Take Five With...Doralynn Kennedy

Monday, March 14, 2011



Doralynn Kennedy’s Sleeping With Skeletons has been described by Long and Short Reviews as an ‘edge of your seat’, ‘nail biting’, ‘heart racing’, ‘roller coaster ride’ kind of read. I haven’t read Skeletons yet, simply because I was holding out for a Kindle, which is almost in my grasp. As soon as I’m done reading, I’ll post my own review over at The Readers’ Suite.  Those of you who like romantic suspense will no doubt enjoy Doralynn’s debut novel. Now on to the good stuff.

1.    How did you start writing?

I owe that to my 8th and 9th grade English teacher, Mr. McIntyre. He is the teacher who made the biggest impact on what direction my life would take. At the beginning of each school year, he gave his students contracts. We entered into an agreement that was based on what grade we would like to earn. He gave us the option of making an A, B, or C in his class. Each grade placed different demands on us. 


I wanted an A. One of the things I had to do to earn that 'A' was write several short stories. It was then that I discovered I could write. Much to my amazement, he started reading those tales to the class. It was thrilling for me to hear my fellow students laughing at all of my jokes and cheering my characters on to their ridiculous end. One day I turned in a story, and he shook his head and gave it back. "I know what you're capable of, and you can do better than that. Never do anything less than your best." It was the best piece of advice any teacher ever gave me. I've been writing ever since then.

2.    How has your background influenced your writing?

My background has had a huge impact on what I write. I tend to write what I know, so I have a lot of law enforcement and military characters in my books... since I have a background in the military and law enforcement.

3.    Any particular reason you chose Ireland for your setting?

My family hails from Ireland, though not recently. Ireland is my family's past though. I've always loved Ireland, so placing Margaret there seemed like a good plan, especially since she wanted to feel closer to the mother she lost as a child -- and her mother's childhood home was Ireland.
 
4.    Where do you see yourself in five years in terms of your writing and do you see yourself branching into any other genre?

I imagine that in five years I'll still be writing. Hopefully, I'll have found an agent by then. I like to joke that it's easier to get to the moon without a rocket or find the Loch Ness Monster than it is to find an agent.

I like to write a lot of different genres. Originally Sleeping With Skeletons was a thriller, but in order to get it published, I needed to change it to romantic suspense. It wasn't too hard to do. I needed to include some additional scenes between Margaret and Aidan. I also had to cut out some of the more violent action sequences in the book. But I do love to write thrillers and mysteries. I enjoy writing romance as well, and my current work in progress is a paranormal romance.

5.       What do you think of current publishing trends?

They scare me a little. I don't like e-books. They hurt my eyes. And I just love the feel of a book in my hand, the smell of paper. Plus, I just can't snuggle up with an e-reader the same way I can with a book. But, it looks like the writing is on the wall, and e-books are here to stay. Many books will never see print publishing. They'll have a lot of readers, but they'll lose a lot of readers too.


Doralynn served as a Military Police woman in the Army. She mostly worked law enforcement, but she was also attached to the Personnel Security Division, PSD. They provided security for high-ranking officers. At one point, her team also provided residential security for the CIA Station Chief in Frankfurt, Germany. She mostly worked uniform, but she has also done some undercover. Among other things, her Military Occupational Specialty and training included crime scene investigation, counterterrorism, bomb threats, and hostage situations. She has traveled extensively inside and outside of the U.S..

She owns a job service, and writes part time from her home in Colorado. 
Visit her at http://doralynn.net/

 
Feel free to leave any comments and/or questions you may have for Doralynn. One lucky follower who comments will win a copy (e-book version) of Sleeping With Skeletons.  The winner will be announced on Saturday, March 19, 2011.

62 comments:

  1. That was fun, Joy. Thanks for interviewing me. Doralynn

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  2. Great interview! Wow, your background is impressive, Doralynn!

    I love what you said about your teacher. I've had teachers like that, one or two in particular who really boosted my confidence and made a difference. My childhood librarian did the same. I'm not sure if they realize it, but if I'm ever published, I plan on acknowleding them.

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  3. I love background stories where teachers make an impact. Nice interview!

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  4. Good Morning, Joy.

    My name is Rosemarie and I am a friend, fellow writer, and fan of Doralynn's work.

    I trust her advice, and I enjoy her writing style, as she knows.

    This interview was enjoyable for me to read because I learned a lot more about her military career.

    We want to stay on little Doralynn's good side, now don't we, Joy.

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  5. What a fun interview, and the book sounds gripping! I loved hearing about your school experience~ it's pretty awesome that all your classmates got into your stories at such a young age :) Thanks to JL for hosting!

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  6. Thanks everybody for stopping in! Rosemarie, yep, definitely want to stay on Doralynn's right side. Still, she's such a sweetie.

    Jess, it's a pleasure sharing information on a good writer and great person.

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  7. Yay! I love Doralynn, and her book. And I'm so excited that she's writing paranormal romance next! Can't wait to see her take on it.

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  8. Enjoyed that interview ladies. Now to check out the book! :)

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  9. Hi Rula, thank you for your comments. I'm glad you mentioned your childhood librarian. It made me think of the importance of my childhood librarian as well. I still feel her absence everytime I walk into the library.

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  10. Hi Liz, thank you. I'm glad you enjoyed the interview. I enjoyed doing it!

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  11. Hi Rosemarie, thanks for dropping in and leaving a comment.

    And I'm a fan of your work too!

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  12. Hi Jess, thank you! The class' reaction to my stories was such a great experience for me. I'm glad you enjoyed the interview.

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  13. Hi Lemonlye! Always love to hear from you. And as you know, I love your work and think you're pretty terrific!

