The Summer Solstice: Enchanted

1. What inspired you to write The Summer Solstice: Enchanted?

The Summer Solstice: Enchanted was most definitely inspired by nature, magic, and love as I preach in my promos. When I was 12 I started writing contemporary romance novels in my spiral notebooks, but I never thought to have anything published. I simply enjoyed the process of writing and shaping a story but I always knew there was an element missing. It wasn’t until I moved to Florida in 2008 that I came up with the idea for The Summer Solstice: Enchanted. I spent time at the bookstore reading a lot and researching story ideas. Nothing clicked until one day I sat there for hours pouring over the Mythologies section and that’s when I was completely sucked into the subject of Midsummer/Summer Solstice. The festivities and rituals that take place during this time fascinated me. I found it beautiful, magical even, how celebrated nature and the seasons are to certain cultures. From there on it was like a floodgate of ideas opened and they still keep coming. I’m very excited about the History and Mythology I’ve created with the Summers in Enchanted. There’s a supernatural spin to this story that I’ve never explored in the past but I know now what that missing element was in my writing – it was magic.

2. How long was the writing process?

If I cut out all of the long breaks I took in between, I would say that The Summer Solstice: Enchanted took 12 months to research, outline, edit, and publish. I wrote four drafts of this novel which each took 2-3 months. And then I spent a good two months on editing. What most people don’t know is that the next book in the series was actually written with the first book but I cut it out and decided to make Enchanted more of an intro or soft launch for the series. It’s been doing really well so far so I think I made the right decision!

3. Have you ever been to Apollo Beach?

I don’t know why I laugh every time someone asks me this question. I’m embarrassed to say that I didn’t visit Apollo Beach until after The Summer Solstice: Enchanted was written. It’s only an hour and a half drive away – but to my defense, for most of my writing process, I had no plans to publish this book. I relied on Google maps and images to shape my imagination. I did get a chance to visit Apollo Beach a few months ago and it confirmed all of the magic I wrote about and more. I have so many ideas for the rest of the series based on this one visit. I will have to go back when the Manatee Viewing Center opens in November.

4. Do you and Kat have anything in common?

Other than our hair color and taste in guys, I don’t think we have much in common. And unless there’s something my parents are keeping from me – our heritage lacks any magic. Kat is also much stronger mentally and emotionally than I was at 16. She is very grounded as a result of her bringing up which is a part of her character that I really enjoyed developing. Kat may not understand why her life has to be so different than other kids but she is open-minded for the most part.

5. What scene was your favorite to write?

Hard question! I loved writing all of the dream sequences, as well as her sixteenth birthday and the Fourth of July party. But my favorite scene from the book is when Rose and Charlotte take her out to the balcony to show her what being Enchanted is all about. This is a moment between the three of them that bonds them. And it’s the first real moment when Kat realizes what she has become. I felt it was a significant transition in Kat’s story.

6. Is Alec based on anyone you know? (Sorry I just had to ask!)

Haha. Unfortunately, no. Although, I have been 16 and I remember the innocence of young love. I remember how much fun it was to crush on boys and how elated I would be when someone I actually liked asked me out. Holding hands was the ultimate sign a boy liked me, and a kiss was a very big deal. Trust me, I had no problem drawing upon my inner 16 year old to write in Alec.

7. What are some of your favorite novels?

I’m a sucker for chick-lit and contemporary romance novels. I read Paranormal and Dystopian too and I definitely have my go-to authors for when I’m looking for a great read. But here I go, favorite novels: The Notebook and A Walk to Remember, Nicholas Sparks. Remember Me? Sophie Kinsella. Twilight, Stephanie Meyers. The Hunger Games trilogy, Suzanne Collins.Divergent trilogy, Veronica Roth. Firefly Lane, Kristin Hannah. I’m very predictable when it comes to my read list.

8. If you could pick an actress to play Kat, who would it be?

I fell in love with Bella Thorne in Blended. She’s so cute and has a bit off that innocent vibe that would be needed to pull of Kat’s character. I wonder how she’d look as a brunette with silver eyes? But if I had to go younger, I would choose Bailee Madison from Just Go With It and Once Upon A Time. She’s so adorable to watch and such a great actress. I’m excited to see what she does with her career as she grows up.

9. Are we going to meet any bad boys in the Equinox?

Who’s to say you haven’t met him already? (wink). I have just released the blurb for The Equinox at www.KK-Allen.com. You can get a small taste for what’s in store for Kat and the rest of her family and friends there. But if you haven’t read The Summer Solstice yet, I highly recommend you not read the blurb for The Equinox yet. Part of what made The Summer Solstice: Enchanted so great was the mystery of what was going to happen next. I don’t want readers to lose that by cheating! Great news is that readers don't have to wait long. The Equinox has a planned release date of December 21st. I hope to have pre-orders available soon, which I will announce in my newsletter and on my Facebook page. 

A huge thank you to K.K Allen! 



For my review of this book, click here.