GayRomLit - Newbie - Kendall McKenna

1. The list of events is amazing. What are you looking forward to the most?

Surprisingly, it’s not the organized events I’m looking forward to. I’m a long time fangirl and I’ve both organized and attended media-based events like this, and it’s always about the people. Even at the organized events, the memories and stories that we’ll all come away with will be about the people we interacted with during those events. So, I’m most looking forward to meeting all my fellow authors and my small – but growing – reader base that I’ve gotten to know on Facebook and Goodreads and some of my Yahoo Groups. It’s going to be wonderful to put faces to names and to reinforce the good times we have ‘virtually’.

2. Where will you be traveling from and who will you be bringing with you?

I am coming from Southern California. This time around, I’ll be traveling alone. My hubby has Adult ADHD and isn’t a reader. While he IS very social and has a fascination with us and why we like this genre, I’m not entirely sure there will be enough going on to hold his interest. He and I agreed that I’d go alone this time and see if I thought there would be enough to keep him occupied next year. And this doesn’t bother me a bit. We’ve been together a decade and I’ve STILL been single more than I’ve been in a relationship so I’m extremely comfortable traveling and attending functions on my own. Next year, if it looks like there’s enough to keep him occupied, hubby would love to attend.

I thought about bringing some reader friends with me, but time and money didn’t allow. Again, maybe next year.

3. If you could ask an attendee from last year one question to help prepare you for GRL what would it be?

Which new-to-you author did you discover last year, and what about them drew you in and made you want to read their books?

4. This will be my first ever, public appearance and I’m nervous as hell. Is this your very first public appearance or have you attended other events? If you’ve attended other events, what were they like? Were you nervous the first time?

This will be my first ever public appearance as an author. This will be the first time MY blood, sweat, and tears will be fodder for discussion. In the past, as an organizer of fan-based conventions, and book launches for friends of mine, I’ve held a high public profile (during the event). But, everyone has been focused on the intellectual properties of other people. While, that’s going to be the case for GRL, too, there will be times I’ll have to discuss my own work and even receive feedback face-to-face. That’s nerve wracking to think about. I’m bringing all my big-girl panties, though, and I’ll be ready!

5. I am very quiet when I meet new people (Oh shut up Joel I hear you snickering from here) Are you outgoing? More reserved?

I am one of those people who can actually flip a switch and be either one. Yes, people are usually either/or, but I can be both, based on the situation. Now, my preference is to be quiet and reserved my very first time in a new situation, especially a large crowd, so I can scope things out, get the lay of the land and understand the personalities involved. When I don’t have that luxury, I flip the switch the other way and I turn on the personality. Instead of the quietest person in the room, I become the loudest! Instead of following the group, I lead the way, and quite frequently can be found holding court in a bar!

6. I admit, I’m going to be like a crazy stalker fan of Rick R. Reed. Who are you looking forward most to meeting?

I’m not sure I can list them all. First, Jambrea Jones and Mercy Celeste because, in addition to enjoying their writing, they’ve become good online friends. Laura Baumbach, because her books are among the ones that made me think I could actually get something published! Ally Blue, cause I’ve read everything she’s written and she’s really nice online. Okay, I’m stopping there because I could list about 25 more and that would get boring.

7. No way in hell could I stand up and do a reading? I’d be spitting, sputtering, and turning 50 shades of RED. Did you sign up to do an author reading?

Nope, but I could and I would. I have done mainstream readings during the book events I’ve organized for mainstream author friends. I have already read graphic fanfiction out loud at conventions and I have no problem. I spent nine years as a police dispatcher so I’ve got a great voice and I’m not embarrassed by graphic content. I guess I should offer myself up as a pinch hitter for anyone who gets last minute stage fright!

8. What do you think readers and other authors will be most surprised by when they meet you?

I actually don’t know. What I am online is pretty much what I am in person so if everyone is expecting a more sedate person, they’re going to be surprised! I’m taller than average so most people will have to look up and that can be surprising sometimes!

9. I hear the boys of our genre put on a hell of a party! Do you plan to attend the Cowboy party Thursday night?

But, of course! I’ll be gravitating toward anything involving men, real or fictional!

10. Go ahead you can be honest with me. You want to know what is under Damon Suede’s Kilt don’t you?

Oh hell yes. There is something inherently fascinating about a kilt that just makes it imperative to know what’s under it. I imagine it’s the same with Damon, as it is with every kilt I’ve gotten a peek up. 

Jonah Carver is a Marine. He experiences a scorching night with former commander, Kellan Reynolds, but then they lose touch--to Jonah's regret. When a V.I.P. is killed on Jonah's watch, the FBI arrives; including Kellan! Once reunited, sparks fly.

Jonah Carver--a Marine and combat veteran--and his former Captain, Kellan Reynolds, once shared a scorching night, but then lost touch; something Jonah has long regretted.
When an investigation into government corruption ends in a killing on Jonah's watch, the FBI arrives. With them is Kellan Reynolds. Together once more, sparks fly and Jonah begins to believe in second chances.
Nothing is that easy, though, as the suspects will stop at nothing to halt the investigation. Jonah must keep everyone in his charge alive while helping the FBI and Kellan find the proof they need.
When Kellan is kidnapped, can Jonah keep the investigation from unraveling and avoid losing Kellan for a second time?

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