Author Q&A with Rebecca F. Kenney

Author Q&A with Rebecca F. Kenney

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Rebecca F. Kenney writes darkly romantic books about emotionally damaged characters and mythical monsters… which are sometimes one and the same thing. She is represented by Ali Herring of Spencerhill Associates and is currently on submission with a delightfully dark and witchy adult contemporary fantasy.

1. Tells us about your writing/ published book(s)

I have self-published a contemporary fantasy trilogy (the KORRIGAN series) and a gender-swapped retelling of the Phantom of the Opera (THE MONSTERS OF MUSIC). Last year I signed with an agent, and we’re currently on submission with a witchy villain romance that I really hope finds a home! In the meantime, I have an ongoing serial story based on the French legend of Reynard the Fox, who for my purposes is a hot Fae trickster. That story has twice weekly episodes on Patreon. And on October 7 I released a romantic retelling of the Legend of Sleepy Hollow, a novella that’s currently exclusive/free to my Patreon subscribers.

2. How do you approach starting a new book?

I usually let the idea simmer until I can’t stand it anymore, and then I just dive into the first chapter or whichever scene/sequence is most vivid in my mind. I create a playlist and a Pinterest mood board for every book I write. I find that the images and music help unlock the setting, the characters, and different facets of the story. The playlist and mood board are also great for helping me avoid writer’s block.

 

3. What’s your favourite genre to read?

I prefer YA/adult/crossover fantasy or scifi with a strong romantic element. I also enjoy adult romances, typically with some paranormal/supernatural elements. Contemporary fantasy and contemporary romance are fun as well! I do not usually pick up epic fantasies or epic scifi, or literary fiction, because they are often just too slow/long for me. Basically, I enjoy reading books that are similar to what I write.

4. How do you fit writing into your everyday life?

Since I’m a mom of two, and I also do freelance work, it’s been tough to incorporate writing during the e-learning period this fall. It’s also difficult to find time for it during the summer. I squeeze it in wherever I can during the day, and I often give up evening TV time in order to write. I usually end up feeling kind of stretched thin, but hey, don’t we all?

 

5. Do you write under a pen name?

I have a handful of books published under a pen name. There’s a speculative fiction duology, and then a smutty trilogy. I’m not sure if I’ll ever release the pen name. It has not been very successful because I honestly don’t have time to do marketing for that and my real name!

6. Tell me about your main character

The main character of my Sleepy Hollow retelling is Katrina Van Tassel. In the original story, she was a fairly flat character–Washington Irving basically labeled her as a flirtatious “coquette” and that was it. I have taken her character to a whole new level! She is a sexually confident woman who isn’t willing to settle for less than she deserves; she’s all about fairness and personal freedom, and she loves a variety of things, including fishing, whittling, sewing lacy underwear, and learning how to manage her father’s farmlands. Her relationship with the Horseman is full of prickly banter, but it’s also tender and sweet. I just love them both so much!

You can find Rebecca F. Kenney on Twitter.