Today’s Fast Fifteen feature spotlights Harmony Kent.
Harmony is famous for her laughter and has made quite the name for herself. As she says, she’s also “… um, a writer … and fairly well known for that, too.” She’s even won a few awards. Harmony lives in rural Cornwall with her ever-present sense of humour and quirky neighbours, and she refuses to admit to her age.
If you catch her at work, you’ll see she offers editing, proofreading, manuscript appraisal, and beta reading services. She’s also passionate about supporting her fellow authors.
Let’s give Harmony a warm welcome, and check out her 15 responses, below.
Five Questions About Your Book
- How did you come up with the idea for your book?
My life has been an interesting one and has provided many challenges, as well as seeing a lot of change—both internal and external. It sometimes feels as multi-genre as my books! Along the way, many people have told me that I inspire them. Such encounters led to me writing a series of Monday Musings on my blog, which proved incredibly popular. Seeing this response, and how much my readers valued my musings, I decided to make them into a book, along with a ‘thought for the week’, and Jewel in the Mud was born. It is my hope that this reaches even more people and inspires them in their lives. - What sort of research did you do to write this book?
The main research was shaving my head, donning a robe, and spending 13 years in a Zen Buddhist temple! - How did you come up with the title of your book?
We each have a choice in life: either wallow in the mud of everyday life or find the jewel in that mud. It is up to us whether we choose the cup-half-full or the cup-half-empty. Much of this book is taken up with the many and varied decisions we make from second to second and how to utilize these to best advantage. Hence, the title focuses on finding the jewel. - What are you working on now? Any chance of a sequel?
After finishing Jewel in the Mud, I am currently working on a crime fiction series. I have written the first book—The Hunter—and now need to crack on and get the next two written. I intend to follow Sam Sorenson through her career as Detective Constable to Detective Sergeant to Detective Inspector. And, who knows, by then, we might even follow her into Detective Chief Inspector! She starts out as lacking in confidence, and then some nasty things happen to her right off the bat. Hopefully, she’ll learn some lessons along the way. 🙂 - If someone is brand new to your work, what book do you think they should start with?
Oh, now, that depends on what they like to read. Having said that, my top two picks would be The Glade (the scary one that reviewers have likened to a Stephen King type read) and Interludes (the naughty collection of short stories that readers do seem to love).
Five Questions About You As An Author
- What started you on the path to writing for a living?
I’ve loved to write ever since I learned the alphabet! Sadly, I didn’t have enough confidence or encouragement way back then. Only when I came back out of the Zen temple after 13 years, with my life transformed, did I actually sit and write a novel. As soon as I finished that first book (The Battle for Brisingamen), I dove straight into The Glade, and I’ve never looked back. For me, writing is like breathing. - What were some of the challenges you faced on the road to publication?
When I finished my first book and published it, I realized that I knew nothing! I had such a huge learning curve. For one, I had to do something about the awful book cover I had given it. Then I learned so much about editing and formatting and all that. And then, I had to set up my author platform and try to get to grips with advertising. Of course, I did it all backward. I should have set up my author platform, blog, etc., well before I published anything! It’s all been immense fun, though. 🙂 - What is your favorite part of the writing/publishing process? Least favorite?
My favorite part is when the ideas flow and my fingers fly over the keyboard so quickly that they generate smoke! My least favorite is the opposite, when I hit a slump and can’t seem to come up with one good thing at all. At those times, I just feel miserable. - Do you outline books ahead of time or are you more of a by-the-seat-of-your-pants writer?
Mostly, I’m a pantser! I have outlined in the past, but I ended up changing so much when I started writing, I wondered if it was worth it for me. So, a bit of a mix, but mostly I let the characters lead the stories. - What do you do in your free time when you aren’t writing?
I read! Anything and everything … my reading reflects my writing-massively multi-genre.
Five Questions About You As A Reader
- Who are some of your favorite authors?
Susan EE, Lauren Oliver, Veronica Roth, Stephen King. - Which authors of your genre inspire you?
Stephen King, Tana French, Tess Gerritsen. - What are some great books you’ve read recently?
