“Unlock the Secrets of Creative Brilliance: Kellan McDaniel’s Revolutionary Writing Techniques Revealed!”
In a world endlessly swirling with imaginative possibilities, one might wonder: what truly compels a writer to dive headfirst into the realms of science fiction and fantasy? Meet Kellan McDaniel, a prolific author whose latest work, TILL DEATH, is a testament to the power of storytelling and emotional authenticity. Known for crafting narratives that resonate with queer identities and the complexity of human relationships, Kellan takes us on a journey through his creative process and the enchanting worlds he brings to life. From his unique home office setup to his thoughts on writing as a queer artist, Kellan’s insights remind us that every story is not just an escape, but a chance to explore the deepest layers of our shared experiences. So, shall we unravel the tapestry of Kellan’s imagination together? Dive into this engaging interview to discover the heart behind the words. LEARN MORE.
Today’s Write Now interview features Kellan McDaniel, author of TILL DEATH.
Who are you?
Hello! I’m Kellan McDaniel (he/himme), a very queer science fiction and fantasy author who lives in Charm City, itself, Baltimore! I’m also a pet dad, human uncle, and tattoo enthusiast.
What do you write?
I write science fiction and fantasy for teens as Kellan McDaniel and adults as K.M. Szpara. Though there are multiple diaries and marble notebooks on the shelf in my office filled with fan fiction from my teens (long before AO3!), I started working on my first novel seriously while I was in graduate school. Used to negotiate with myself that if I wrote a thousand words on a research paper, I could also write a thousand words on my novel… which worked. Mostly.
I did not choose academia.
Instead, I chose imagined worlds and queer intimacy. I chose stories where people feel intensely, navigate impossible decisions, and live with the consequences. There aren’t words or themes I avoid; each has its time and place. When I find the wound, I push my thumb deeper into it.
Where do you write?
I used to be a coffee shop writer, but now it’s a home office for me! During 2020, when I first started working from home, I invested in a big computer monitor, nice keyboard and mouse, and a nice desk chair. I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to be physically comfortable while writing, if possible. The sentences flow easier when I’m not constantly stretching my hands or readjusting my sitting position.
For the act itself, I have a desktop screen entirely devoted to whatever novel I’m working on presently with Scrivener for drafting and major revision, Word documents for developmental and copy editing, a playlist streaming, and a browser just for research–and definitely not for messing around for hours.
I’m anti-paper in my house. Controversial for a writer, I know. Instead, I’m a tablet fan. I absolutely love plotting with a stylus on a piece of digital paper that I can never lose, that takes up no space on my desk, and always looks pretty because I can easily erase and change…
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