Ever wonder what an indie author does when they’re not writing intense emotional scenes, stalking their order stats, or sobbing over formatting glitches?

No?

Well… here’s a blog post about exactly that anyway.

These are some of the most frequently asked questions (by me, mostly) about what it’s like behind the scenes of Marked by Fate, life as K.B. Riley, and the chaos I call my day-to-day.

Q: What inspired you to write Marked by Fate?

A: Trauma.

No, seriously. Also Ellen Hopkins.

But mostly trauma.

Marked by Fate started as a half-formed idea over a decade ago and turned into something real when I finally believed I had the strength, and the support, to finish it. It’s personal. It’s messy. It’s got soulmates, sabotage, and teenagers trying their best in a broken system.

Q: Do you write every day?

A: Emotionally? Yes. Productively? Define “productive.”

My writing schedule is a little like Ohio weather—chaotic, unpredictable, and occasionally brilliant. I do something for the book or series every day, but it’s not always writing pages. Sometimes it’s audiobook edits. Sometimes it’s marketing. Sometimes it’s me staring at the ceiling wondering why I decided to self-publish in the first place and give myself so. much. work.

Q: What do you do in your free time?

A: Ha. “Free time.” That’s adorable.

When I’m not writing, I’m usually running The Woods Park & Pavilion (yes, the same one where I threw my book launch party) or helping Homeless to Home Animal Rescue. That’s the “professional and emotionally rewarding” side.

On the “I need to disassociate for a while” side: I’m currently re-re-replaying The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword on my Switch. It’s a comfort game, and Link’s silent judgment gives me strength. Other times I’m curled up with one of my cats, pretending I don’t have six overdue emails and a chapter draft screaming from across the room.

Q: What’s the audiobook process been like?

It’s a process.

I’m still deciding whether I want to narrate the whole thing myself, or tag in some help... but I can say it’s underway. It’s exciting and intimidating and kind of surreal to hear the words out loud. The goal is a fully produced, emotionally immersive audiobook experience that does the story justice.

Q: What’s next for The Chronicles of Fate?

A: Besides book two, which is obvious?

I’m building something new. Something immersive. Something that goes beyond the books. It’s fun, it’s different, and it hasn’t really been done before—at least not like this—by an indie author.

Best part? It’s also a marketing tool in disguise. A way to help readers fall into the world and bring in new fans in a way that feels organic, creative, and actually enjoyable. Stay tuned.

Q: How do you balance everything?

A: I don’t.

I drink coffee at the wrong times, cry in between events, and lean on people who love me even when I’m a gremlin in a hoodie. The balance is less “graceful swan” and more “cat knocking over a water glass but somehow the glass lands straight up.”

But I’m still here. Still building. Still trying. And still unbelievably grateful for every reader who takes a chance on this book, and a chance on me.

Have more questions?

Drop them in the comments, or send them my way. Maybe I’ll do a part two. Or maybe I’ll start a Q&A series hosted by one of my cats. No promises.

With coffee and chaos,