Kiki Howell Weaves Magic and Emotion into Her Enchanting Stories

PHOTO: Kiki Howell, the enchanting storyteller behind captivating paranormal tales.

A Journey Through The Mystical And Emotional

Kiki Howell shares her journey from literature enthusiast to bestselling author, blending magic and emotion in her captivating paranormal stories.

Kiki Howell embodies the very essence of a storyteller, weaving magic and emotion into every word she writes. Her career, marked by the publication of over fifty stories and her rise to USA Today Bestselling Author status, is a testament to her dedication, skill, and creativity. From tales of gothic intrigue to her explorations of witchcraft and paranormal realms, Kiki’s narratives captivate, inspire, and transport readers into otherworldly yet profoundly relatable experiences.

Her novel Torn Asunder, which earned her recognition at the Ohioana Book Festival, and her genre-spanning books, continuously climbing Amazon’s Top 100 Bestsellers Lists, reflect both her versatility and the depth of her storytelling. Titles like Hidden Salem, rooted in historical legend blended with her own extraordinary encounters, and her works within the paranormal and occult genres, showcase her uncanny ability to balance intricate research with her intuitive artistry. It’s no surprise that her books have captured the hearts of readers, immersing them in stories alive with vivid descriptions, authentic emotions, and meticulous attention to detail.

Beyond her literary achievements, Kiki’s life is a mosaic of passionate pursuits. As a Shamanic Witch certified in metaphysical healing, a yoga teacher, and a creator of her own tarot deck, her wisdom and experiences find their way into her plots. Her ability to transform her personal truths—whether through shamanic journeys or reflections on motherhood—into compelling fiction sets her apart as a writer unafraid to merge the mystical with the deeply human.

In this issue’s Star Interview, Kiki shares the inspirations and experiences that shape her extraordinary work. From her spiritual journey to her exploration of diverse genres, each conversation reveals the heart of an author committed to crafting stories that resonate and heal. She is a beacon of creativity, whose words are as captivating as her spirit is inspirational. Prepare to be enchanted as we delve into the world of Kiki Howell—where magic, love, and authenticity collide to create something truly unforgettable.

Kiki Howell’s storytelling brilliance captivates readers, blending magic and emotion with unparalleled creativity and depth.

What initially inspired you to weave magic and paranormal elements into your storytelling?

Growing up, I was drawn to magical tales and supernatural lore. As an aspiring author though, research for my books gave me an excuse to buy non-fiction books on pagan/occult themes without having to come clean about my own gifts and magickal interests before I was ready. Now that I practice myself, energy work in many forms, I weave what speaks to me into my stories. Writing in paranormal worlds grants me an amount of fantastical freedom and control, to be able to create worlds and guide my characters through lessons in them without fear in a way I can’t within the real world.

“Writing in paranormal worlds grants me an amount of fantastical freedom and control.” – Kiki Howell

How has your background in Shamanic Energy Work and metaphysical healing influenced your characters and plotlines?

In a big way! I am a life-long learner, and what I practice, what I learn, what I am thinking about makes it into my books. Right now I am working on a fictional story inspired by the journals I’ve kept of my shamanic journeys. I’m all about writing what you know, turning truth into fiction.

Hidden Salem explores both historical legend and modern-day witchcraft—what drew you to set this story in Salem, and how much research did it involve?

I felt called to visit Salem. Once I got there, the story unfolded for me in a series of residual hauntings and actual encounters with ghosts. While I did do quite a bit of research while there and once home, I would estimate that about sixty percent of the story is actually true, taken from my own experiences while visiting. Even the meals included in the story are ones I ate while there. That said, the dark coven and sexy cop, those are pure fiction.

As someone who’s been published across genres, from gothic fiction to erotica, how do you navigate such varied creative spaces?

It keeps my creativity fresh. When I experience writer’s block, I simply switch up genres, or incorporate a new one. This came from a writing prompt in a book about writer’s block that my husband bought me which said to write in a genre you are not comfortable with. Hence my explorations in erotica. In trying new genres, you remove expectations, quiet the little voice inside your head who thinks she knows too much and overthinks everything.

You’ve spoken about taking a break to raise your children—how did motherhood reshape your perspective as a writer? Being a mother motivated me to write, to continue on despite struggles and setbacks, in order to teach my sons to dream big. I wanted to teach them that they could do whatever they wanted to do no matter how big or how small if they only followed their heart.

Many of your books have reached the Amazon Top 100 in niche genres—what do you think resonates most with your readers?

I’ve been told many times that I can describe anything. Readers tell me that due to my descriptions, they can get lost in my books, feel like they are stepping into a place, practicing themselves, etc. In that vein, I often get compliments on my ability to describe emotions too, bringing readers close to my characters as well. I’ve also had several practitioners of magick compliment the research I do. One witch said to me that she could use my novel as a spellbook, that each spell within it read like a how to. I simply love to play with words, and that draws my readers into my stories.

What was the experience like creating your own tarot deck, and how does it connect to your narrative work?

Overwhelming to say the least! When my guides first suggested I do so, showed me the deck within a journey, my first thought was, do you realize there are 78 cards in a deck? But once I got the artwork for them done, each were actual mixed media paintings I photographed, the writing part went much easier. I went card by card, reading books and online posts about each one. Then I took a deep breath and let my intuition write my version of the card. I write my novels the same way. I research and plot for months, and so by the time I sit down with my computer, the story practically writes itself.

The anthology We Go On carries a deeply emotional and charitable message—how did your involvement in this project come about?

My father is a Vietnam Veteran, and it has always bothered me how those men who gave so much serving their country never came home to the hero’s welcome they deserved. My story within the anthology came from a story my father had shared with me. I work through things in my real life within my fiction, especially tough stories and lessons. So I got to do that with his story and honor his service and sacrifice at the same time all while giving other writers the opportunity to do the same.

Can you share a bit about what becoming a USA Today Bestselling Author meant to you?

When I was first trying to get published, I would say that all I wanted was for someone who had never met me to like one of my stories so much that they invested in it by publishing it. At that point, I never even let myself dream of hitting any bestsellers list. And yet, here I sit, so many blessings in my career. It was not just hitting USA Today, because sometimes I still have to pinch myself to believe that one. I have the privilege of remembering the first time I made an Amazon bestseller list and saw my cover next to a book cover by an author I admire. I’ve had the honor of having a beloved author write a cover quote for one of my novels. The list goes on and on, and I simply sit and marvel and count my blessings.

What advice would you offer to emerging authors who are seeking to blend the mystical with the emotional in their writing?

As far as the mystical, do your research. Read everything you can. Then don’t be afraid to make it your own. Write the story in your heart, not the one you think others want to hear. Making it your own will make all the difference. As far as emotions, again read and research, but also people watch and become a great listener. Then, use what you know.