Keith Thomas Walker, known as the Master of Romantic Suspense and Urban Fiction, is the author of nearly two dozen novels, including Life After, The Realest Ever, the Brick House seriesand the Finley High series. Keith’s books transcend all genres. He has published romance, urban fiction, mystery/thriller, teen/young adult, Christian, poetry and erotica. Originally from Fort Worth, he is a graduate of Texas Wesleyan University. Keith has won or been nominated for numerous awards in the categories of “Best Male Author,” “Best Romance,” "Best Urban Fiction," and “Author of the Year,” from several book clubs and organizations.

Q: What’s a typical day like for you?

A: A typical day for me starts when I wake up at 8:30 pm. I check my emails and respond to as many as possible before I get dressed and head to my night job. Thankfully it doesn’t get busy all the time at work, and I can do some writing or editing when I get there. On a good night, I can find about three hours to work on my book while on the job – which is a HUGE blessing. I don’t think I could produce as much work if not for this. When I get home, it’s much of the same. I respond to emails and work on my books and eat dinner. I try to save at least two hours before bed to unwind, watch TV and read. At least once a week I wake up early, so I can go to a poetry show or attend an event before work. Working the night shift is good for me. I can do whatever I want, I just have to adjust my sleep hours to compensate for it.

Q: Would you consider writing a book series?

A: I’m going to write a series for Might be Bi. Other than that, I don’t think I’m a series kind of guy. I know that’s where all the money is, but I honestly don’t write for money. I want to write good books. If I’ve done that, I won’t add more to the story for a bigger payday. But who knows. I know I’m young and dumb, to a certain degree..

Q: Who was your favorite male and female character to write about?

A: My favorite male character is probably Charles from Dripping Chocolate. He had a lot of heart, a lot of street smarts and a lot of dedication. He took “hero” to a new level. He actually deserves that title, and not just because he’s the heroine’s love interest in the book. My favorite female character is Deja from Sleeping With the Strangler. She lived through some harrowing experiences and grew stronger by the chapter. She’s a hero too.

Q: Who was your least favorite character?

A: My least favorite characters are the aunt from The Realest Ever, MikeyMike from Dripping Chocolate and Henry from The Finley Sisters’ Oath of Romance. However, all of those books are awesome because of their ugliness. 

Q: Who was the toughest character to develop?

A: The toughest character to develop was Daniel from Jewell and the Dapper Dan. He’s a criminal mastermind, and I’m not. I had to do a lot of research to make him and his capers believable. I had a lot of fun with that book. I learned a lot. I might rob a bank one day.

Q: Which character is most like you?

A: The character I’m most similar to is Donovan from The Realest Ever. He’s a natural protector, and he never forgets or gives up on people, especially when he loves them. Plus he’s a teacher, and he loves his students. I hated teaching, but I still love all kids, even the weird ones.

Q: What do you like to do for fun?

A: For fun I love to go out to eat. I work out every day and eat healthy Mon-Fri. But on the weekends, I‘m chowing down! Lol. Seriously. I gain three pounds every weekend and lose it by the next Friday. I like going to poetry shows too, and I love spending time with family and friends. I like outside activities, picnics, barbecues. But reading and writing is my #1 source of fun.

Q: What was your introduction to reading?

A: Stephen King was my first introduction to serious reading, and he’ll always be my main influence for writing. But I don’t write like him or in his genre. My main influence nowadays is Beverly Jenkins. That’s who I want to be when I grow up. 

Q: What is the best part about being a writer?

A: The best part about being a writer is finishing a book. That feeling of accomplishment is huge. Thankfully I get to experience it several times a year. Next to that the readers’ appreciation means a lot to me. I couldn’t do it without them. The worst part, for me, is the technical stuff. Editing, marketing, spending money on unsuccessful strategies. I’ve been to events where no one showed up but the authors. Awkward… Lol.