Do you love ya fantasy books with strong female leads? What about magical settings and a dash of romance? These are my favorite books to write. I’m Kay L. Moody. Read on to learn more about me and my books.
Author Bio
Kay L. Moody is the YA fantasy author of COURT OF BITTER THORN and THE ELEMENTS OF THE CROWN. Her books feature rich world building, slow burn romance, mythical creatures, and twisty plots.
As a lover of strong female characters, books, and the color pink, she enjoys diving into magical worlds where characters can overcome even their darkest struggles. She lives in the western United States with her husband and four sons. Connect with Kay directly when you follow her on social media.
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My Story
Books have always been there for me.
They give me an escape from the world. They let me experience incredible journeys that wouldn’t be possible in reality. But most of all, they teach me how to overcome great and terrible things.
Like most people, I’ve had to overcome difficult things. One moment in particular defines my existence more than anything else. It seems too horrific to bring up with complete strangers, so I usually don’t. But there’s no denying that moment has made me who I am today.
Both of my parents were killed in a car accident when I was 12. I’ll spare you the details, but yes, it was as bad as it sounds.
Before that day, one of my favorite things to do was play pretend games. I would pretend to be a tiger hunting prey for my tiger children. I would pretend to be a beautiful princess who used her clever mind to escape the clutches of an evil witch. I pretended I was an adventurer with a cat sidekick who wandered from town to town, solving any troubles.
After I lost my parents, these pretend games became my sanctuary. I was taken in by my aunt and uncle (they are truly saints). I had 4 siblings, but suddenly my 6 cousins became siblings too. I remember one game I played with my cousin who had turned into my sister. We were in a tribe that forced girls to become women at a certain age, whether they were ready or not. I was coming of age and I was not ready. We begged with the chief to let me stay a child longer, but he insisted growing up was necessary and I would have to do it even if I wasn’t ready. It never occurred to me how perfectly that story paralleled my own life. I was forced to grow up a lot at 12, but somehow those pretend games helped me accept my fate.
Pretty soon, I turned to writing. My mom was a writer, and I guess I inherited that from her. Stories gave me the chance to create worlds where characters could overcome the very tragedies and heartbreaks I struggled with. I never noticed how many of my stories mirrored my own life. One day in my mid twenties it suddenly hit me that in almost all of my stories, the hero was an orphan. Just like me.
My stories helped me, but I also fell in love with books. They helped me briefly escape reality when it all became too much. Some of my favorite books also had orphaned heroes. Jane Eyre, Anne of Green Gables, and Harry Potter. All amazing heroes who triumphed over evil because they chose to find happiness and do good.
That is the magical thing about books. Even though I can’t do magic like Harry and even though I was never a governess like Jane Eyre, I did identify with their struggles. These books taught me that life is hard and full of horrible, tragic things. But that doesn’t mean a happy ending is permanently out of reach.
Whether I want to escape reality or go on an adventure, books have always been there for me. I am honored now to share my stories with you, my treasured reader. I hope they can bring you as much fun as they have brought me. I hope they can be a comfort, an escape, a journey.
I’d like end with a quote which encapsulates my goal as an author.
Fairy tales are more than true – not because they tell us dragons exist, but because they tell us dragons can be beaten.” (paraphrased by Neil Gaiman from a quote by G.K. Chesterton)
What I Write as a Young Adult Fantasy Author
I write YA fantasy fantasy books with strong heroines and slow burn romance. If you love enemies to lovers romance, magical creatures, great world building, and characters who grow into themselves, my books will be perfect for you! Fall in love with dynamic characters who are strong in lots of different ways.
My books tell the stories of strong female lead characters with relatable flaws and fun personalities. They are joined by other complex characters including love interests, best friends, family, and more. After reading these books, you’ll feel uplifted, inspired, and ready to take on the world.
My Books
I have 3 complete series, and 1 brand new series. Check them out below!
Fae and Crystal Thorns
The Fae of Bitter Thorn
The Elements of Kamdaria
Truth Seer Trilogy
Want a free book?
To receive special offers, bonus content, and info on new releases, sign up for Kay L Moody’s email list! You’ll also get this story for FREE. Heir of Bitter Thorn is a prequel to The Fae of Bitter Thorn. It tells the story of how Prince Brannick escaped Fairfrost Palace. Never bargain with a fae.
