Author Spotlight: Kristy Boyce

April 9, 2021

We are pleased to feature author Kristy Boyce and her debut young adult book, HOT BRITISH BOYFRIEND (HarperTeen) out now. Enter to win a copy!

Cover illustrator is Jacqueline Li and designer is Chris Kwon.

Tell us about yourself and how you came to write for children.

I am a wife, mother, and college instructor, in addition to being a writer. I earned my PhD in social psychology in 2008 and told myself that I would start seriously writing after I finished grad school. I always loved to write, but finishing my doctorate was the push I needed to believe that this dream was possible! It took 13 years, but I made it!

Congrats on your debut YA novel, Hot British Boyfriend! Tell us about it and what inspired you.

Hot British Boyfriend is a YA contemporary romance about finding true friendships, love, and self-acceptance. It follows Ellie as she studies abroad in England after a brutal rejection by a crush. I was inspired to write this book after teaching about the various ways we present ourselves to others. I liked the idea of putting a character in a completely new location where no one knows her, and seeing how she’d recreate herself. 

Was your road to publication long and winding, short and sweet, or something in between?

I think it pretty long and winding since it started in 2008. ☺ I wrote and queried multiple YA novels before HBB without much success. When I queried HBB, I received full requests followed by rejections. I almost gave up on the book because I didn’t know how to fix it, but luckily I was accepted into PitchWars and that made all the difference. I signing with my agent after PitchWars and then we sold the book about five weeks after it went on sub. 

Did you have a playlist when writing this book? or a song that is representative?

I rotate through a lot of songs, but usually I like to listen to the 2005 Pride & Prejudice soundtrack or Vitamin String Quartet when I’m writing. 

What projects are you working on now?

I’m thrilled that HarperTeen bought a companion novel to Hot British Boyfriend, entitled Hot Dutch Daydream. I’m busy revising that manuscript right now, and I’m having a blast with it! 

What advice would you give to aspiring authors?

I’d recommend not only joining SCBWI, but getting as involved in your local region as you can. It was a big turning point for me when I started volunteering and helping to organize events, rather than only passively attending. I started making real friendships with other members and meeting editors and agents. That group has continued to be incredibly supportive and helpful in my journey. 

What is one thing most people don't know about you?

I’m obsessed with scrapbooking! I’ve actually kept scrapbooks since I was in elementary school (I still have those!) and all memorable events get added into the yearly scrapbook so we can look back at them.

Where can people find you online?

My website is www.kristyboyceauthor.com You can find me on twitter @KristyLBoyce and Instagram @kristylboyce 

Kristy Boyce lives in Columbus, OH and teaches psychology as a senior lecturer at The Ohio State University. When she’s not spending time with her husband and son, she’s usually writing, reading, putting together fairy gardens, or watching happy reality TV. Kristy is always looking for her next chance to travel back in Europe. 

 

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