DAUPHIN COUNTY, Pa. — Harrisburg-based writer K. Iwancio has wanted to be an author her whole life.
When it was life that got in the way, her dreams went on the backburner, but were never forgotten. And after losing her job a few years ago, the author picked up a pen again--with no plans to put it down.
"I was like ‘hey, you know what, no time like the present," she said. "Let’s just write a story.’”
Iwancio's story starts in first grade, when her teacher printed and bound one of her manuscripts. And with the future author’s first book in her hands…
“Whoo! Once I hit that high, man, there was no coming back,” she laughed.
There were a few bumps in the road, but writing was always a comfort to Iwancio.
“My writing love kind of resurged in middle school," she said. "I had an amazing English teacher, Ms. Stroop, who was reading my poetry and was like, ‘this is really good, you should keep doing this.’ So I did, and I didn’t stop—well, until after college. But I’m very glad to be back; it’s definitely what I always wanted to do.”
She knows firsthand that writing doesn’t always come easily, but it is always there as an outlet.
“If you’re a new writer or want to start writing, I do recommend just start," Iwancio said. "Because nobody’s first draft is ever pretty. Sometimes it’s not even completely legible, but you wrote something. And as long as you write something every day, you’re a writer.”
Not only will you be a writer--you'll also be improving your skills.
“So with writing style, I believe every day you write you get better,” Iwancio declared.
She also encourages authors not to be disheartened by rejections from traditional publishers. Iwancio advocates that no matter how you publish--traditionally, by yourself, online, etc.--you are still just as much an author as the New York Times bestsellers. And with the way the publishing world is going through its own metamorphosis, it's good to have experience in multiple areas.
“It’s always going to be a learning process," she said. "The publishing world is changing, the marketing world is changing, so you just have to be flexible.”
And part of being adaptable is always striving to better yourself.
“Definitely take time to hone your craft," Iwancio recommended. "Ask for advice, seek out advice, read books on writing, read. Reading is definitely the number one thing you can do as a writer to benefit you most of all.”
A good way for aspiring authors to make sure they're focusing on reading as well as writing is to join a book club. Iwancio recommends one that focuses on the genre of the book you are writing.
It's also a good idea to get an understanding of how you write best--although Iwancio admits that that's sometimes easier said than done, for herself included.
“Honestly, it depends on which project I’m working on, because sometimes I’m either writing in chronological order and sometimes the characters are like, ‘no, let’s work on the ending now.’ So I will jump to the ending, write that first, and then work my way back. So it’s chaos most of the time,” she laughed.
Iwancio says she tends to just start writing as opposed to planning out the novel first. The method clearly works for her, as the romance author had a busy 2023, publishing five of her first seven novels--including the FOX43 Book Club's July pick, "Romancing the Pages."
“If you are familiar with the Jersey Shore, you will see a lot of familiar landmarks mentioned in the book. So it’s kind of an ode to my favorite vacation spot and a favorite character.”
As a huge Star Wars fan, Iwancio's favorite character is young Obi-Wan Kenobi. She drew inspiration for Ben's persona from Kenobi and inspiration for Mari from herself, because “most authors write about what they know.” The author lets real-life experience craft her characters' personalities.
“So I take certain quirks about me or people I know and put them into really memorable characters,” the writer revealed.
In the first few pages of each of Iwancio’s books, readers will find a QR code that links to a playlist the author listened to while writing that novel.
“During my writing process, I love to write to music," she shared. "And I always pick songs that either reflect the mood or the tone or maybe the lyrics really speak out to me. So a lot of—all my books have a playlist. So I usually use that playlist to write the book, so a lot of that music inspires the book. And it’s just a fun way to make it kind of more of an all-encompassing experience when you read, and I know I appreciate that as a reader myself.”
Those interested can find her stories at local bookstores like Cupboard Maker Books--where they’ll also find plenty of cats to enjoy a good novel with--and online.
For readers who just can't get enough of Iwancio's books, never fear--she has several more in progress. The sequel to “Spellbound in the Stacks” will be out in September, and a new baseball romance will drop just in time for spring training.
“And a dozen other ones in the works, so, yes, it doesn’t stop,” Iwancio laughed.
Anyone interested in meeting the author will have several chances at events throughout central Pennsylvania over the next few months. Iwancio and her novels will attend:
- Bookstore Romance Weekend at Cupboard Maker Books in Enola on Aug. 16
- Books, Books, Books at the Lancaster Wyndham Expo Barn on Sept. 21
- Chocolatetown Book Fest in Hershey on Oct. 5
Those who want to keep up with the author online can follow along with Iwancio on her website, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok. The author talks more about her books, writing process, life and advice for up-and-coming authors in the full interview below:
Next month, the Book Club will read “To the One I Love” by Avery Volz.