Known as “the queen of angst” by her readers, Kandi Steiner writes books known for their slow-burn, deeply flawed characters and words that linger long after the last page. Kandi Steiner’s books include The Wrong Game, The Right Player, and A Love Letter to Whiskey—complete with a brand-new epilogue that fans have been waiting years for. Kandi turned a childhood passion into a full-time career by betting on herself.
Taking that leap taught me that fear and faith often live side by side — and that the only way to grow is to bet on yourself.
Today, Kandi is a USA Today and #1 Amazon bestselling author living in Tennessee, balancing creative flair with serious strategy. In this candid Q&A, she shares the turning points that shaped her journey, how she stays creatively energised, and what it really takes to become a bestselling author.
Learn About Kandi Steiner’s Journey
Q&A with Kandi Steiner
What inspired you to start writing, and when did you first believe this could be a career?
I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember. As a kid, my favorite part of the day was curling up in my room with a book or scribbling stories in a notebook. In sixth grade, I even made a little “magazine” and passed it around school until my principal shut it down (freedom of press, right?). For a long time, I thought I’d write non-fiction about my childhood, but when I rediscovered romance novels after college, the spark was instant.
I self-published my first book at 24, and though it was far from perfect, it was the start of everything. It wasn’t until my sixth novel, Weightless, hit Amazon’s Top 100 that I thought, “Maybe I can actually do this.”
That moment changed my life and set me on the path to writing full-time.
As a bestselling indie author, what’s the boldest move you’ve made in your career so far, and what did it teach you?
Quitting my corporate job to write full-time was hands-down the boldest move I’ve ever made. At the time, I’d published a few bestsellers, but I still wasn’t sure if I could sustain a career as an indie author.
Taking that leap taught me that fear and faith often live side by side — and that the only way to grow is to bet on yourself.
It forced me to treat writing not just as an art, but as a business, and that shift in mindset has been crucial to my success.
What’s a non-negotiable in your routine that keeps you focused and creatively energised?
Movement. Whether it’s a hike, pole fitness, yoga, or just a long walk, getting my body moving clears my mind and fuels my creativity.
Writing can be such a solitary, sedentary career, so I build in time every day to reconnect with myself and reset. It’s amazing how often a plot knot unravels mid-workout or on a quiet trail.
What’s something readers might not realize about the business side of being an author?
It’s so much more than writing. As an indie author, I’m not just crafting stories — I’m running a full-scale business.
That means managing marketing campaigns, analyzing sales data, overseeing cover design and production, planning releases, and constantly adapting to what readers are responding to. It’s creative, yes, but it’s also strategic. Readers see the finished book; they don’t always see the spreadsheets and 12-hour days behind it.
What advice would you give to aspiring female authors trying to build a career?
Don’t wait for permission. Start now, even if it’s messy, even if you don’t feel ready. The truth is, no one is ever “ready” — you learn by doing. And once you’re in it, stay consistent and adaptable.
This industry is constantly evolving, and success comes from balancing creativity with resilience.
Most importantly, write what you love. When you’re passionate about the story you’re telling, readers can feel it — and that’s what keeps them coming back.
What does success look like to you now, and has that evolved over the years?
When I first started, success meant hitting bestseller lists and seeing my books in readers’ hands. And while those moments are still incredible, success for me now is more about sustainability and alignment. It’s about creating stories I’m deeply proud of, connecting with readers on a meaningful level, and building a career that supports my life — not the other way around.
Over the years, I’ve learned that success isn’t just about the big milestones. It’s in the quiet, daily wins: finishing a tough chapter, helping a reader feel seen, or mentoring another author.
What is the next project, book, or goal you would like to work on?
This fall, I’m re-releasing A Love Letter to Whiskey with a publisher, and for the first time, it’ll be widely available in bookstores — which still feels surreal. I’m also working on my next hockey romance, Stand Your Ground, as well as Love Overboard, my brand new angsty standalone set on a yacht in the Mediterranean with a crew of cameras watching all the drama unfold. Beyond that, one of my goals is to keep growing my brand while balancing it with motherhood, finding creative ways to evolve without burning out.
What is your favorite book, author, or podcast?
It’s impossible to pick just one favorite book, but I’ve always been a huge fan of Brittainy Cherry for when I want all the feels and Alessandra Torre when I really want a gut punch. The Ghostwriter is one of my all time favorites! As for podcasts, I’m a big fan of Smartless. I could listen to those creative (and hilarious) geniuses chat all day!
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