At the moment, I’m revisiting Stephen King and reading all his older works. I just love them. A book that has really stood out for me recently is The Trespasser by Tana French. Her main character ends up paranoid and not knowing who to trust, and I just could not put this book down until I’d finished it. It’s been a long time since a read had my heart racing like that. - What types of books do you enjoy in your downtime?
Mystery/thriller. Crime fiction. Psychological suspense/thrillers. Horror—as long as it’s not too gory, lols! - What are your top three favorite books of all time?
OMG, I can’t answer that! I have a favorite for a while, and then something else moves into the top spot. And it changes depending on my reading mood, lols! If you really coerce me into naming some, I might say at the moment it would be the Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins—I’ve read that trilogy so many times, I’ve lost count. 🙂
So, there you have it. The fast fifteen from author Harmony Kent. Let’s show her some blog love and leave her a word of encouragement or ask her a question. In the meantime, here’s a peek at her latest work and links where you can find her.
Jewel in the Mud
More Information | Purchase Link US | Purchase Link UK
‘Happiness does not depend on what you have or who you are. It relies solely on what you think.’
Have you ever felt angry? Upset? Hurt? Overwhelmed? Not up to it?
This book, with its pithy teachings based in Zen, will help you find the jewel in the inevitable mud of life rather than wallowing in that mud.
Not only does each day offer us a new start, a chance to press reset, but so does each and every breath. It’s never too late to be who you were meant to be, and your history doesn’t have to keep you trapped. And nor do you have to waste endless energy on worrying about all that the future may bring.
Written in an engaging manner, Jewel in the Mud invites you to search within and make your world the way you want it to be. It doesn’t give you strict instructions or homework, but instead, invites you to dive deeper, search further, and question your assumptions.
The book has handy thoughts for the week and can be read in one go, weekly, or dipped into at random. In short, it has been designed to fit in with you and your needs.
Learn how to take control of your life with these Zen Musings.
Connect with Harmony:
Website | Amazon US | Amazon UK | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook
Wonderful and informative interview. The more I learn about Harmony, the more she amazes me.
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Thanks, Micki. I agree. The more I learn about her, the more she blows me away.
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That was a fun Fast Fifteen Staci. Harmony’s life and writing is intriguing and I love she mentioned Tana French, an author I had not hear of until this year and now I am half way through the Dublin Murder Squad Series. Thank you ladies. 🙂
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I said “had not hear of.” Lol.
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Thanks, Janna. I hadn’t heard of her until this post, so I’m going to have to check her out. Sounds like everyone likes her.
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Great interview with Harmony! And now, I simply must read Jewel in the Mud… 🙂
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I’m part of the way through it already and really enjoying it.
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Aww, thanks, Bette! I’ll bet it’s right up your street! All the best 🙂
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I enjoyed the question and answers and learning more! We share a love of Stephen King and I love to dive back into his early work. I see there are a couple of books to add to my reading list and I look foward to reading Jewel in the Mud:)
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I’m a Stephen King fan, too. I thought I really liked his early work (well, I do), but I read 11/22/63 and really took to it, too. I wouldn’t mind going back and reading some old favorites, though.
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I have to agree with you there, 11/22/63 was pretty amazing!
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Thanks, D.L.! I haven’t read much of SK’s later works but am getting there. I’m sure you’ll love Jewel in the Mud! 🙂
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!3 years in a Buddhist temple? Wow!!
I imagine you came out a changed person. That would make a very interesting memoir!
Best of luck with Jewel in The Mud (I’m a glass half full girl, by the way 🙂 )
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Wow, I need an editor. That was supposed to read 13, sheesh!
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Loving that you’re a glass-half-full girl. I prefer to drain it dry, but to each her own. 😉
Thanks for stopping by, Jacquie.
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Lol, depends on the drink 🙂
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So many people have urged me to write a memoir … who knows, it might happen one of these days! You keep on being a glass half-full kind of a girl, and never mind what the drink is! lols. Thanks for your support, Jacquie 🙂
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These Q&A are always fun for getting to know authors better. Great interview, ladies. Harmony, I’m also excited about your upcoming crime fiction series. And I adore Tana French. I still have a few of her other books to catch up with before I read The Trespasser.
