IndieView with F. Kennerly Clay, author of Calling of Ancestors

It’s been a passionate mystery tour, with question after question leading to new questions and leaps of wonder, which is how the writing flows as well, I believe.

F. Kennerly Clay – 27 October 2021

The Back Flap

In Calling of Ancestors: Finding Forgotten Secrets in My DNA, the author discovers through DNA testing more than one mystery about her genetic ancestry.

Genetic connections and genealogical research lead Kennerly on a fascinating quest to uncover forgotten family secrets in her paternal lineage. What gets revealed tells a different family story than the one handed down. The author soon finds herself confronting racism within her family while also exploring her own deep-seated biases at a time when much of the U.S. is trying to come to grips with the effects of racial injustice.

In this insightful and powerful story of discovery, the author asks readers to consider the causal relationship and generational effects of the ugly legacy of slavery and long-term racism on its descendants, to this day.

About the book

What is the book about?

It’s about my discovery and exploration of a DNA mystery in our family that none of us knew existed.

When did you start writing the book?

When I finally solved the mystery, there was an “end” as it were, to the story.

How long did it take you to write it?

Six months. It was originally embedded in my memoir until I pulled it out and started teasing it out separately. It’s a Kindle Single so it’s fairly short.

Where did you get the idea from?

As so often is the case, truth is stranger than fiction. The story unfolded in my life.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

I was at first reluctant to say something (seemingly) negative about my relatives.

What came easily?

The inquiry of it all. It’s been a passionate mystery tour, with question after question leading to new questions and leaps of wonder, which is how the writing flows as well, I believe.

Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?

It’s 1000% real.

We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?

I keep going back to memoirist Mary Karr. Every time I read her writing, I get inspired to write or rewrite, compelled to digress into detail and memory or to illustrate a scene more specifically. Sometimes her writing drives me a little nuts with over-the-topness of minutiae, but she’s the absolute best at it and she makes me a better writer.

Do you have a target reader?

Probably people like me. Anyone fascinated by history, family ties, mystery, DNA, genetic genealogy, family drama, Black history, racial prejudice, racial justice, small town life, small town drama.

About Writing

Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?

You mean after I stare at the wall, get another coffee, pet the cat and go to the bathroom again?

Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?

For the memoir I’m working on, I’ve been super organized with outlines, chapter headings and such. I recently stumbled across Scrivener – who knew?! – it’s a godsend. Love, love, love it. Anyone writing anything that requires editing, rearranging, organizing, sanity, peace of mind…so worth it.

Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?

I definitely get it all down in free flow without too much monitoring at first. Sometimes if I’m resurrecting a memory and I’m fishing for details and trying to create something vividly for the reader, I’ll spend more time trying to get it right the first time so I don’t forget what it was I was grasping for at the time.

Did you hire a professional editor?

Definitely. I’d feel insecure without having a pro editor on my team. I had a few “friend editors” give me feedback at first, before sending to my professional editor for line editing and any structural feedback.

Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?

Only classical music or this one Amazon playlist I love of flamenco guitar called “La Guitarra.” At some point, whether classical or flamenco, it gets a little too amped up and distracting so I have to tell Alexa to turn it off.

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

No.

What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?

Years ago I worked for then-startup, self-publishing co. Xlibris, so I got a taste of the burgeoning world of print-on-demand self-publishing. Back then it was just starting to become more “acceptable” / legit compared to the stigma of vanity publishing from years past. Having also worked with authors who had published traditionally as well as self-published—I had no unrealistic expectations about going with a traditional publisher and becoming a blockbuster sensation with a Hollywood agent. Publishing wasn’t like it used to be. You still had to get out there and market the heck out of yourself whether you had a publisher behind you or not. So self-publishing to me is just my way of saying, “I’ve got a book to publish and I’m going to publish it. My work doesn’t depend on some publishing house saying yes to me.”

Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?

Absolutely professionally done. Had a referral to a rockstar designer on Fiverr and I think she did a great job. I’m definitely using her for my memoir as well.

Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?

Both. I’m winging my marketing plan! I’ve hired a book marketing consultant on Fiverr a number of times and he’s kind of spoon-feeding me and holding my hand each step of the way, helping me to focus on what the easiest, most affordable and efficient actions are. It’s an overwhelming effort, this whole book marketing and distribution thing. I’m grateful I at least have web design skills and some social media.

Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?

Definitely plan to have a powerfully presented, professional author page/website, plus a professionally designed book cover and at least one good round of editing by a professional editor. Oh—and don’t let anyone in your family read it until you’re good and ready!

About You

Where did you grow up?

In Quantico, a small town of 100 people on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. (not the FBI place)

Where do you live now?

Outside of Philly, right near Valley Forge National Park

What would you like readers to know about you?

I’m a cranky menopausal woman. No, wait. Umm. I’m in love with my kitties. One has no eyes. She’s amazing. I have two teenage boys. I think they actually like me okay, sort of. I’m married. My husband and I are starting a tiny house business in Costa Rica. (http://www.eastofnowhere.us)

What are you working on now?

Letters from East of Nowhere – Daddy’s Words to Live, Drink & Die By – a memoir about fathers, daughters, and drinking
More info at: http://www.lettersfromeastofnowhere.com

End of Interview:

Get your copy of Calling of Ancestors from Amazon US or Amazon UK.