Interview with Kathryne Kennedy

I’d like to welcome our guest today, Kathryne Kennedy. It’s a pleasure having you come visit us at Much Cheaper Than Therapy, where chocolate is plentiful and advice is free. So grab some chocolate and a lounge chair. Your therapy session has begun.

I understand you have a new release out called MY UNFAIR LADY. Can you tell us a little bit about your fabulous new book?

It’s about a Wild West heiress who goes to London to hire a sponsor to turn her into a lady. What she doesn’t expect is for the Duke of Monchester to take her up on her offer…and the last thing she expects is to find herself falling in love with him!

MY UNFAIR LADY is a very interesting title. How did you arrive at that name?

The book was inspired by the movie version of Shaw’s PYGMALION; MY FAIR LADY, and since it was an opposite twist, MY UNFAIR LADY seemed just right for a title.

What made you decide to write in this genre?

I love the Victorian era! The balls, the gowns, the gentlemen of honor (well, sometimes;) and the sheer scope of the era.

Where did you get your idea for this particular book?

As I mentioned above, I was inspired by the movie MY FAIR LADY, and wanted to explore the element of changing oneself to suit other people’s expectations…or not. And the idea of loving yourself just the way you are. I’m always drawn to Cinderella type stories, where a woman comes out of her cocoon and turns into a butterfly. But there’s an element to them that has always bothered me, and it was a joy to watch my heroine struggle to find out that truth.

What are your favorite historical research books and why?

My favorite book for this particular story was: To Marry an English Lord, by Gail MacColl and Carol McD. Wallace. Filled with gorgeous photos, it presents factual information in a lively and entertaining manner.

Which character did you like writing about the most, and why?

This is always a hard call. I loved my heroine, Summer, for her compassion and brashness. I loved my hero, Byron, for his depth and his naughty humor. I loved Maria for her unfailing belief in what defined her as a person. I loved Chi-chi, the ornery little Chihuahua, and India, the rescued monkey who is a ham at heart.

Nope, sorry. Can’t choose just one.

Tell us about how you develop your characters. Do you create character sheets, do interviews, that sort of thing? How does your research affect your character development?

I used to write up a full page about my character; where they went to school, their favorite color, etc. But that’s before I had deadlines. Now, I do an index card on each, with their appearance, general habits and traits, goals and motivations. As I write I build on those, developing their character as the story unfolds.

The era will define the character’s attitudes and general beliefs, however, that’s only a starting point for me, as they always break out of those predestined molds.

What are some common speech terms, dress modes, transportation or housing facts that you found interesting for your time period?

With my heroine, Summer Wine Lee, it was interesting to research common slang in the old west. Tarnation is her favorite word, and she calls animals critters. During this time period in London, it was the second bustle period, which was an interesting phenomenon. I don’t recall where I read it, but a child had sat his toy on the back of his mother’s bustle, and she walked down the aisle at church, with the toy perched on top, wholly unaware of it. And bless the manners of the time, no one called it to her attention. I was surprised to learn that toilets were more common that I’d thought, including a ‘dry’ version, with absorbent dirt at the bottom that could be cleaned out after each use. And they had enormous drying racks in the kitchen, which were lowered, the clean clothes spread out on them, and then raised up to the ceiling for the night to dry. Washing, cooking, cleaning, were all enormously difficult back then, and even not so well-to-do families had to hire help to carry out these tasks.

Do you have any authors that inspired you?

Many…and I’m discovering new ones every day. But I have to say that the most inspiring authors I know are at my writer’s meetings. Their drive and determination and sheer creative energy never fails to inspire me. Bless the ladies (and the few rare gents) of RWA Desert Rose chapter, and RWA Valley of the Sun chapter!

What do you feel is the most effective promotion you have done for your book?

My website, as every other promotion I do directs the reader to it. Some tips to consider for an effective website: Your current release on the home page, with ISBN (this is so important for librarians, booksellers, etc.), summary, and easy links to BUY. A button to sign up for your newsletter (another must) on the home page and any other page you can put it on. A link to contact the author. Don’t overwhelm the reader with too much info on the home page, make it clear and concise, with easy ways to navigate. Provide links to more information, instead of trying to cram in all your new reviews, news, etc. on one page. If you keep a blog with updates, a prominent link to that is the best way for readers to catch up on your news.

What do we have to look forward next?

