I write the books I wish I had as a kid, so though they may be quieter than some of the best sellers, they fill an important niche.
Kimberly Behre Kenna – 3 March 2026
The Back Flap
Thirteen-year-old Lola is determined to honor her perfect twin sister, who died in an accident Lola can’t forgive herself for. To make things right, she’s on a mission to complete their Perfect Pairs Collection—but one mistake lands her in serious trouble. Now, instead of facing reform school, Lola must spend August with her eccentric, agoraphobic Uncle Milo in his crumbling mansion on the Connecticut River.
What begins as punishment quickly turns into a summer full of strange discoveries: a Zen garden gone wrong, a holographic projector spitting ghostly messages from her late aunt, a mysterious houseboat, and even a wandering wolf. As Lola races to complete her lucky baker’s dozen of perfect pairs, she starts to realize that magic isn’t about collections or luck—it’s about healing, forgiveness, and finding where she truly belongs.
About the book
What is the book about?
After getting caught stealing, thirteen-year-old Lola Gillette has one last chance to prove she shouldn’t be shipped off to “bad girls” boarding school: spend August helping her eccentric Uncle Milo in his run-down mansion on the CT River. Haunted by guilt over her twin sister’s death and clinging to her Perfect Pairs Collection for luck, Lola believes a little magic might fix everything. But as strange discoveries pile up and her uncle’s troubles come into focus, Lola realizes saving herself may mean saving him too…and it’ll take much more than magic.
When did you start writing the book?
About five years ago, but I took breaks from it as I took writing workshops that explored other writing like flash fiction and novellas. What I learn about writing in other genres fuels my current writing in some way.
How long did it take you to write it?
The better part of a year, including critique partner feedback, sensitivity readers, and several revisions.
Where did you get the idea from?
During the pandemic, my husband and I hiked a different CT park every few weeks. I’d never visited Gillette Castle State Park, and when we did, story ideas and characters immediately streamed into my mind. The beautiful setting also felt mysterious with its craggy rock ledges and wooded trails. The castle itself is a wonder. William Gillette was an inventor and actor, and his creativity is apparent in every room of the castle. For me, the place oozes stories!
Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?
Every time I revise, it’s a struggle! When I add or delete a scene, change POV, or work to make voices sound distinct, it requires making changes in other areas as well. That’s where critique partners come in – they help me balance it all out.
What came easily?
The connection between Lola and her twin sister, Vinnie. I’m very close with my two sisters, and they are twins. Though the characters aren’t based on me or my sisters, the sentiments we share as sisters as well as the struggles we’ve gone through helped me feel into Lola’s challenges and ultimate growth.
Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?
I borrowed from facts about William Gillette and his life, family, and friends. So, though the story is inspired by real life people, it is far from the truth. Every character I’ve ever written has seeds of real people in them, but not enough to make them clones.
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?
So many! Kate DiCamillo’s children’s books often depict challenging themes, but she tempers her stories with hope and compassion. She gets the balance right, and I look to her for guidance with my own work. I’ve read books by Toni Morrison and Dorothy Allison over and over. The plots are engaging and the writing is poetic and moving. They, too, write from their hearts about experiences they know all too well, and these stories make readers who’ve gone through similar things feels seen and not alone. Though they are books for adults, I can still apply what I learn from them about honesty and clarity to my children’s books. Oh—and I can’t forget Natalie Babbitt. The opening paragraph in her book, Tuck Everlasting is my favorite of all times. That one paragraph hints at mystery, malice, and a setting of intrigue that inspires kids to wonder and want to read on. The story is timeless and quiet but resonates deeply.
Do you have a target reader?
Kids from age eight and up will be drawn to my books. The plots are engaging and the themes inspire discussion. They get kids to ask questions that have no right or wrong answer. Readers who enjoy mystery and nature settings with characters who are often offbeat and passionate are my intended audience. I write the books I wish I had as a kid, so though they may be quieter than some of the best sellers, they fill an important niche. They are also books I’d have used in my classroom because they lend themselves to STEAM explorations as well as conversations about empathy, agency, and belonging.
About Writing
Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?
I am usually called to a story via a setting or character. They get me asking, “What if?” Then I either make a short, sketchy outline or bullet point list. Next I flesh it out by writing a first, very short draft. It’s usually at this point that I ask my critique partners to discuss what I’ve got so far and where I might go with it. I love brainstorming possible scenes, turning points, and new characters with other authors, and my stories are richer because of it.
Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?
As mentioned above, I make very light outlines and then allow myself to take off from there.
Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?
I try not to! It stilts my writing. But when I start my writing each day, I always like to read over what I did the day before and sometimes I do allow myself to make a better word choice, but usually no big changes unless they are glaring, as in a paragraph or event that doesn’t serve the story premise. If I cut things, I usually keep them in a folder on my desktop that I can go back to later, if desired.
Did you hire a professional editor?
I am published by a small press, but I hired a professional editor before I sent the manuscript out. Then I worked with my publisher’s editor. I appreciate professional editing because it gets me to look at my writing in new ways, and it ultimately brings my writing up to the next level.
Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?
No! I need quiet to write.
About Publishing
Did you submit your work to Agents?
I didn’t submit this one to agents, but I did for my last two books.
What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?
When I submitted my first MG book to agents and got a lot of interest but no takers, I decided to look into small presses just because it was taking a lot of time to query agents. Plus, even if I did get an agent, they’d have to sell the book to a publisher and that could also take time, if it got sold at all. Going with a small publisher was more direct, and the lead time to publish date was less than a year.
Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?
My publisher designed it with my input.
Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?
I have used a publicist for all three of my books. I do a lot of outreach to schools, bookstores, and libraries on my own, though.
Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?
Collaborate! Create a network of fellow authors in your genre who you can rely on for feedback, cross promotion, and general emotional support.
About You
Where did you grow up?
On the Connecticut shoreline
Where do you live now?
On the Connecticut shoreline!
What would you like readers to know about you?
I’m a writer who loves stories about imperfect, loveable kids whose small, brave choices change everything. I believe creativity—whether it’s art, science, poetry, or storytelling—can help us make sense of hard things and imagine what comes next. Being outside in nature flips my switch from low to high, and trees, birds, and the ocean feed my soul.
What are you working on now?
I’m putting the finishing touches on a YA novel, and I have another Brave Girl Collection MG novel in the beginning stages.
End of Interview:
Get your copy of Lola Gillette and the Summer of Second Chances from Amazon US or Amazon UK.
