Today on the Brave Blog we have an interview with Elle E. Kay. Her most recent release is Midnight Masquerade, a Christian romantic suspense novel.
D. T.: Hey Elle, good to have you on the blog with us today. First off, what would you consider to be a “brave” topic in fiction?
Elle: I think many topics can be considered “brave” depending on how they are presented. Any story that confronts darkness is, at its core, brave. My books often explore issues that are seldom spoken of, such as the depths of human depravity, including sexual assault, human trafficking, terrorism, and cults.
D. T.: Those are definitely some topics that get pushed into the shadows in Christian Fiction sometimes. I’ve read a few books that deal with them well, but it can be hard to find them.
What is a topic you feel is underrepresented in Christian Fiction?
Elle: I am not sure there are any topics underrepresented in Christian fiction as a whole. I do think many brave topics are underrepresented in traditional publishing. Indie authors, however, are writing and publishing the full range of stories, from light, feel good reads to intense, gritty thrillers that confront darkness and bring it into the light.
D. T.: Indie books are wonderful about dealing with difficult topics. I’ve read several amazing ones.
Name a book that you feel addressed a “brave” subject well. How did this book inspire you?
Elle: Although it is not yet available to the general public, The Girl Upstairs by Jessica Patch confronts mental health, miscarriage, sexual assault, kidnapping, and more. She bravely tackled subjects many authors would avoid, and she did so in a thoughtful and engaging way. Her novel inspires me to be even bolder in my own story choices.
D. T.: That’s wonderful. We never know how our writing will encourage someone else.
Speaking of encouragement, has the Lord brought you through a difficult time? If so, what did that look like?
Elle: Many times. The Lord has brought me through seasons of trauma and disability, the former of which largely inspired my debut novel, Shadowing Stella. I do not share the details publicly, but much of that story was deeply personal to me.
D. T.: I can understand that. I think we writers wind up putting a lot of ourselves and our lives into our books, even when we don’t know we’re doing it.
Do you have a main Scripture for your work in progress or your writing in general?
Elle: In recent years, I have chosen a Scripture for each of my books. For my recent release, Midnight Masquerade, I chose my life verses as the guiding Scripture for the novel.
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28–30 (KJV)
D. T.: Jesus’ words to His disciples are always filled with such soul grounding truth and comfort.
Branching off from that, what makes you unique as a writer?
Elle: My books combine romance with difficult subjects and place them within fast-paced thrillers filled with suspense. Faith is a core component of all my stories, and readers often comment on how clearly it shines through my writing. I have even had readers tell me they wish they could attend one of my Bible studies, which may be the greatest compliment I have ever received.
D. T.: Wow. That is quite the compliment.
Will you share the first line or your favorite line from your latest or featured book?
Elle: Dante Reyes had seen many things in his time working with the CIA, but when green eyes met his through the darkness of that container, his breath went out of him like he had taken a gut punch.
D. T.: Sounds like Dante is going to have a tough time with this particular call.
We’ve just gotten to see a brief sample of your work, so what do you hope readers will take away from your latest or featured book?
Elle: Through Lisa’s journey in Midnight Masquerade, I hope readers see that when a Christian causes harm, it is not God’s fault. The responsibility lies with the individual who caused the pain, not with the Lord or the entire body of Christ.
D. T.: That’s a reminder I think we all need at one time or another. Both Christians and non-Christians can fall into the trap of blaming God for something a human(s) did.
What’s the most surprising thing you learned while writing your last book?
Elle: I was surprised by the varied geography of Turkey. I had to rewrite several scenes to ensure the setting and locations were accurate for the area I was writing about.
D. T.: Getting the setting right can be a lot of work. Exactly how much research do you do for your books? What does your research process look like?
Elle: That depends on the book and how familiar I am with the subject matter. Early in my career, when I wrote historical fiction, I could spend months researching. With contemporary stories, I can usually find answers more efficiently. There are excellent resources where authors can consult professionals in various fields and receive clear answers to complex questions. At times, however, visiting a location in person is the only way to get the details right.
D. T.: I have friends who write Historical Fiction, and the research phase is no joke. I’m thankful not to have to jump through some of the hoops they do.
That wraps up our interview today. Elle, thanks again for being with us and sharing a little about your book and writing process.
More about Elle:
Elle E. Kay is a Christian fiction author known for her gripping romantic suspense novels. Her journey began in the heart of Pennsylvania, where her love for storytelling was nurtured amidst the rolling hills and serene landscapes. With a background in the legal field and a passion for weaving tales of faith, love, and mystery, Elle crafts stories that resonate with readers seeking both inspiration and entertainment.
Her novels, including the acclaimed Pennsylvania Parks series, are a testament to her ability to blend suspenseful plots with deep, emotional connections.
Join Elle on her literary adventure as she continues to captivate audiences with her unique voice and compelling narratives.
