Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristin Mulligan.
Hi Kristin, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always loved writing stories ever since I was little, but I started taking it more seriously after a fantastic idea hit me while lying in bed one night. I’d already written a young adult novel before—one I never published and never will—but this new idea felt different. I knew this was the one I’d eventually put out into the world.
That book turned out to be a romantic suspense novel. In the book world, it’s considered”open door” (meaning the steamy scenes are fully on-page and not meant for younger readers). It also has plenty of secrets and twists woven in.
When I was writing it, I was filled with doubt. At the time, I felt really unsure about my writing and unsure of where the story was going. Even though I was excited about it, and I knew there wasn’t another book quite like it (I can’t say too much without giving things away!), I was juggling a full-time job and battling imposter syndrome. I wrote when I could, sometimes taking breaks that lasted months when the self-doubt crept in. It took me five years to finish. And when I found out I was pregnant with my first and only child, something clicked. It felt like now or never. If I didn’t finish it then, I probably never would.
My twin sister read it first and loved it. I published the book three months after my son was born—and to my surprise and relief, it was really well received. Over on Instagram, there’s a little space called “Bookstagram” where readers share book reviews, talk about what they’re reading, and get excited about new releases. I’d already been part of that world as a reader, but shifting into an author role helped me connect with readers in a whole new way. I was able to share my book news and get an amazing group of friends to help support me.
Since then, I’ve published a romantic comedy called Grounded, and a thriller novella called I’ll Be Alone For Christmas that went semi-viral last winter. I’m not at a place yet where I can write full time—I still work a full-time job and am raising a rambunctious, high-energy toddler—but I hope to write many more books in the future.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely wasn’t the smoothest road. I had to learn so much along the way because I didn’t know any other authors who had chosen the independent publishing route. I had no one to turn to for advice as I navigated this wild, often overwhelming publishing world.
There are really two main paths for authors: you can query literary agents who will then submit your manuscript to traditional publishers, or you can publish independently through a platform like Amazon. With limited marketing options outside of Amazon, going indie felt like the only real choice for me. I didn’t even try querying because, at the time, I was so unsure of myself and my writing—I was scared of the rejection. Looking back, I do wish I’d given myself the chance to try.
Publishing independently gave me so much creative freedom—from designing my own covers to handling the interior formatting and setting my own prices. Yes, it’s a lot more work. You’re the one doing all the marketing, creating content, and trying to get your book into readers’ hands. But there’s something really satisfying about seeing the behind-the-scenes data, like sales and rankings, and knowing it’s all because of the effort you put in.
Of course, putting your work out into the world also means opening yourself up to critique. One of the hardest lessons I had to learn was not to read the bad reviews on platforms like Goodreads and Amazon. At the end of the day, I love the books I’ve written, and I know reading is incredibly subjective—what’s not for one person might mean everything to someone else.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a multi-genre indie author who writes both romance and thrillers. I love weaving stories that blur the line between heart-pounding suspense and heartwarming romance.
The Acts of Life – Twin siblings Sam and Stella, bound by loss and rivalry, find their carefully curated lives unraveling when a new relationship threatens their unshakeable bond and long-buried secrets come to light.
Grounded – Amelia returns home after ten years to confront her past, her father’s new life, and her irresistible, unfamiliar stepbrother, Theo.
I’ll Be Alone for Christmas – After a sudden breakup, Romee retreats alone to a remote cabin. Seeking closure, she instead finds eerie noises, strange occurrences, and the creeping sense she’s not alone. Trapped by a snowstorm, she must survive the cold—and whatever else is out there watching her.
I’m honestly just super proud of myself for creating these stories that readers seem to love. Even if I never see my books in major stores like Barnes & Noble, it’s so thrilling to receive a kind DM or email saying how much they love my books.
I feel like I am different from other authors because most stick in one lane in terms of genres. Big authors like Emily Henry will always have that readership and fans of romance. But my crazy brain can write sweeping love stories, but also gory murder.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
Oddly enough, one of my favorite memories is my mom pulling me out of school to take me on surprise trips. I have a twin sister, and we always joke about how something like that probably wouldn’t fly these days. I just remember the front office announcing, “Kristin to the front desk, leaving school,” and I’d always think, Ooh, I wonder where I’m going?
Sometimes it was just a doctor’s appointment—no fun. But other times, it was Disneyland or a weekend getaway to Palm Springs. They were memorable and I love that my mom had that option to give us those experiences at a younger age.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21511939.Kristin_Mulligan
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristin.mulligan/
- Other: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Kristin-Mulligan/author/B094GF2G8H?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_16&sr=1-16&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=87f6ddff-f5e4-4ad3-a1c7-9dde82d0b1e3
Image Credits
Kristin Mulligan, all personal photos.