I’m very, very excited about my new historical fantasy romance series, THE ELVEN LORDS. I have just finished the first book, THE FIRE LORD’S LOVER, about an elven half-breed and his assassin bride. It’s scheduled for release in the Spring or Summer of 2010. It takes place in an alternate Georgian London, with the sweeping pageantry of the era in a magical new world. You can read the history of the series (or, how this world was created) on my website.

Thanks, Kathryne!

To celebrate her book release, Kathryne is offering a free book of MY UNFAIR LADY to one lucky commenter on today's blog. (please check the blog Monday night to see who won. Chances of winning determined by the number of entries.)

She will be around all day today. I'm sure some of you have questions or comments for her, so please ask away...

Kathryne Kennedy is the award-winning author of the Relics of Merlin series, and is acclaimed for her world building. She has also published nearly a dozen short stories in the SFF/Romance genre, receiving Honorable Mention twice in the "Writers of the Future" contest. She’s lived in Guam, Okinawa, and several states in the U.S., and currently lives in Arizona with her wonderful family—which includes two very tiny Chihuahuas. MY UNFAIR LADY received a starred review in Publishers Weekly, and is a Library Journal’s Editors Pick. She welcomes readers to visit her website where she has ongoing contests at: www.KathryneKennedy.com
Buy http://astore.amazon.com/kathkennauth-20

Red Means Stop, not Go Faster

A teacher from my son's old high school spent her day standing in front of a local grocery store handing out flyers for the Red Means Stop Coalition. She lost a student to a red light runner. I couldn't imagine losing a child at such a young age, and thought the least I could do is pass along the word about this non-profit organization. Although the readers of my blog probably aren't the ones who need the reminder, it would help to pass along the word to others: Red Means Stop, not Go-Faster-to-beat-the-light.

Here's a bit of the article that I received which ran in The Arizona Republic:

Jennifer Hinds: Young dreams ended by a red-light runner.

After nine years of marriage, Jennifer Lynn was our first child. She was born on a Tuesday morning, June 19, 1979. Blond hair, blue eyes, and a beautiful dimpled smile.

In High School, the DECA club helped her mature, as did her job at the new Arrowhead AMC theater. She was impatient, however, and wanted to get on with her life. New York and the fashion industry were calling to her, although we convinced her that NAU would be a great place to start, and not so far from home.

Unfortunately, Jennifer's plans were not to be.

Six days after Jennifer and her friends were T-boned in the intersection at 59th Avenue and Sweetwater, her life ended.

Thousands of injuries occur every year from red light running, and hundreds of deaths. Jennifer's story is but one. To find out more about the coalition, please visit: http://www.redmeansstop.org/

Words of Wisdom for 2010

The holiday spirit is all about giving. Although I cannot afford to buy all of you the most popular electronic device on the market, I can pass along something I have found to be much more valuable: words of wisdom given to me by others. These words have made a big difference in my life.


#1 - My grandmother once said, "When you don't know what to do, do nothing at all." I found this gives time for more info to come my way, which helps me make a decision.

#2 – A teacher I work with once said, “When I have a bad day, I tell my husband I am going to tell him a story and when I’m done I want him to tell me he is sorry I had a bad day.” By telling him exactly what she needs from him, he doesn’t need to read her mind and everyone is happy. I have had some amazing results using this advice.

#3 – A writing friend brought the DVD of The Secret to one of our meetings. What I took away from it changed my life. I now focus on what I am grateful for as much as possible – I am a much happier person. I also focus on what I want my life to look like in all areas and I find I channel my energy in that direction. I believe it is pretty much the power of positive thinking.

If you want to read more universal laws like The Law of Attraction, read Quantum Success by Sandra Anne Taylor.

#4 – Recently a writing friend suggested I read Paul Harvey’s book, Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man. I found I instinctively already knew what he had to say but it brought it to a conscious level. Anyone dating should read it and so should any woman who needs to know her man shows his love by Professing, Providing, and Protecting. Great book!

#5 – This was the best teaching advice I got but it also works at home. Harry Wong said, “Don’t do anything you can get a kid do.” As teachers and parents, we have full schedules. The more we take on the more rundown we feel. If your students or children can take on a task, than they should, especially if it is something you know they should do for themselves in the first place. Just remember there are child labor laws.

#6 - While lounging around the pool with a group of teachers, one shared a bit of wisdom she heard from a TV psychologist: a person will often tell you their biggest flaw in the first conversation. Those of us who were divorced realized it was true. Now I listen carefully. When a man says he is afraid of marriage, etc. I take that to be his truth and I don’t dismiss it or take it lightly.

