Take Five With Author A. R. Kennedy

Welcome to An Indie Adventure,  A. R. Kennedy.  Tell us, what inspired you to write your book Saving Ferris?

Thank, L.A. for hosting me on your blog. In answer to your question...The Writers’ Police Academy!

If you’re a crime fiction writer, this is an excellent hands-on weekend of courses. I’ve attended for years. If you’re a reader, check out the website. It’s interesting to see what writers will do to ‘write it right’. (Lee Child, Marcia Clark, Alafair Burke and others have been special guests or keynote speakers and have attended classes during their visit.)

Saving Ferris was inspired when I attended two classes. In one, I learned about self-defense laws. In the next class, led by a K-9 handler, I learned that their K-9s are considered the property of the police department.

Property, I thought. Sure, maybe a police dog is considered the property of their department. But my little pups….no way! They are my family. The question nagged at me and, after researching it, I confirmed legally my pets are considered property of mine.

So there it was— the “What if?”

What would happen if someone killed an intruder who was threatening their dog?

How do you use setting to further your story?

Folley is a small town. It’s one of those towns where everyone knows everyone (and will gossip about them). It’s also one of those towns where outsiders are held at arm's length, sometimes forever. This is key to Cecilia’s isolation upon moving to the town with her husband, Joey, and after his death.

How is your main character completely different than you?

Her fashion sense! Cecilia loves fashion. She likes to wear bold patterns and colors and high heels. None of which I would ever be so bold to try.

Have you been a lifelong reader of romantic suspense/legal thriller?  What are some of the first books you remember reading?

One of my first memories is walking with my mother to the library in Queens Village, NY. My mother instilled in me a love of reading as a child. One of my first school memories is marking off all the books I’ve read. Even as a child, I was Type A and loved adding books to the lengthy list.

I don’t remember what the first books I ever read were but probably the same as now — everything!

You’re having a dinner party.  What character from your novel do you hope doesn’t show up?     Why?

Jeremiah. Due to spoilers, I can’t go into why.

From my Nathan Miccoli Mystery series, it’s definitely Steve!

He lacks a filter and says whatever comes into his head. He often says things that are cruel. As the series progresses, we may see a little heart, but we really have to look.

His St. Patrick’s Day toast says it all - ‘Póg mo thóin.'

When you’re brainstorming for a new story, what usually comes first for you, the plot or the characters?

The plot. My story ideas always starts with “What if?” What if this happened, what would a person do? And then, who is that person and why did they react the way they did.

 Give us a brief summary of Saving Ferris:

Is your pet family or property?

When Cecilia’s husband dies, she’s forced to become his dog's caregiver, something she does not immediately warm to. But when Ferris’s life is threatened by an intruder, she shoots the intruder to save the golden retriever.

Police Chief Holden Owens thinks Cecilia acted lawfully, in self-defense, but few agree. In the eyes of the law, one can use lethal force to protect themselves and others, but not property. Pets are considered property.

Holden loses his fight with the prosecutor, and is now in a new fight—his undeniable attraction to Cecilia. Prosecutor Daniel Briscoe is seeking justice for the intruder, who is also the mayor’s nephew, while seeing a case to further his career. Celebrity defense attorney Wyatt Sewell identifies a sympathetic defendant, a case he can win, and a way to garner more acclaim. When he learns of Cecilia’s motive, to save Ferris, he sees a blockbuster case that can set legal precedent.

Cecilia endures a murder trial where her defense attorney forces everyone to ask themselves, Is your pet property or family?

Will saving Ferris's life cost Cecilia her freedom? And a second chance at love?

Buy: 

Amazon

Bio:
A R Kennedy was born and raised on Long Island, NY. She currently lives in Long Beach, NY. 

The Nathan Miccoli Mystery series is her debut series. Saving Ferris released in September of 2018

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