I’ve wanted to write a book, my story, for twenty years, but never seemed to have the time, or the words to write a memoir. In March 2021, I had the idea to write it as fiction and the words flowed.
D F Kennedy – 15 July 2022
The Back Flap
A Semi-Autobiographical Story containing a Dark Center covered in a Candy-Coated Second Chance Romance.
The Truth is raw, dark, and steamy.
It took a very long time to get my emotions under control after his betrayal and the hypnosis, but when I did, I quit allowing any feelings until right now. It can’t be him that makes me feel again—it can’t.
The stone walls of fiction I carefully placed to guard my non-fictional life were already breached when my real name was leaked, but Roland’s appearance used a wrecking ball to finish the job.
“Probably because you’ve been too busy being a celebrity to recall, I permitted you to use my stories only if published under a pen name. The least you could’ve done is give me a heads up that your real name was released before you went on national television.”
I didn’t come here with a plan. I turn to leave but turn back around to face him, “Well, you have a shitty way of showing you loved her, and you were no father. I know why, pure greed and lust for things you couldn’t have.” I’m labored with anxiety and anger. My hands are shaking. “You’ll die by my hand, Bob. I promise you that.”
When you board THE TRUTH rollercoaster, do it while keeping your hands and feet safely inside the vehicle at all times. Once buckled into the car, it makes its slow ascent to the sky, roughly 5o feet. Click, Click, Click. Anticipation weighs in your stomach and your chest. Click, Click, Click. The car reaches its peak, then makes a rapid descent, approximately 70 mph, as it approaches the loop to loop, waiting for you like a monster with its mouth open. The car approaches the loop as you scream and raise your arms in the air to allow the speed and wind to lift your body, filling you with excitement. You finally feel your throat and lungs open to take a full breath, and then you’re thrown into another loop as your body is jolted left, right, forward, and begin again. Then the car screeches to a DEAD stop.
The Truth is book one in the So Help Me God Series. Be sure to stay on board for the next exciting ride.
About the book
What is the book about?
Dahlia Frost, a USAF veteran discovers while under hypnosis she has repressed memories. She searches for years for THE TRUTH and once she finds it she writes a novel under a pseudonym. During her first book tour, her ex-boyfriend, Roland Hughes, now a celebrity makes a grand entrance and brings with him the national spotlight.
She quickly learns that her desire to stay invisible in a highly visible world becomes increasingly difficult when she is stalked and eventually kidnapped.
Who and why? Is it his fandom? Is it because she wrote and published her novel, Daddy Issues?
When did you start writing the book?
I’ve wanted to write a book, my story, for twenty years, but never seemed to have the time, or the words to write a memoir. In March 2021, I had the idea to write it as fiction and the words flowed.
How long did it take you to write it?
I wrote for a year and scheduled it as a full-time job.
Where did you get the idea from?
It’s a semi-autobiographical novel so the truth is tucked inside. The fiction idea came after I was injured and forced to sit for six weeks. While sitting I watched several series and soon I had a series playing out in my head.
Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?
I did not struggle which surprised me. Starting with a center of darkness (abuse), I covered in a candy-coated romance and told my story, my way.
What came easily?
The story told itself, I merely typed it.
Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?
My characters are both. Some I completely made up in my head, and some are based on individuals that impacted my life; a few in a good way and some not so much. There is one character in the novel that I completely portrayed as himself.
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?
Not one particular author, however, the manner in which they write influenced me. I’ve read many books, and I had a strong vision for this book, and I knew it had to be written in a personal voice.
Do you have a target reader?
Yes, women, girls, teens, men, boys. Anyone who has ever been abused.
About Writing
Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?
In the beginning, no, but writing this novel was the only way I could get these people out of my head. I would wake in the night, in the early mornings and grab my coffee and write sometimes for twelve hours.
Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?
I do not outline. The word count I typed versus what ended up in the novel is half, but this is a series so nothing is wasted.
Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?
Edit? I am terrible at grammar. I pay someone to edit after I am finished. I write, delete, and rewrite as I go.
Did you hire a professional editor?
Yes, I hired developmental, line, and proofreading edits.
Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?
Yes. I created a playlist as I went. I didn’t listen while writing though, I have to have it quiet when I write.
About Publishing
Did you submit your work to Agents?
I attended an online conference and there were agents that agreed to accept queries. I submitted a handful of times.
What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?
I researched the difference between traditional and self-publishing and made my mind up early on that I would retain control of my work, my creative voice, and my choices.
Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?
I paid a graphic designer to bring my vision to the cover.
Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?
I have ideas, but nothing set in stone
Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?
It is your story. Write it how you want and publish it how you want. Our stories will last long after we are gone.
About You
Where did you grow up?
Central Illinois
Where do you live now?
I returned to Illinois after I served in the United States Air Force.
What would you like readers to know about you?
I wrote this novel and have several more in my head that are based on true stories that I need to tell. Then I want to try my hand at writing a different genre.
What are you working on now?
Book Two of the So Help Me God Series
End of Interview.
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