by Lynne | Feb 15, 2015 | Uncategorized
Forgive the long blog, but I wanted to share an interview I did with the editor of a London newsletter called “This is Writing.” I hope you enjoy and check out other author interviews on this link: http://thisiswriting.com/category/author-interviews/
Introduce yourself to our readers
I’m a native New Yorker but have lived more recently in Southern California. With a Master’s Degree in Science, I’ve had the privilege to be a science museum director for many years. It was in this position that I became immersed in the world of art and history as well as science. I’ve long been a history enthusiast and mystery fan, so there was no doubt in my mind that one day I would join these forces together and become a storyteller.
How would you describe your writing style?
Eclectic. A mix of authentic history with bizarre and twisty mystery elements. And all resolved with modern-day science. In terms of “style” I’d say somewhere between an airplane read and a Oprah pick.
What is a typical day for you as a writer?
There is no typical day. I’ve given up trying to organize my day into “writing times.” I write whenever I feel motivated, usually mornings and early evenings. Not very structured, I’m afraid.
Why did you become a writer?
These crazy plots kept popping into my head. What if the horrific fire at the Triangle Factory in New York City in 1911 was really a cover-up for a murder? What if greed was the real motivation for the Salem Witch Trials? What if I could track down a real missing Van Gogh painting stolen by the Nazis during WWII? I developed these plots through historic research and actual visitation to places involved. Then I used my science background to solve the mysteries years, or centuries later through forensics and digital photography.
How would you describe your books?
Historical mysteries solved by modern technology. My novels take you back in time to real events in history, but with a fictitious murder or two added to complement the story. As mentioned in previous question, the real twist comes in solving the mystery years, or centuries, later, in contemporary times with modern technology.
The time periods and places vary, from the Eastern Theater of the Civil War, to early 20th Century New York City, from Nazi Germany during World War II to the 1692 witch trials in Salem, Massachusetts. My historic characters are fictitious, both protagonists and antagonists, but they are surrounded by real people who lived at the time. I don’t make the pretense that my work is non-fiction, but I’m adamant about the backstory being as authentic as possible. My modern characters are, likewise, fictitious, and are often a blend of real people I know and love . . . or not.
To be sure, my books are not “time travel,” “fantasy,” or “sci fi,” but rather are written in two different time periods. They are not “historical” mysteries, nor are they simply “contemporary.” What are they, then? That’s up to you to decide. Hopefully, you’ll enjoy doing so!
What was it like to win The Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers Mystery Category Award for The Triangle Murders?
A surprise. I had entered several manuscripts before and always got good feedback, but never thought I’d actually win. Very gratifying. Writers always need to be validated. Maybe not just writers?
What are you working on at the moment?
A new concept revolving around the lost colony of Roanoke, North Carolina. When Sir Walter Raleigh sent a group of English men, along with several women and children to the new world in 1587, left them for supplies and returned three years later to find all 120 or so had vanished. There’s been some new discoveries into what may have happened to them through archaeology, anthropology and climate research, of all things. The modern story will be a bit of a departure for me and border on fantasy or mind-travel, of sorts. That’s all I can say right now.
Where does the inspiration for your characters come from?
I think my characters are all amalgams of people I know and read about. I also glom onto movie characters that are interesting and sometimes model a character after them. But only partially. I always add my own elements so they don’t seem cookie cutter.
How do you make sure that your plot is always compelling?
I try to build tension and suspense with each chapter, hopefully each scene. I want the readers to turn the page, particularly at the end of a scene or chapter. In terms of a compelling plot, I develop a story that is intriguing to me, such as the Nazi confiscation of art and a missing Van Gogh painting. That’s what compels me to write. And what, hopefully, compels readers to read.
What books have inspired you as a writer?
This may sound strange, but it was an American Western novel that jump-started me into writing. “Lonesome Dove” by Larry McMurtry. It’s weird. I never read Westerns, but my husband had just read it and when I asked if I would like it, he said. “Nah, it’s kind of a guy’s book.” Well, I read it and loved it so much, I read it again years later and loved it even more. It wasn’t a mystery and probably not even true to history. But I was riveted by the story line, the characters, the settings, and the atmosphere. I have no idea why I thought I could write something like that. But here I am . . . still striving to write something like that.
What advice would you give aspiring novelists?
If you expect to make money or become a famous novelist on the best seller list, think carefully about writing as a career. If you just love to write, to tell stories, develop characters and plots, then go for it. Just toughen up your skin, learn to take criticism (go to a regular critique group) and be prepared for frustration and disappointment. Sorry to be negative, but it’s a hard business these days. Also be prepared – and learn to — market your work.
On the other hand, writers are a special breed. Persistent, perseverant and obstinate. You may be the lucky one who breaks through. The writing, itself, is what makes you happy, and really, isn’t that what it’s all about?
by Lynne | Feb 8, 2015 | Uncategorized
I was contacted recently by Scott Mullins, an Australian transplanted to London, a writer, and editor of a Newsletter called “This is Writing.” He asked me to interview, which I did and that interview will appear next week. But he also asked me to write a brief article on how I felt about book signings and author lectures. I hope you will enjoy both my short feature below and also the newsletter from the UK.