#7 – I once heard, “However your spouse treats you is how your children are going to feel it is okay to be treated.” I also believe how you react to the way people treat you is how your children learn to react in those situations. As a teacher in a high-risk area, I know this to be true.

#8 – Count your blessings! We have all heard that one. No matter how bad your situation may seem at any given moment we do have blessings to be grateful for. Count them, pay attention to them, feel good about them, and soon more will come your way.


I hope all of you have a wonderful 2010 filled with more blessings than you can count!

Until next week,
Happy Writing!
Tina LaVon

Bootcamp for Novelists On-Line Classes

THIS SEASON, GIVE YOURSELF THE GIFT OF CREATIVITY!

ENROLL IN 4 PILLARS OF STRUCTURE TAUGHT BY CONNIE FLYNN
OR TECHNIQUES OF THE PROS TAUGHT BY LINDA STYLE
A $100 VALUE FOR $85

OFFER EXPIRES ON JANUARY 1


LINDA'S COURSES


TECHNIQUES OF THE PROS

The First Three Chapters

Deepening Character

Escalating Consequences

Subplots and Layering



CONNIE'S COURSES

4 PILLARS OF STRUCTURE

Character Development

Plotting

Scene and Structure

Conflict

ON-GOING CLASSES WILL RESUME JANUARY 10


LINDA CONNIE

5P-Infusing Stories With Emotion 5B-Sparkling Dialogue
9P-Developing Voice & Style 9B-Rewriting & Revising



THE FULL 2010 SCHEDULE WILL BE AVAILABLE BY DECEMBER 23

IN 2010 LOOK FOR OUR SPECIAL CLINICS, GUEST
PRESENTATIONS, AND A POSSIBLE FACE-TO-FACE WEEKEND SEMINAR

Go to BootcampforNovelists.com to enroll

For more information contact Linda Style or Connie Flynn http://bootcampfornovelists.com/

Merry Christmas!

Have a safe, happy, and healthy one. We have Kathryne Kennedy's author interview scheduled for December 30, 2009. Friday author interviews start back up in January. Thanks for all your support throughout the year.

On-Line Class Defeat Self-Defeating Behavior

January 4-29, 2010
"Defeat Self-Defeating Behavior: Allow Writing Productivity and Creativity to Soar"
by Margie Lawson
www.WriterUniv.com

What's preventing your success? Thoughts? Behavior? Low energy? Procrastination? Perfectionism? Overdoing? Counter-productivity? Negative self-talk? Disorganization? Time mismanagement? Unrealistic expectations? Defeat your self-defeating behaviors with this one-month mental boot-camp. You'll explore the new topics, plus the list below, and more!

* Address the three fears that paralyze writers
* Analyze yourself: strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats
* Challenge your internal dialogue
* Redirect resistance and manage your moods
* Duct-tape your inner critic
* Protect your priorities
* Practice conscious competence
* Apply Margie's DUH Plan

Margie Lawson's resume includes counseling psychologist, college professor, hypnotherapist, and keynote speaker. Margie analyzes writing craft as well as the psyche of the writer. She presents (1) Empowering Character Emotions, (2) Deep Editing: The EDITS System, Rhetorical Devices and More, and (3) Defeat Self-Defeating Behaviors in full-day master classes internationally.

Happy Holidays!

Since this is my last post before the holidays, I wanted to extend my warmest wishes for a Merry Christmas, and my hope that Santa is good to you. :}

I have resolved this year to take some time during the hustle and bustle to gather calm around myself, to sit back and watch my loved ones that surround me, to memorize their faces and this one moment in time, to preserve it as a precious memory, because life is about change and nothing will ever be the same again as it is at this one moment.

It's not something I ever thought to do before, at least, not purposefully.

But I've realized that it's so very easy to take for granted those that surround you; the friends and family whose love and caring make life worth living.

Christmas can sometimes be peaceful or just plain bonkers. The little ones can get cranky from lack of sleep and all the excitement, the older ones just as cranky from last minute shopping, baking, and just plain trying to factor in Christmas when there's already not enough hours in the day to meet the demands of normal life. And you know what? This year I'm going to sit back and enjoy every crazy minute of it.

And thank God for this precious moment.

And for those of you who celebrate other faiths, I wish you the same indelible memory of your own peaceful or crazy, wonderful moment with your friends and family.

All My Very Best,
Kathryne