Author Alex Kenna Returns Beyond the Mic for her book "Burn this Night"

Beyond the Mic with Sean Dillon

"You need more relatable but unglamorous women. You need more funny women, and you need more female villains."

Welcome Alex:

We’re joined on the Starline by a lawyer, prosecutor, writer, amateur painter and Shamus Award Finalist author. Last time she stopped by we talked about “What Meets the Eye”. Today she’s back with her 2nd novel “Burn this Night”. We welcome Alex Kenna.

Alex, let’s go Beyond the Mic. Like in “What Meets the Eye”, you move in and out of alternating timelines, character to character. Why does this writing style appeal to you?

Kate Myles is back, flawed as always but now living with her mom. What was the one thing you wanted to achieve with Kate’s story?

How would feel if this happen to you and would you feel comfortable with your DNA in a database?

“Myles, when all this is over...” Luke was so key to book 1. Why was it hard to sideline him in book 2?

Why does danger just find Kate?

The Rockin' 8:

“Mostly responsible” You’re back and you know what time it is. It’s time for the Rockin’ 8, 8 random questions, answer with the first thing that comes to your mind. There is no Pressure.

1. Will the Christmas wreath stay up year round?

2. Best thing about your sons?

3. Favorite caffeine transmission device?

4. Last book you read?

5. Best memory of Bouchercon?

6. Which is harder to argue to as a prosecutor, the Supreme Court or your 3 year old?

7. What’s the one thing you would never do for all the money in the world?

8. Give me the best metaphor that describes your life?

The Back Half:

Do you think Kate is in a prison of her own making?

How has Kate evolved in the 2nd book?

Why is family so important to you as a writer and a person?

What is underplayed in writer’s tropes today?

“A less than charming acquaintance has inspired a fictional character. But I can’t decide if they should kill or be killed.” Which did you decide?

Why does writing sooth your creative itch?

Writing:

Do you storyboard, outline, index card, how do you organize your writing?

Do you write fast, slow or in the middle? How does that work for you?

Who does Kate Myles sound like? Which actress could play her?

In world creation, what are your non negotiables?

You focused on art in your 1st book, what is something new you would like to work on as a hobby?

How has your writing evolved since you finished your 1st novel?

Lessons Learned:

You sold your first book without an agent. What did you learn from that?

What changed the most from your first draft of “Burn this Night” to the final hardback?

As a prosecutor how do cold cases make you feel?

How has your husband support you other than keeping the kids from coming in and saying “mom, whatcha doing?”

One Big Question:

What is your dream and when will you know when you get there?

What do you consider fancy cheese?

The Wrap:

She has a black widow in her family, 1 normal & 1 demon child, and wants you to read her latest book “Burn this Night”. Alex Kenna, thanks for taking the time to talk with us today.

And that my friends is Beyond the Mic.

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