“Writing, editing and getting a book published is a battle within itself, but what happens after that. Whether you go down the traditional publishing route or self-publish, the promotion of a book these days is widely left to the author. Events such as book signings and author lectures are seen as a great way to put yourself in front of potential readers, but what are the other benefits. Mystery writer Lynne Kennedy, who I recently interviewed (coming out February 13th), provides insight into the advantages of author lectures and books signings.”
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There are several obvious benefits to authors for presenting lectures and participating on panels to various audiences. First, of course, they can sell their books, particularly if a book signing follows. The big question is, is it worth the time and effort to do so? Are enough books sold?
I would have to say no. Unless you’re a huge bestselling author, don’t expect to sell many books. Add to this the fact that many readers today don’t buy hard copies as often, and I haven’t found a way to sign a Kindle yet.
Having said that, one really good reason to give talks, etc. is word of mouth. If you are a practiced and entertaining speaker, the members of the audience will spread the word. After all, if you can speak well, surely you can write well. Right?
But the real reason for presenting is not what you’d suspect. It’s not for the audience, it’s for the author. I find that I learn so much more about my subject matter than I did when I initially wrote the book. Often new developments crop up that can be included. For instance, the back story of my book, Deadly Provenance, was World War II and art stolen by the Nazis. However, today new art is being uncovered almost weekly and repatriated to its original owners. Battles are ongoing even 70 years after the War between museums, collectors, dealers and heirs of original owners. I am continually learning more about the subject of my book.
In fact, as I write this, I‘ve just received two Google alerts: one about an art recovery group launching a new database tomorrow for lost, stolen and disputed artworks. A second about a new center for lost art opening in Magdeburg, Germany. Can’t wait to research my missing Van Gogh!
For me, this is clearly the biggest benefit of speaker engagements.
by Lynne | Feb 2, 2015 | Uncategorized
Every so often I visit my book pages on Amazon to see if any new reviews have come in. Some of the initial reviews were family and friends, of course, so I knew they’d be pretty positive. But when the new reader reviews started coming in, I was fascinated. Some were funny, some not so.
Just as in writing a book, writing a review reveals a glimpse into the writer’s true identity — on which side of the political aisle s/he stands. How s/he feels about love, hate, money, ethnicity, religion, values and much more. I learned something from all of them so I decided to share a few with you.
TIME EXPOSURE- 3 stars:
“I’ve read worse books. Enjoyed some of the historical descriptions of uniforms and photographic advancements used during the Civil War.
Author reveals her irrational fear of guns, in true ivory tower northern liberal style. She cannot seem to fathom that fighting a war to save our Union was worth the sacrifice. She seems to think it was some sort of small misunderstanding and that the war was a way for the rich to get richer. I think the most illogical theory was that it was bad of a Union gun supplier to sell faulty guns to the Confederate. That was actually a great strategy which we should consider using today. How great it would be to give all Qaeda guns that blew up in their own hands. Like I said, serious anti-gun liberal.”
Love this first line! I don’t know where he got the notion I have an irrational fear of guns. Seems like a tough place to be in for a mystery writer.
DEADLY PROVENANCE- 5 stars:
“Deadly Provenance is the third book I’ve read by Ms. Kennedy and I am a RAVING FAN. The language is intelligent & colorful; downright “cheeky” when the timing is right, making for an enlightening and fun read. The smart dialog compliments intriguing characters that are human – accessible and credible. The plot is complex enough to keep me enthralled, eagerly winding my way through the maze of well researched fact and deftly organized fiction. I turn the last page smarter than when I started, longing for more. PLEASE, bring on the fourth book soon. Thank you for the excellent read.”
I’d love more of these, wouldn’t you? Honest, I don’t know this person. But I’d like to.
THE TRIANGLE MURDERS- 4 stars:
”This is an interesting combination of mysteries. Frank and his family are great characters and I like the tie to the Triangle Factory fire. One question is left hanging: what happened to Fiona’s murderer? There is also a small discrepancy where one character is labeled first a great grandson and later a grandson. The dialogue in the historical sections is a little stilted but not bad. All in all, a very good read.”
Aha. Stilted dialogue. I always worry about this.
PURE LIES- 5 stars:
“I am a history buff and really enjoyed Kennedy’s latest work. For me it was part Arthur Miller’s “Crucible” and part classic murder mystery. Maggie Thornhill was a difficult character to like at first, but she grew on me; Felicity Dale was easier to like. I respect Kennedy’s attention to historical detail and her ability to make it interesting and intriguing. We should all pay close attention to underlying message in the book as it relates to modern society. I’m looking forward to Lynne Kennedy’s next book.”
More, more!
I urge you to check out your own book reviews from time to time. What did you learn? Share them with us.
by Lynne | Jan 28, 2015 | Uncategorized
Research for my latest book has taken me to the darkest corners of our past: the witch hysteria of Salem, Massachusetts in 1692. This grim era in early America occurred during the waning of the Inquisition in Europe, more recently, Spain, and demonstrates how far-reaching the concept of “terror in the name of God” has traveled.
