Heart Awards Winner Interview: Kari Hampton

Kari was a Heart Awards winner in 2024 for Category 11 Unpublished Poetry with Romantic Theme with her poem,

Mary's Dream.

Ariel: Tell us about your background, something unique, and what led you to writing.

Kari: "I am an Oklahoma native who has always been interested in reading and writing from a young age. I volunteered a lot as a teen, and that inspired me to be a writer. I read a lot of romance and craved wanting to read a story that had a black female protagonist.

I knew I wanted to write when I was in high school. It kind of started with writing small things in notebooks and then transforming that to the computer, and then on a lovely website called Wattpad. This stirred my dreams of getting a creative writing degree from UCO and now discovering Library Science to become a librarian.

One unique thing about me is that I have a twin sister. We are fraternal but look a lot alike, so I agree to being identical from time to time."

Do you have any author role models or literary influences that have shaped your writing?

Kari: "I really enjoy any book by Jennifer L. Armentrout because of her elements of romance in anything. I love romance. So far, for an author who writes with the African American perspective, I would say Talia Hibbert is great, and also Octavia Butler."

I found out I hit a million reads on Wattpad…

When did you have that moment where you knew you were not just another writer but an author?

Kari: "It really hit me when I found out I hit a million reads on Wattpad for my first 'novel.' It was boggling to me, but also made me feel like there was hope to become someone official in the bookstores and on the shelves."

What are you currently reading, and what are your favorite romance authors?

"I am currently reading Divine Rivals and I should be starting Babel but I haven't just yet. Anything by Abby Jimenez and Talia Hibbert is my go-to. Anything by Jennifer L. Armentrout is ALWAYS my go-to."

How do you think romance novels have changed since you began writing?

 I feel like when I was younger, there were only white love stories between heterosexual couples. It has become more of a novelty to see interracial relationships or queer characters on screen and with books. I love this aspect as those are the types of books I was looking for at a young age, and my stories ultimately always have a black protagonist looking for love."

Spice things up. Be different. Stand out.

Why do you think romance has gotten so popular recently, especially on social media like TikTok?

"People love kissing and romance! It is relatable and has many tropes and genres to choose from, so …you can't go wrong with a little romance in a story as long as it makes sense. I hate romance books that don't make sense or are too cliche. Spice things up. Be different. Stand out."

You can find Kari online at:

• Instagram

• Goodreads