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  14. Hi Ann, I'm glad you enjoyed the interview. I hope you enjoy the book!

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  15. Great interview. Thank you for taking both the time and effort to do this so that we could read it here.

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  16. Hi Karin, one of my best friends spells her name the same way you do. I'm glad you enjoyed the interview. Thanks for commenting.

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  17. Hi Michael, thank you for taking the time to read the interview! I'm glad you enjoyed it.

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  18. Hi Nancy and fellow Coloradoan, nice to meet you too. And thanks for reading and commenting. Doralynn

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  19. Great interview! Sounds like Doralynn had a wonderful English teacher. :D The book sounds exciting, and I wish you both best of luck!

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  20. Thanks Lisa. I'm glad you enjoyed the interview, and Mr. Mac was great -- best teacher I ever had.

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  21. Great interview! Doralynn , it sounds like you have a fascinating background--I can see how that would really inform the sort of books you'd write. Always a boon for a writer!

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  22. Doralynn! I'm sorry I haven't been around TNBW. I've been swamped. Glad to see you around.

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  23. Great interview -- I'm going to search out Doralynn's work. Thanks for the recommendation!

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  24. Awesome interview! This makes me want to read Doralynn's book. I love that she shared her background (military and law enforcement) and how she uses it in her books. I think it makes her work more authentic. :)

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  25. Hi Amie, thanks for your kind comments. My background really does come in handy for the type of books I write. But sometimes I write things just a little off since I don't think it's wise to give away certain tactics.

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  26. Thanks Heather. I'm glad you enjoyed the interview.

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  27. Thanks Clarissa. I'm glad to see you. I haven't been at Tnbw lately, either. Always nice to hear from you.

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  28. Hi Nicole, thank you. I'm glad you enjoyed the interview. And I hope you enjoy my work!

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  29. Thanks Nutschell. I'm glad you enjoyed the interview and that it makes you want to read my work! Thanks for your kind comments. Doralynn

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  30. Great interview! The book certainly sounds interesting - I'm all for romance [g]
    I hear you on liking the feel of a real book, I have to confess I print all the e-books I buy.

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  31. Hi Deniz, thank you. I'm glad you liked the interview. It was fun doing it and meeting everyone.

    I think printing out the e-books is a good idea too. It's not quite the same, but it's easier on the eyes!

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  32. I've been converted to ebooks. I love them.
    Great interview :)

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  33. Hi Lynda, a lot of people love ebooks. My visions not that great, and they really play havoc with my eyes.

    Glad you liked the interview. Thanks for reading. Doralynn

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  34. Sounds like a great fun book. I love romantic suspense.

    J.L., an award awaits you on my blog.

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  35. Thanks Carol. I'm glad you think it sounds fun. I love romantic suspense too. Doralynn

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  36. Love the story of how your teacher had such a big influence. It's great to know that he made a difference in your life.

    Lee
    Tossing It Out

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  37. I love that your 8/9th grade teacher had such a big influence on your life, Doralynn. My 10th grade biology played a huge role in my life. I met her when I was 14. She played the piano when I got married and when I officially joined the church she stood up for me. She even played the piano when my daughter was Baptised. She is an amazing woman, teacher, wife and mother.

    Thanks for sharing and best wishes with your book. :)

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  38. Hi Arlee, thank you. I think teachers are often unsung heroes. Although, I've had a couple who had pretty much the opposite effect!

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  39. Hi Sharon. It's so great that you had 'one of those teachers' too. I'm glad she's still part of your life. How neat that she played the piano when your daughter was Baptised. Since you're a Christian, you might like my podcasts at YouTube. I'm ProphecyPodRadio there. Thanks again.

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  40. Great interview, JL and Doralynn. Thanks for telling us your view on the current publishing trend. I also love the smell of a real book.

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  41. Great teachers are so important, especially when children have a passion for something. Thanks for the interview!

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  42. Hi Len, I'm glad you enjoyed the interview. I wish us both lots of real books... hopefully with our names on them.

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  43. Wonderful interview. I really like reading about how authors have been influenced by others.

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  44. Hi Janel, absolutely... teachers are so important. I don't think they even realize how important what they do is. Thanks! Doralynn

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  45. Hi Cynthia, I'm glad you enjoyed the interview. Thanks for your comment. Doralynn

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  46. What a great interview! And Doralynn has such an intriguing work history. Must say, I love the cover of Sleeping with Skeletons!!!

    Hugs,

    Rach

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  47. Hi Rach, thanks for the kind words. And I'm glad to hear you love the cover! Doralynn

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  48. Great interview! Always love hearing the thoughts of other writers. Thanks for sharing :)

    Sarah Allen
    (my creative writing blog)

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  49. Hi Sarah, thanks! I love hearing about other writers too... what started them writing, where they get their ideas. Doralynn

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  50. I love the title and the cover! And since romantic suspense is my genre, I'm always happy to learn about another r/s writer or author. *waves*

    Lynnette Labelle
    www.lynnettelabelle.com

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  51. Hi Lynnette... *waves back* ... romantic suspense is great. It's nice to meet you. And thanks for your kind comments. Doralynn

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  52. Awesome, can't wait to check it out.

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  53. Thanks E. Appreciate the comment. Doralynn

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  54. Great interview, ladies. I love when a teacher inspires a student! Off to check out the book. :)

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  55. Hi Ciara, thank you for you comments. And thanks for checking out the book! I hope you enjoy! Doralynn

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  56. This lady and her book sound very interesting J.L, did you ever manage to read it?

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  57. Hi, Wendy,

    I've had so many books to read that I haven't read it yet and then my Kindle broke down, so it has to wait a while again.

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