Continuing our series of Here Be Magic Author interviews, today it's my pleasure to talk with Jeffe Kennedy! Her most recent books are ROGUE'S PAWN and HUNTING THE SIREN.
What prompted you to start writing?
I wasn’t happy in my graduate program and I went to a huge
convention (60K people) in my field. And it seemed to me that none of them were
happy either. So I sat myself down and asked the honest question of what the
perfect life would be, no ifs, ands or buts considered. It turned out I thought
being a writer would be the perfect life. So I figured I’d better figure out a
way to make it happen.
What’s your writing process? Where do you write?
I have a desk in a dedicated office at home, right in front of
a window with an amazing view down the Galisteo Basin in New Mexico. I write
every day, for two hours, usually in silence. I tend to write from beginning to
end, discovering the story as I go.
How do you celebrate when you finish a novel?
I don’t really. When I finish a novel or novella, I feel
satisfied—but also a little sad. I might buy myself an “expensive” bottle of
wine (like $20 instead of $5). But usually finishing one story means I get to
start the next one. I guess I “celebrate” by mailing it off, to critique
partners or agent or editor, and I love that feeling.
Do you do a lot of research for your books?
Not really. I’ve been a reader all my life and I’ve got
quite a bit of education under my belt – I draw on all of that quite a bit. In some
ways, I prefer not to do specific research. For example, the Wild Hunt appears
in the book I’m writing now. I’ve read about it over the years, in various
forms and stories, so I have bits and fragments about it in my head. I feel
like if I go read up on it now, I’d be more likely to directly borrow from
those stories, even without meaning to. If I don’t, I can just let that mash-up
of impressions from over the years kind of mix in with my subconscious and this
story and make it be something that comes from me as a storyteller.
Have you ever used an incident from real life in one of
your books?
Oh sure. I draw on real life all the time. I’m not sure any
of them would be recognizable though.
Quickfire:
Favorite TV Show: I don’t watch TV – gave it up quite a
while ago
Favorite Movie: The Keira Knightley/Matthew Macfadyen
version of Pride & Prejudice
Cats or Dogs? Cats (though I love dogs, too) (VS sez Jeffe has THE most adorable kitten - you can often catch his photos on her blog!)
Favorite Flower: Stargazer Lily
Tea or coffee: depends on my mood – love both
Boxers or Briefs: commando
Sweet or spicy: love both!
Morning person or evening person: Evening person by nature,
morning person by training because that’s when I write best
Favorite food: does wine count?
Favorite time of the year: autumn
Favorite song: Every Rose Has its Thorn for melancholy; So
What for feisty. Boys of Summer, Everybody Knows, In My Mind – I could list a
hundred.
Finish this
sentence “I believe in the Magic of……”
The universe
What are you working on next?
I’m closing in on the end of the sequel to Rogue’s Pawn
What one question do you want to ask your Readers today?
What questions do you *really* want to ask authors that you
think you shouldn’t?
Where can your Readers find you online?
VS sez: For a truly creepy One From the Archives for Halloween, read Jeffe's true story about The Birdwoman, which she talked about at Here Be Magic in March. I still get nightmares!
Nice interview, Jeffe. That version of Pride and Prejudice is one of my fave movies too! And your kitten IS adorable. :)
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