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On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment eBook magazine UK“, Ky’Neike King shares what inspired her to write her gun safety book for children, Run! Run! There’s A Gun!
Written by JJ Barnes
I interviewed Ky’Neike King about her life and career, being inspired to write about gun safety for children, and the creative work that went into her new book, Run! Run! There’s A Gun!
Tell me a bit about who you are.
I am the mother of one son, a clinical social worker and a person who lives fully and authentically. I love nature, good food and good people. I also love traveling.
When did you first WANT to write a book?
I first started thinking about writing a book when my son was around 10 yrs old because he would not remember some of the experiences he had when he was younger. When I asked if he remembered doing a particular thing, he would tell me that he didn’t remember until I showed him photos of us doing that specific thing. I figured we should memorialize these experiences in a book.
When did you take a step to start writing?
During the pandemic in early 2021, I decided I wanted to start the book writing process. Since we were on lockdown it seemed like a good time to start. It was therapeutic to be doing something productive during that time. I would ask my son what he remembered of a particular experience, I’d ask probing questions about the experience then jot down what he told me. Later I formulated it into a story. I ended up writing and self-publishing three books at one time.
How long did it take you to complete your first book from the first idea to release?
I started the process in February 2021. The three books were edited, illustrated, formatted and ready for publishing in September 2021.
How long did it take you to complete your latest book from the first idea to release?
The whole process took about 30 days. Spines Publishing was very instrumental in the process for the fourth book. Spines assisted with the editing, illustration, and formatting. With the previous three books, I had to hire different people to complete the separate tasks.
Focusing on your latest release. What made you want to write Run! Run! There’s A Gun!?
I wanted to write the last book because of all the news stories about children either hurting themselves or others after accessing a firearm. I would watch the news story and wonder if those children were ever educated on the danger of firearms. Did anyone ever tell them how they should respond if they find themselves in a scenario with a gun? I just could not understand why so many children were gaining access to firearms and harming themselves or others.
What were your biggest challenges with writing Run! Run! There’s A Gun!?
The biggest challenge was writing the bulk of the story in rhyme format and having it make sense. I also struggled with providing the education in a palatable way since it’s such a serious and daunting subject.
Who or what inspired you when creating your Protagonist?
Well, that was easy because the protagonist is not a specific person but many people-which are the children who will read the book. They are all the heroes because they will learn to keep themselves and others safe from gun injuries.
Who or what inspired you when creating your Antagonist?
I always knew the antagonist would be the gun. The gun is the enemy because in the hands of a young child, the untrained or a criminal it is extremely dangerous.
What is the inciting incident of Run! Run! There’s A Gun!?
In the book I present different scenarios in which a child may be exposed to a gun or shooting and guide them on how they should handle the situation. So, there is not only one inciting incident but many possible incidents.
What is the main conflict of Run! Run! There’s A Gun!?
I would say the main conflict is guns getting into the hands of children and being mishandled.
Did you plot Run! Run! There’s A Gun! in advance, or fly by the seat of your pants and write freely?
I did not plot the book in advance. I wrote each page as it came to me. Once I felt I had enough of the story written, I then reviewed what I had written and figured out if the order needed to be changed so the story could flow better.
Did you get support with editing, and how much editing did Run! Run! There’s A Gun! need?
Yes, I had an outside editor prior to contracting with my publishing company Spines who initially edited the book. Then Spines also edited the books as additional pages were being added to the book. I supposed the book needed a fair share of editing.
What is the first piece of writing advice you would give to anyone inspired to write a story?
Think about your why. Why do you feel compelled to write this story/book? What purpose will your story/book serve?
Can you give me a hint about any further books you’re planning to write?
Well, I plan to write more books about my son’s formative years experiences under the RahKy The Royal book series, which is the series the first three books are part of. I actually have the fourth book from that series completed but I wanted to focus on marketing the gun safety book.
And, finally, are you proud of your accomplishment? Was it worth the effort?
I am very proud of all the books I’ve written, but I am especially proud of the gun safety book because it is literally a book that can save children’s lives!
Pop all your book, website and social media links here so the readers can find you:
All books are on Amazon:
Run! Run! There’s A Gun!: https://amzn.to/4heH1fI
RahKy The Royal book series: https://amzn.to/4btNphY
IG: @kyneike
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