Interview with Victoria Kennedy, author of Sometimes Love

Author’s Bio: Victoria Kennedy is a fiction writer whose stories range from fun and romantic to insightful explorations of cultural and societal challenges. Sometimes all these elements are combined to create stories of Black love and woe. Victoria’s work is included in The Dating Game anthology and the self-published collection, Where Love Goes, which includes “The Uninvited Guest,” adapted into an eponymous stage play. 

Victoria is the founder of Zora’s Den, a writing group for Black women writers that entails a closed Facebook group, a series of writing workshops, and a monthly reading series based in Baltimore. Her debut novel, Sometimes Love was published by Brown Girls Books in August 2017. Her next novel, Don’t Walk Away, will be released in February 2019.

DL: What inspired you to write your book?

VK: Insomnia inspired me to write my first book. I don’t sleep very much and I fill those sleepless hours with all things creative – from writing, to playing music, or reading.

DL: Describe your writing process? Do you use an outline or let it flow organically?

VK: After loosely planning what my story will be about, I don’t outline. I write, as the story develops, very organically. I identify as a “pantser” as opposed to a “plotter.”

DL: What do you think makes a good story?

VK: I think interesting characters placed in relatable circumstances make for stories in which readers can see themselves or fantasize about. I like having readers imagine being in my stories. It drives them to invest emotionally.

DL: Is there any particular author or book that influenced you in any way either growing up or as an adult?

VK: The first novel I ever read was Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird. It showed me the magic of engagement in a story. It was the beginning of my love affair with reading, which to me is the gateway to writing.

DL: If you were hosting a diner party which three authors would be your dream guests?

VK: They would be:

a.)    Zora Neale Hurston

b.)    Beverly Jenkins

c.)    Colin Channer

DL: What are the keys to success in marketing your book(s)?

VK: These 3 keys have been successful for me.

a.)    An online presence (social media, blogs, website).

b.)    Participation in conferences and readings.

c.)    Local promotion (It’s important to create familiarity where one is located physically).

DL: What tips would you give to aspiring writers?

VK: I’d advise aspiring writers to create a regular practice of writing, to read widely (across genres and interests), and when possible, interact with other writers.

DL: How about sharing an excerpt from Don’t Walk Away?

VK: Here you go:

     The candlelight from the votive on their table created an ambience that relaxed Leah and made her glad she’d accepted the dinner invitation. The seafood restaurant he’d chosen was located right above the marina at the Inner Harbor.  Floor to ceiling windows framed an endless view of black with occasional twinkles on the face of the water. Except for three other couples, the place was almost empty. Leah was glad for that. She liked the idea of having Morgan all to herself, but she couldn’t forget her own rule about them not dating. She had no right to yearn for his kiss again, yet she couldn’t shake the reminiscence of tasting his succulent lips.   

     “Did you enjoy your food?” His eyes communicated something else, a question where he asked for permission to touch her and even though the words were not spoken, he reached across the table to take Leah’s hand.

     “Yes, very much.”

     “You have very soft hands. You know that?”  The steady rhythm of his hand rubbing hers was doing things that made being in a public place uncomfortable. Each stroke of his flesh across hers made her mouth drier and her panties wetter. Leah crossed her legs and cleared her throat.

     “No. But I’ll take your word for it.” She withdrew her hand from his.

     Morgan smiled.  “You’re not going to make this easy for me, are you?”

     “It seems you’ve got the impression this is easy for me.”  She raised her brow in a questioning gesture. “It’s not, Morgan.”

     “Well, let’s make it easy.”

DL: What’s on the horizon for you?

VK: After releasing my next novel, I’ll be publishing an anthology from Zora’s Den. Other personal projects include resuming work on a short fiction collection and the sequel to Sometimes Love. 

DL: Where can readers learn more about you and your book(s)? 

VK: Readers can find me here:

·         Website: www.victoriaadamskennedy.com

·         Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Victoria-Kennedy

·         Facebook: Victoria Kennedy, author page

·         Twitter: @vickiewambui

·         Blog: www.victoriakennedywritenow.wordpress

It’s been a pleasure having you here with us today. I know my readers will enjoy getting to know you and your work.