When I read mysteries about serial killers or watch programs like “Criminal Minds,” I am continually amazed at the ingenious ways people come up with to torment and kill their fellow humans. I don’t know this for a fact, but I assume many of these stories are based, at least partially, on actual events.
The witch hysteria was, in a sense, descended from the Inquisition, where fear and loathing of certain people or groups of people was transformed into something deadly by using religion to justify the bloodshed. It’s a notorious example of how persecution can pervade any society. Even America. Witches were tortured, imprisoned in horrendous conditions and then hung by their neck until dead. (They were sometimes burned but not in Salem.) In one case an accused man was pressed to death. Nice.
We, as a species, are fascinated by this whole machination. There’s an exhibition at the San Diego Museum of Man on “Instruments of Torture.” Of course, I visited. I also visited the famous Medieval Torture Museum in San Gimignano, Italy, along with millions of others who gawked at devices like the rack, the head crusher, the Spanish Tickler, the Heretic’s Fork, the Pear, and the Knee Splitter. You don’t need much imagination to visualize what these will do to a human’s body. Much of the traveling version in San Diego came from here: http://www.torturamuseum.com/this.html As you can see from this website, some instruments of torture are quite inventive and horribly gruesome. Just thinking about them makes me shudder.
These instruments of torture were aimed at heretics and were not, strictly speaking, considered a punishment. They were a way to extract the truth — or the truth as the Inquisitors wanted it– from a victim. It worked pretty darn well and you can guess why. Similar devious devices are used in modern films and books today. In fact, today’s mysteries and thrillers borrow a great deal from history.
If you’re wondering how to create innovative ways to kill for your thriller or mystery, it’s easy. Just look to the past.
by Lynne | Jan 17, 2015 | Uncategorized
The deadly fire at the Triangle Shirtwaist factory lasted only half an hour, from the initial spark to final burning embers. Near closing time on Saturday, March 25, 1911, a fire erupted on the eighth floor in a bin of scrap materials and fabrics. A steady flow of wind rushed through the elevator shafts from the street and fed the flames. Smoke began its way upward to the ninth floor. Garment workers, seamstresses, mostly women and young 
girls, raced to the exit door on Washington Place. (See photo left of Asch building as it looks today.) It was locked. Later, some claimed the doors were kept locked so the girls didn’t steal the fabrics. Within minutes the eighth and ninth floors were raging infernos.
Forensic science, often called forensics, is the application of science to the legal system. This may be in relation to a crime or a civil action. The word itself is derived from the Latin for?nsis, meaning “of or before the forum.” In Roman times, criminals would present their case before a group of individuals in the Forum.
Today, with the preponderance of CSI programs and movies, forensics is a household word. Law enforcement and crime-lab teams, however, view these programs as a hindrance since it colors the public’s (and the jury’s) view of the real work involved.
In 1911, fire forensics (in fact, all forensics) was in its infancy. In The Triangle Murders, Cormac Mead searched the two destroyed floors at the Triangle factory for evidence that would prove his wife was murdered. If he suspected arson, what would he have been looking for? Probably things similar to what fire investigators look for today when investigating fires: evidence of accelerants, igniters, pieces of a bomb and explosive residues (if an explosion is suspected), point of origin, and point of entry and exit of the arsonist (if arson is suspected.) Interestingly, unlike crime suspects who are innocent until proven guilty, fires are considered suspicious until proven otherwise.
Photo: An officer stands at the Asch Building’s 9th floor window after the Triangle fire. Sewing machines, drive shafts, and other wreckage of the Triangle factory fire are piled in the center of the blaze-scoured room. (Photographer: Brown Brothers, 1911, Copyright: Kheel Center, Cornell University, http://www.ilr.cornell.edu/trianglefire/.)
by Lynne | Jan 12, 2015 | Uncategorized
The cover of a book is a promise to the reader. This book is about . . . Will the book deliver?
At the risk of hurting some feelings, I wanted to open this topic for discussion. I’ve posted what I consider good and bad book covers. The criteria I use:
- It gets your attention- very important as a first step in buying a book.
- It is tastefully done. By this I mean it is not too busy with elements fighting each other for the eye. It uses pleasing colors and designs. Or it knocks your socks off.
- It is relevant and authentic to the title, or at least to the topic of the book. Nothing like a historical novel about Queen Elizabeth with costumes from the wrong time period on the cover.
- The title and author name don’t overpower the art. This may be just my own pet peeve- but I hate to see half the cover wasted on the author’s name. So it’s Stephen King, big deal. Notice, however, I use one of his books as an example of a good cover. After all, King’s name sells.
By the same criteria, bad book covers have none of the above, or a mishmash of all or none. So here are the ones I consider good.
Here are the ones I consider not so good.
How do you feel about these? What are your criteria?
Here are my book covers. How do they rate in your estimate?
Introduce yourself to our readers
