Rebecca Kenney on Her Book Trilogy: Secrets of the Fae
Being a somewhat new author myself, I find it important to reach out to other writers and learn from them as well as make new friends. This week, my article is on an author from Canada/North Carolina who has recently published an entire trilogy, (which I’ll link to at the end of this article). The books are filled with the kind of subject matter I absolutely love: the supernatural. I wanted to find out more about her and what inspires her to write. Let’s dive into my conversation with Rebecca Kenney.
Tell me a little bit about yourself. Where did you grow up and how did writing become a passion for you?
“I actually grew up in Canada, living for several years in Quebec and several in Ontario. I’ve lived in upstate South Carolina for over 15 years though.
I wrote my first story around age 7; it was a self-illustrated mermaid tale. After that I just kept writing, poetry, stories, and eventually novellas. Those Canadian winters are long, so I loved losing myself in other worlds of my own creation. I studied literature and creative writing in college, worked a copywriter job, then transitioned to freelance writing when I had my two kids. I picked up my novel writing again in the past year or so.”
What books do you currently have published?
“In the fall of 2018, I published a trilogy. The first book, Korrigan, grew from an idea I’d been harboring for several years, and the sequels, Druid and Samhain, just followed naturally from that storyline. They practically wrote themselves, or at least it felt that way. I think I had a lot of pent-up creative energy; I wrote like a maniac for months. It was an amazing and exhausting high.
I’ve also written two Kindle short reads, one that precedes the trilogy and one that follows it.”
It appears your books often live in the realm of fantasy. What attracts you toward fantasy writing?
“Reality is all around us. Enough with reality already. I want something that surprises me, plays with the rules, and introduces myth and monsters. I love shows like Buffy, Teen Wolf, Vampire Diaries, Supernatural, etc. for that same reason.”
Fellow Supernatural fan!
What writers, living or dead, inspire your work?
“I am a huge Holly Black fangirl. Her books are incredible. Laini Taylor, Leigh Bardugo, Shea Ernshaw, Ann Aguirre, Susan Ee, Kristin Cashore, Suzanne Collins, Sarah J. Maas— can you tell I have a lot of favorites? And of course writers like Jane Austen, Charlotte Bronte, C. S. Lewis, and J. R. R. Tolkien were a big influence in my life, especially early on. My parents were big on the classics.”
As a new author myself, I feel like the publishing world seems to be a difficult one to navigate, at least at first.
What has the process been like for you bringing your writings to print and how have you approached the marketing aspect of it?
“I decided not to query my first three novels. I did have beta readers and I edited the books myself (since I edit all my own freelance work anyway, I have the skills); and then I designed the covers with Canva and published the trilogy through Amazon. I love how easy Amazon makes it, but I do wish there were more ways to earn visibility or more ways to garner legit reviews. I got in touch with a number of book bloggers, but although they were kind to give me some reviews on their blogs, I didn’t get many Amazon reviews that way— and those reviews are so crucial.
I created Twitter and Instagram accounts shortly before publishing Korrigan. I knew absolutely nothing about marketing my books on social media, but I think I’ve learned a lot—mainly, not to self-promote too heavily. I do giveaways of my books on Amazon, as well as the occasional plug on social media. Forming connections naturally with people is a great way to put your work out there, and I’ve discovered so many wonderful indie authors! I regularly buy my followers’ books, and some of them buy mine. It’s not great for turning a profit, but it’s fun. :)”
One really interesting thing I found in corresponding with Rebecca and looking at her site was how she prepared songs that pair with her writing by chapter. Here’s her playlist for the trilogy. Rebecca also has a book signing coming up with some other authors at a local-to-her indie bookstore at the end of March. (Make sure you check out her website below for updates!)
Her books look great and from the snippets I’ve read online, I can’t wait to read them myself. If there’s two things I love to see writers toy with it’s science and the supernatural through the lens of fantasy. I wish Rebecca the absolute best on her writing journey.
You can pick up a copy for yourself HERE and if you’d like to visit her website and/or social media, I’ve provided it below. Thanks for reading!
