Posted on January 7, 2019 at 9:47 AM by Sadye Scott-Hainchek

Authors and other creative types are frequently described as being “characters.”

In the case of writer Kell Inkston, that’s literally true.

Inkston, who writes fantasy and sci-fi, appears as an avatar on his website, partly to maintain some anonymity, but partly also because the sketch was carefully designed to depict a person who pops up in his fiction.

With that interest in remaining private comes a healthy dose of tongue-in-cheek answers to interview questions (well, and some straight ones, too).

We’ll just step out of his way and let you get to know him in his own words.

SADYE: You’ve mentioned previously that you wrote the original, 144,000-word version of your novel Kingdom Slayer as a teen. Assuming that wasn’t your first try at writing fiction, what was?

KELL: It was a comic about two personified colors battling each other for supremacy over a piece of paper.

Red Vs. Blue it was called: I had started it when I was about five and went on till I was about seven.

I have no clue how many pages of it there are, but it was a considerable pass-time for me when I wasn't busy running wild outside.

SADYE: You really enjoy corresponding with readers; are there any particularly special exchanges you remember?

KELL: To play the safe route with this question, I'd say most every experience with readers leaves a pretty big impression on me.

It's always incredibly surreal to write something, put it out where people can find it, and then have said people find you months, or even years later.

I'm a glutton for fond acquaintances, and it makes me overwhelmingly happy to know that I've made something that someone unknown has enjoyed.

SADYE: If you could be one of your characters, which would you be and why?

KELL: That's a tough one, so I'll cheat and say myself.

"Kell" makes various, though rare, appearances in the books, and I'm perfectly happy being who I am.

If asked who after that, I'd probably say Cooking Minion seems to have a pretty fun existence.

I think crossing the realms in search for exotic and prime ingredients would be a rather nice way to go about my days.

SADYE: What has been your proudest moment so far as a writer?

KELL: A reader drew some fan art of R.K. Order a few years back.

I haven't really shared it around much, but it always meant a whole lot to me to get something like that from someone.

I imagine seeing someone make art or some derivative work off my stories would make me extra-super proud, to see how big an impact it was on them.

SADYE: If money weren’t an object, would you want to be a full-time writer, or would you keep your day job as an analyst still?

KELL: I do love my job, but writing is my ikigai as it were.

Only eating massive amounts of delicious food or watching tropical birds ever get close to the satisfaction I feel when I'm preparing stories for people I appreciate.

If money were no obstacle, I would most definitely turn to writing full time, as I have a whole lot more to say.

SADYE: What’s a question you wish an interviewer would ask you, and then what is the answer to it?

KELL: First the interviewer would say: "Would you like this briefcase with a million dollars and tuna sashimi that I've got right here?"

Then I would say: "Yes, thank you, I would."

Now that would be a good interview, even if the money would seem a little fishy.

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Learn more about Kell Inkston on his website, where his books can also be purchased; like him on Facebook and follow him on Twitter.

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Categories: Author Interview

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