Meet the Author: Kellyn Roth

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Hello, all! I am so happy to have Kellyn Roth here with a fun interview featuring the anthology, Springtime in Surrey from her small press, Wild Blue Wonder Press.

What was your favorite part of working on this anthology?

Oh, it was a delight from start to finish! One of my favorite parts was collaborating with other authors on the marketing. That made it so much more fun to tackle the project—and got us all excited for each other’s stories!

Why did you pick the era you did for Courage to Stay?

I decided to set it in Regency era for a number of reasons. First, a lot of my research has been in that era lately, meaning I didn’t have to reinvent the wheel. Second, the social dynamics of the Regency era have always appealed to me. Third, I wanted to write historical—and this era, directly before or in the early stages of any industrialization in England, seemed perfect for the mood I was trying to accomplish with the story.

For readers who enjoy your story, what is another book they should read?

Hmm, well, any Christian Regency romances, but specifically, novels by Sarah M. Eden. My novella especially reminds me of her ongoing series, “The Gents,” which though not officially Regency, has a similar vibe to Courage to Stay!

Where did the idea come from for your story?

Well, originally I wrote it as a Shakespearean retelling—As You Like It with a facelift. That said, it eventually morphed into something more, with serious themes such as PTSD and pursuing marital harmony.

Who is your biggest fictional inspiration?

Just one?! How could I only choose one? I suppose if I had to narrow it down, I’d say Gene Stratton-Porter. Though not the most talented author in the world, this vintage writer charmed me as a young teenager … and gave me ideas for my first “grown up books,” which became my series, The Chronicles of Alice & Ivy. Today, I still draw inspiration from her amazing characters and themes, as well as her rich appreciation for the natural world.