Meet Carly Kade | Author of Equestrian Fiction and Host of the Equestrian Author Spotlight Podcast

We had the good fortune of connecting with Carly Kade and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Carly, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I pursued a creative career because it’s who I am at the core. Ever since I was a little cowgirl, I’ve been obsessed with horses and horse stories. As I grew up, that love never waned; it only grew stronger. So, I decided to write horse books for grownups.

It all started when a character named McKennon Kelly came to me like lightning. I scribbled him down in a poem, which ended up becoming the introduction to the first book in my In the Reins series. From there, I followed my instincts and wrote the stories I wanted to read, drawing inspiration from my own experiences riding horses and being immersed in the equestrian world.

I believe my personal connection to horses makes my novels resonate with readers. I know what it feels like to be nervous in a show pen or stuck in a horse’s training. I can relate to swooning over a handsome cowboy. And I hope that authenticity shines through in my writing.

But here’s the amazing thing: you don’t have to be a horse lover or know anything about horses to enjoy my books. Many readers have told me they’ve learned so much about the human-horse connection through my stories and have fallen in love with the characters, regardless of their prior knowledge or interest in horses.

My dream is simple: to continue writing equestrian stories that touch people’s hearts. I want my novels to offer an escape, to keep readers captivated until the very end. Writing allows me to bring my imagination to life and share the same joy that other authors have given me. It’s a gift I cherish, and I hope to share it with as many readers as possible.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Horses were always a part of my life, and I carried that passion with me as I moved to different cities, like New York City, Houston, and now Phoenix. I like to think I’m a little bit country and a little bit city.

My journey as a writer began in first grade when I received recognition for a short story I wrote. It was a thrilling experience that ignited my desire to become an author. That defining moment in my childhood gave me the courage to pursue writing as an adult. Horses have always been a constant presence in my life, from counting them during family road trips to spending countless hours drawing and writing about them. My love for horses runs deep.

On my 10th birthday, I received a purple halter as a gift, even though I didn’t have a horse of my own. Little did I know this halter would lead me on a birthday road trip to meet my first horse, Missy. Missy became more than just a horse to me; she was my teacher, partner, and best friend during my teenage years. My parents’ generosity in making my horse dreams come true is something I will forever cherish.

As I ventured into adulthood, I pursued a career in the music industry, living in bustling cities like New York City. However, I soon realized that something was missing. The city life didn’t quite align with my deep-rooted love for horses. I longed for the open spaces, the ruggedness, and the connection to nature. It was then that I decided to return to my equestrian passion and find my way back to horses.

My journey led me to my current horse, Sissy, and to my incredible cowboy husband. We embarked on a new adventure that took us to Texas and we eventually settled in Arizona. Riding Sissy against the backdrop of stunning mountains and witnessing breathtaking sunsets has been a dream come true. I consider myself incredibly lucky to live this cowgirl life.

Throughout my experiences, I’ve realized that creative writing, horses, and dreams have been constant threads that have shaped who I am. The open spaces and the connection to horses and nature inspire me. It is from this place of inspiration that I wrote In the Reins, a book that speaks to the cowgirl in all of us, celebrating our love for horses, engaging romances, and the allure of the cowboy way of life. This book series is for everyone out there who shares my passion for horses, books, and cowboys. I am grateful for this creative life that I’ve been able to build for myself, and I hope to inspire others through my writing.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

Ever since I brought Sissy into my life 15 years ago, we’ve been on an incredible journey together—from Michigan to Texas and finally settling in Arizona, our forever home. Having my beloved horse in my backyard fills me with immense gratitude. The inspiration for my horse books stems from the precious moments I spend at the barn, and now that barn is right here at home.

When friends visit, we saddle up and venture out into nature. Our horse property is nestled amidst stunning mountain ranges. One of the most amazing things about living here is that we can simply cross the street on our two horses and embark on a trail ride in the Phoenix Mountain Preserve. The scenery in Arizona is truly breathtaking, and it never fails to inspire. Whether we’re saddling up or taking a leisurely walk, nature’s beauty surrounds us at every turn.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Before I became an author, I immersed myself in reading and listening to podcasts. It was a way for me to learn from other authors and marketing experts. I’ve always believed that if you have a big dream, it’s important to take responsibility for educating yourself.

That’s why I started the Equestrian Author Spotlight Podcast. It’s the resource I wish I had when I first started writing my own book series. Every month, I bring on incredible authors who share a love for horses and writing. We dive into their inspiring stories, and they offer valuable writing advice and marketing tips. Whether you’re an author, aspiring writer, or simply a horse book enthusiast, this podcast is a place where we can all come together.

I strongly believe in the power of unity among authors and creatives. When we support and collaborate with each other, amazing things happen. I’m incredibly grateful to the authors who guided me on my journey, and now it’s my turn to give back to the community. My goal is to help fellow writers start, grow, and expand their author careers.

Website: https://www.carlykadecreative.com/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/carlykadecreative

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CarlyKadeAuthor

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carlykadecreative

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CarlyKade

Image Credits
Melanie Elise Photography Shelley Paulson Photography