulnerable and heart wrenching scene that I could relate all too well with. This heroine in particular, was inspired by my own mental health struggles. So, I definitely cried. LOL.

  • What do you do to get inside your character’s heads?

Usually when I’m listening to certain songs, or trying to fall asleep, I create the setting in my head and put the characters into a scene. I play it through in my head, trying to navigate the plot in my imagination. I create the connections and back stories that way.

  • Describe yourself in three words.

Ash: Creative, learner, loyal.

Marcus: Analytical, open minded, protective.

  • Name three of your favorite things.

Hearing from our readers on how much one of our books impacted them. Having that “Ah-ha!” moment when it comes to finding the key twist in a plot and the story comes together. Spending a day at the beach with our daughters enjoying the sun and saltwater.

  • Name three of your least favorite things

Editing older works, waking up too early, and cold weather.

Book 1 in the Shattered Cove Series, A Fallen Star, is FREE on all retailers. http://www.amkusi.com/afallenstar He’s tormented by dark addictions. She’s fighting for a lifelong dream. Can they rise from the ashes of despair and find happily ever after?
A Fallen Star is the emotional first book in the Shattered Cove romance series. If you like steamy relationships, damaged heroes, and stories of second chances, then you’ll adore A. M. Kusi’s gritty tale. Pick up your copy today!!!

You can FOLLOW them in all the following places!!!

TicTok https://www.tiktok.com/@amkusi.romanceauthor

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/amkusi/

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/amkusinovels/

PINTEREST: https://www.pinterest.com/amkusinovels/

GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18639218.A_M_Kusi

Thanks so much for stopping by to learn about this dynamic duo. Happy reading and reviewing!!! Elizabeth