K.M. Colley
Author Interview - K.M. Colley
Author of The Roaring Ridleys
In the glittering world of 1920s New York, the seven Ridley heirs seem to have it all: wealth, status, and protection as the city’s most powerful family. But when notorious gossip columnist Dale Caimen is found dead during their family’s renowned summer soiree, their carefully constructed world begins to crack.
Behind the champagne and jazz, each adopted Ridley sibling harbors secrets that could destroy them. There’s Amelia, the responsible eldest trying to hold it all together; Adesua, whose artistic ambitions in the Harlem Renaissance threaten her family’s expectations; wild child Kavita, whose dangerous nights in speakeasies may have finally caught up with her; Wei, the eldest brother who takes the spotlight any chance he gets; Omar, the stoic and empathetic mediator; Diego, Columbia college student who secretly dreams of being a chef; and Henrik, musically inclined baby brother.
As the murder investigation intensifies, long-buried tensions surface for the diverse Ridley family, who were adopted from their native lands of France, Illinois, India, China, Egypt, Argentina, and United Kingdom family loyalties unravel. Someone knows the truth about the Ridleys―and they’re willing to kill to expose it. In a world where appearance is everything and power comes at a deadly price, the siblings must decide what matters more: protecting the family name or each other.
Author Interview - K.M. Colley
Author I draw inspiration from:
The authors who inspired me are most definitely Lucy Foley and Taylor Jenkins Reid. In Lucy Foley's The Paris Apartment, I thoroughly enjoyed how she kept the pacing suspenseful. Her books really give you that sitting on the edge of your seat energy all the way! Taylor Jenkins Reid, where do I begin! I fell in love with her writing after reading Malibu Rising during COVID, which was a big part of my decision to get back into writing. It was definitely something about how she portrayed dysfunctional families and how each sibling was completely different, which I feel is very hard to do!
Author Interview - K.M. Colley | Author I Draw Inspiration From
Favorite place to read a book:
I get no greater joy than reading a book in my cozy bedroom. It’s become my little oasis. On a more fun note. I would say at a park! Preferably a park with a view of the water. I will set up a picnic blanket, have a few pillows, and I can be there for hours with my Kindle or a paperback!
Book character I’d like to be stuck in an elevator with:
Am I breaking the fourth wall by saying my own character, Adesua Ridley, in my debut, The Roaring Ridleys? Seriously, though, I would love to sit with her and ask how it truly feels to live the life she does in 1920s New York. I am sure she would ask what it is like in the present day and if the Ridleys are still relevant or have all dried out by now. I would definitely tell her that, in the present day, she would be absolutely adored by the world if she were alive. The reason I say this is that I truly feel characters take on a life of their own. I know that many times, while writing, a character says something completely off-script that I would never have imagined! It’s like they are speaking to me, saying, “Oh no, I would never say that, change it immediately.” I promise I have no missing screws upstairs, but I genuinely feel characters we create as authors are their own separate beings.
The moment I knew I wanted to become an author:
I knew from a young age that I was a writer. My mom and I were just looking back at the journals I wrote in sixth and seventh grade. My voice then was quite engaging enough to write books. The transition to becoming an author came later in my adult life. About six years ago, I had an idea for a sci-fi fantasy. I know absolutely shocking how I went from that to a historical thriller. The feedback I got from followers made me realize, wait, I can do this. People really liked my ideas. Let’s give this a try!
Hardback, paperback, ebook or audiobook:
I am going to go with an ebook and a paperback 100 percent of the time. Aesthetically hardback is gorgeous, but darn it, I get messy! I like to eat while I read. I get sad when the slips start to rip. Yes, I can take it off, but what's the fun in that? Paperback was always my go-to growing up because it was more affordable and easier for me to throw in my bookbag or purse. The dislike for that was how easily it gets worn and bent up. Ebooks changed the game for me. It’s absolutely wild. I can finish a book so much quicker on my Kindle than when I'm reading a paperback in my hand. I recently discovered a new love for audiobooks. Holy production! I recently listened to a book called All the Little Houses by May Cobb. I kid you not, I felt like I was listening to a movie. Audiobooks are a journey that’s for sure.
The last book I read:
The last book I read was Greek Row by Phynley Meyers. I was scrolling on TikTok one day and was shook by the premise. I finished the book in nearly two days. This book definitely pulled me into a whirlwind of emotions. I was so shocked to find out who the killer was. I was SO far off, and books like that truly make me love the thriller genre.