Wishing you the best with Jewel in the Mud. Congrats on yet another release!
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Thanks, Mae!
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Thanks, Mae! Glad you like the interview. I read Tana’s last book first, and have now started on the first book, lols 🙂
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Excellent Staci. Nice getting to know Harmony better.
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Thanks, John. I learned a lot about her, too. What an amazing life.
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I know right. She is amazing.
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I’m impressed with Staci’s questions, and it’s great being on her blog. Thanks for your kind words, John. It’s always lovely to see you around! 🙂
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Congrats, Harmony on your new book! You are one busy lady! 😀 I was surprised to find out how much you have written and published. Again, congrats! This is a beautiful exposition, Staci. Thank you, for profiling her. 😀
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I loved having her here. I always enjoy having authors here. We’re really just one big family, right? And if we can’t support each other, what’s the point?
Thanks so much for stopping by. I’m glad you enjoyed her spotlight.
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Thanks for stopping by, Joy! I’ve had the pleasure of getting showcased on quite a few blogs just lately! As ever, my blog is always open to folks too 🙂
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Reblogged this on Jan Hawke INKorporated and commented:
I always think that Harmony Kent is the indie author’s David Bowie – she’s a real Karma Chameleon! Read on to see why! 😀
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Thanks for visiting and sharing, Jan!
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Oh, Jan, you have me laughing so much just now! Thanks for the reblog and your fantastic comments 🙂
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What a fantastic interview. 13 years in a Buddhist Temple? Wow! And then to write Interludes! Wow! Harmony, you are full of amazing surprises and I enjoyed learning more about you. Great post, Staci!
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Lols! Yep, I almost went under another name but then decided, what the heck!? I loved Staci’s questions. Thanks for your support, Jan! 😊
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I’m utterly fascinated by the thirteen years. It blows my mind!
Thanks for dropping by, Jan.
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Nice getting to know you better, Harmony! I started The Glade several weeks back, but had to take a break to fulfill some other commitments – planning on getting back to it later this week. Love your taste in authors.
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The Glade was the first book of hers that I read. I think you’ll really like it.
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That’s great, Teri! I hope you enjoy it. Thanks for your support 😊
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Pressed This: http://harmonykent.co.uk/fast-fifteen-with-author-harmony-kent/ 🙂
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I agree about doing things the wrong way round. If I had know what I know now I would have started a blog, got a website etc first – but then I would never have got around to writing the books!
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It’s hard to find time to do all of it, isn’t it? I know I could use a few more hours in the day.
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Lols, so true! For sure! thanks for stopping by, Tidalscribe 🙂
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Lovely seeing Harmony here today. I’ll share it where I can. Then I have to start my commute.
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Thanks, Craig. Appreciate the share. Have a nice day!
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Thanks, Craig! Good luck with that commute 🙂
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Thanks so much for hosting me today, Staci! It’s always such a pleasure and honour to visit with you! And I love that we seem to have the same luck with technology, lols 🙂
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The bane of my existence, Harmz.
Glad to have you here today. I hope this post garners interest in your work. I’ve started reading Jewel in the Mud, and I’m really getting a lot out of it. Really good job on this one.
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Note to readers: A couple of the questions and answers don’t relate to me … for instance, I’m Indie all the way and not traditionally published. I’ve never heard the word “no” because I never went that route, lols. We’ll fix this glitch in a bit! 🙂
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Sorry, Harmony. I fixed the post. I’m not sure how that happened, but thanks for catching it and for being patient with our time difference. I’m sure you’re well into your day by now.
And thanks for visiting today!
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Nice getting to know a little more about you, Harmony. Your upcoming series is right up my alley. Congrats on the release of your newest book.
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Thanks, Joan! I’m glad you like the sound of the new series 🙂
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Will it surprise you, Joan, to know it appeals to me, too? You don’t have to answer; I know it won’t. 😉
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Enjoyed the Q & A, ladies! 😊
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Thanks, Felicia. Glad you enjoyed it. A couple of questions need amend, so please do check back later! 🙂
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Will do!
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Thanks for visiting, Felicia. Sorry about the confusion.
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