Interview with Rosa Kino, Author of Choosing to Kill

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Choosing to Kill?

My story is based on personal life experiences. It is about people I met, who impacted me deeply. I wanted to expose the evil of some men toward women in our society. This is my chance to express unresolved emotional issues through creative fiction. It is revenge on those who hurt me and others that got away unpunished in real life. I gave my main character the power to deal with situations in her own way. It may not be what most people will expect from the young lady, however, this is fiction, and I want it to be exciting, interesting, and original. At the same time, I do not like to be too exaggerated that it becomes very unrealistic. I feel that when the story is closer to actual life, readers enjoy it more. It makes them feel as if this can happen to them.  

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Choosing to Kill, what would they be?

To pick a theme song for my main character is hard for me. I never thought about my character this way, probably because this writing was emotional for me on a very negative level. It brought all those bad feelings from the past. I love music very much, and to me, hearing the music is a very pleasurable experience. When I write about my character having a difficult life and being mistreated, I cannot hear any music. It is more of a pounding silence. She is a nice and sweet person at her core, which makes it more shocking to see that someone can be cruel or abusive to her. At the same time, she has that hidden pride and ambition that finally makes her act out against her abuser. The anger build up inside, and she snaps. Then, she runs away from this version of herself. So, I am not sure what song can fit well with this complicated personality. It is probably best for the true musicians to figure out.  

If you had to write a blurb for the last book you read, what would it say?

I can tell you that it was a really funny book written by the brother of one of my friends. It was all about their dysfunctional family and hilarious conversations they had, which made me laugh after every sentence that I read in that book.

What’s your favorite genre to read? 

My favorite genre to read really does not exist. I read everything as long as it is interesting. I have read science fiction, romance, children’s fairy tales, self-help psychology books, and business books. In other words, if someone has written a book in the same genre as mine, I will enjoy reading it, as long as it is also interesting like mine.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? Where did you write Choosing to Kill?

I used my laptop, and I sat on the sofa in my living room wearing only underwear and a loose t-shirt. Only because it is too damn hot in Las Vegas most of the year!  

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

The best advice I have ever received is: living well is the best revenge! It became my personal motto – to live well and to be happy no matter what life throws at me.  

Rosa Kino is the author of the new book Choosing To Kill

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