Author Interview - Fiona Davis | The Last Book I Read
Pen & paper or computer:
Ohh this is a tough question. I do both, and I’ll explain why. There is magic when you write ideas on paper versus a computer. I genuinely loved writing my chapter outlines and synopsis by hand. I started off that way, and I don’t plan on stopping. Ideas flow better when I am doing it on my own. It makes it feel even more real. Now, for the actual manuscript, I will always use the computer. Personally, I use a software called Dabble. It always feels like a fun game when I am writing there. I backspace entirely too much, so I can't write my first draft with pen and paper. I know many people who do it this way, and I am slightly jealous, just a bit!
Book character I think I’d be best friends with:
Ayana Kidane from King of Envy by Ana Huang. Ayana definitely moved with the same type of confidence that I do, which I saw as very intentional. She is someone who likes to romanticize life, like me, even in small things like getting my favorite matcha from the best coffee shop in town. I loved that she wasn’t just a pretty model with no substance. She’s actually so intelligent. I love a multifaceted woman who doesn’t stay in one box! Genuinely, I feel she unexpectedly loved a thrill, which is me, especially in dating. I usually date people who are so opposite from the things I like to do in my spare time. So I definitely related to her a lot. I am not a big romance reader, but I really enjoyed this book last year.
Author Interview - K.M. Colley | Book Character I’d be Best Friends With
If I weren’t an author, I’d be a:
This was something I wasn’t ever great at, but I always wanted to be a ballerina or work for NASA. Trust I know these are two totally opposite careers, but let me explain. They both require extreme amounts of discipline and dedication. There are two things I love, if you can’t tell already. There’s something about the beauty of learning ways your body can move so elegantly. There is also something magnificent expanding your mind in levels you’ve never seen. I feel both of these careers tap into this. For now, I will just write characters who pursue the dream careers I have.
Favorite decade in fashion history:
I personally love the 70s, 50s, and honorable mention steampunk fashion! The seventies truly felt flowy, not too constricting, which is what I love most about it. It gave the feeling of freedom and the freedom to express yourself through vibrant colors. The hair was big and gorgeous. Pants were flared to perfection. Obviously, I didn’t live that era, but I would definitely dress like that every day. Steampunk fashion: you can't go wrong with the blend of corsets and goggles! The fifties going into the sixties were just super, hyper-feminine chic that I adore!
Place I’d most like to travel:
Switzerland is my dream destination. I love mountain views that feel like I am in heaven. I feel like you can’t get closer to heaven on earth than Switzerland. Also, I could live there for eternity and write many books in a cozy cabin. That would be the dream I hope to make come true one day!
My signature drink:
It would be a disservice not to answer both. So here we go, starting off strong, it would have to be a French 75 for my alcoholic drink of choice. A non-alcoholic signature drink of choice would be root beer soda. A healthy, honorable mention would be aloe vera juice, especially mango-flavored.
Favorite artist:
Oh my stars, this question! I have too many. For music, I would choose M83. Their sound almost sounds like you’re transcending into heaven. My favorite song by them is called Wait. For writers, it would have to be Edgar Allan Poe. I remember seeing a play in Mississippi for a school trip and fell in love with his writing even more after I left. I really love the short story The Monkey’s Paw by WW Jacobs, which I also saw in a play. This developed my love for horror and thrillers.
Number one on my bucket list:
Right now, the best bucket list thing I could do is to take my daughter and family to Finland for Christmas. My daughter is only eight now. Seeing the magic in her eyes, thinking of seeing Santa’s Village, and being around so much snow would make my year. Making my child happy is a big deal for me. She is filled with so much light and happiness. I would love to accomplish this while she is still young.
Anything else you'd like to add:
I have to say discipline and drive beat talent every time. What I mean is that we can always learn to be better at something we love or want to do. I know this far too well. What was once out of reach for me at one point is right here. Hence, how and why I am writing the answer to this question. I wouldn’t have been able to do this without having consistency in never giving up on my dreams. I hope that if you are reading this, you don't give up on yourself, whether you want to become a writer, reader, musician, fashion designer, or artist. Because who knows, you can be answering fun questions like this one day!
Find more from the author:
Instagram: @KeturahMaree
Substack: KeturahMaree.Substack.com
About K.M. Colley:
K.M. Colley
K.M. Colley writes thrillers, contemporary mysteries, and cinematic stories that explore legacy and ambition. Her work often centers around powerful families, glamorous settings, and complex characters. She is also known as Keturah Maree for her online presence and for her appearances in The Other Black Girl, Queen Sugar, Atlanta, New Amsterdam, along with other hit shows and is a member of SAG-AFTRA. Born in Mobile, Alabama, she’s currently based in Tampa and Philadelphia. When not writing or reading, K.M. enjoys traveling, learning new languages, and building a creative legacy. She’s also passionate about raising her autistic daughter, who dreams of creating her own comic book one day.
