Tyler Kirk
How do you market your books?
As an extrovert, I approach marketing my books a bit differently than most. It seems that being an extrovert is a rare thing in the writing community, but I’m not afraid to talk about my work with anyone, whether it's a casual conversation with a stranger or an appropriate moment in public. I’m confident in my books and I genuinely enjoy discussing them!
Aside from those in-person chats, I stay active on X and Instagram to promote my work. I try to keep it balanced, sharing as much as I can without being overwhelming. It’s all about staying authentic and letting people see the passion behind my stories. It may not be the typical "writer" way, but it’s my way, and it works for me.
Tell me why you market them this way – how it helps. Would you be open to help when it comes to marketing and promoting your work?
I market this way because it feels authentic to me. Engaging with people face-to-face builds genuine connections, and when I can share my passion in person, it creates a deeper interest in my work. Plus, I find that personal interactions are often more memorable than just a social media post. It also helps that I’m not shy to talk about my books, which leads to organic promotion that feels real, not forced.
My books have become known here in Spokane, where I live, and it seems they resonate with people locally. I feel like I’m more of a local author than a big internet name, and honestly, that feels amazing. There’s something special about connecting with my community, and I’m grateful for the support.
Does your family read your work? If not, would you like them to? Are your books their thing? Would it bother you if they weren’t interested in reading any of them?
My family reads my work (I think). It doesn’t really bother me if they do or don’t. I think that my books aren’t really anyone in my family's cup of tea but those that have read it may have done so just to be supportive. I’m speaking about Children of Strife: The Arsonist primarily here as I think that the case with The Vitamin Kid is a lot different due to the significance it has within my family. It was my great-grandfather's incomplete work that I inherited so it’s possible that some of my family read it to get to know an old and deceased family member.
Did you need to do research for your book? If so, how much did you do, how did you do it?
Oh, absolutely. I did a lot of research for The Vitamin Kid because, in addition to the materials I was left with, there was a lot of language and context I needed to understand. I wanted to honor my great-grandfather properly and ensure the book was done right. As for Children of Strife, I've delved into research on a variety of topics. Honestly, I could probably write an entire book on all the things I’ve discovered while working on The Arsonist novel. It’s actually a really fun process for me!
How many books have you written and/or published and which is your favourite? Why?
So far, I’ve written two novels, and I’d have to say Children of Strife: The Arsonist is my current favorite because it’s 100% my own original IP. The Vitamin Kid holds a special place as well, though—it's my favorite for the personal connection it has. It was a fun project that honored my family and paid respect to my great-grandfather, whom I never had the chance to meet.
What comes first for you – the plot or the characters? And why?
For me, the characters always come first. I find that once I have a solid understanding of who my characters are, their personalities, and their motivations, the plot naturally starts to take shape. It’s like they begin to drive the story forward, and I just follow where they lead. A lot of this inspiration comes from growing up reading comics. I’ve always been drawn to how comics build worlds around compelling characters. The stories often start with the heroes, villains, and the people who surround them. That character-driven focus really stuck with me. When I read comics, I was less concerned with the overarching plot and more interested in how the characters interacted, evolved, and faced challenges. That’s the foundation I try to bring into my own writing.
Would you write any genre or do you stick to one?
I’m pretty open to writing in any genre, honestly. I feel like there’s so much to explore in different kinds of stories, and I love the idea of diving into whatever excites me at the moment. Lately, I’ve felt really drawn to science fiction. I think it’s because I’ve been exposed to it a lot over the last couple of years, and the possibilities within that genre really speak to me. There’s something about the limitless worlds and futuristic concepts that sparks my imagination. That said, my main goal right now is to finish the Children of Strife trilogy. It’s a story I’m really passionate about, and I want to see it through to completion before diving into anything else.But who knows? Once I wrap that up, I’m open to exploring new genres and seeing where my creativity takes me.
How do you decide your plots? Are they taken from events that have happened to you? Do you base your characters on real people – or do you prefer to be fully creative and make them up?
When it comes to deciding my plots, it’s a mix of different things. Some ideas definitely come from personal experiences, but I don’t stick to just what’s happened to me. I take those real-life moments, whether they’re emotions, events, or situations, and twist or expand them to fit the story I want to tell. It’s about capturing the essence of an experience but allowing it to evolve into something unique and compelling for the characters and the world they live in. I think this approach helps keep the story grounded in reality while still allowing room for creativity and exploration. The heart of the plot may come from something real, but it’s the creative process that shapes it into something entirely its own.
What is your favourite genre to write in? Tell me why
My favorite genre to write in? Honestly, it’s a wide range of fiction. I’m drawn to everything from epic fantasy like Lord of the Rings to the unsettling, mind-bending nature of something like House of Leaves. There’s so much freedom in both types of stories. In fantasy, you get to build entire worlds and explore rich, complex lore. In something more psychological or experimental, you can push boundaries with structure and narrative. Both have their own kind of magic, and I love the challenge and creativity they bring.
How many hours a day or week would you say you spend writing? Is it a potential career for you, is it something you do outside your day job?
I’d say I spend a few hours a day writing, but it definitely varies depending on the week. On average, I try to get in at least 10-20 hours a week, but sometimes I’ll dive in for longer sessions if inspiration strikes. Writing is something I’m incredibly passionate about, but it’s still something I do outside of my day job for now.
Is writing therapeutic for you, or does it cause you to stress out?
Writing is definitely therapeutic for me. It always has been since I was a little kid. It’s my way of processing thoughts and emotions, and it gives me a space to express myself in a way that feels natural. When I write, it’s like everything else fades away, and I can focus entirely on the story and characters. Of course, there are moments when it can be stressful, like when I’m stuck on a plot point or when deadlines loom, but overall, it’s a way for me to unwind and make sense of the world. It’s my personal escape, and I think that’s one of the things I love most about it.
How do you react to reviews? Would you prefer just good ones or are you okay to receive a bad one occasionally? How does this make you feel?
I take the good with the bad. I think both kinds of reviews can be valuable, and as a writer, you have to accept that not everyone is going to love your work. I haven’t received enough reviews yet to really know how impactful they might be on me, but I’m open to hearing feedback. Constructive criticism can help me grow as a writer, and good reviews are obviously encouraging. At the end of the day, what matters most is staying true to my vision and continuing to improve my craft.
How do you feel about killing off popular characters? Is it something you enjoy doing in your own books? Have you done it?
Killing off popular characters can be a tough decision, but I think it’s a necessary evil in storytelling. It can raise the stakes, create emotional impact, and show that no character is truly safe. Sometimes, the story requires it to move forward or to make the world feel more real and unpredictable.
What made you decide to become a writer?
I decided to become a writer because I’ve always had this drive to create something that connects with others. Living in Spokane, WA, has given me plenty of inspiration, and over time, I realized that writing was the best way for me to express those ideas. Children of Strife: The Arsonist was especially important to me because it’s completely my own original concept. It’s a chance for me to dive deep into a world I’ve built and share that with readers who might feel something from it. Writing has been a way for me to channel my thoughts and experiences into stories that feel authentic, and I’ve found that I truly enjoy the process of crafting something that comes from me. It’s more than just creating characters and plots—it’s about bringing something to life that resonates with others in a meaningful way.
You can find Tyler Kirk on Goodreads
