Ask the Author: Dee McKinney
Answered Questions (10)
Dee McKinney
Well, I'm enjoying The Rook immensely, and I'm looking forward to the sequel, Stiletto. I've got Cassie Alexander's books on my list. I'm not much of a "I'll make a list and check things off this season." sort of reader. I read or re-read 3 or so books a week, year round.
Dee McKinney
Family legend says that my paternal grandfather had a daughter with, ah, someone other than my grandmother. No one discussed it or whether he acknowledged her, though she was said to be the spitting image of one of his legitimate daughters. What happened to this woman? Was she his daughter? Did he ever meet her? Did her mother tell her the truth? Considering the woman-loving ways of all the men in the family, I believe this was more than a legend. I think it could've been true. I've often wondered what became of her.
Dee McKinney
Great question! Well, they're hanging above my desk right now--Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy. I love Elizabeth's curiosity and sense of personhood. She's intelligent and unafraid of showing it in a time when it was not a prized asset in women. I love that we, the readers, think Darcy is a complete cold fish, if not a downright ass. As the story unwinds, we learn he's not an unkind person at all--just a misunderstood one. He's quiet about his generosity and awkward in social graces. They're my faves because both are deeper than how they appear on the surface (Darcy isn't a bad guy, and Elizabeth is more than a woman who makes snap judgments). One of my all-time favorite books and movies!
Dee McKinney
No, actually, I didn't! First of all, it was expected. Second, the agent was courteous--to the effect of "Thank you so much for your submission, but we are not interested in acquiring this book. Good luck with your writing!"
You know, that's all it really takes--a couple of polite sentences--to stay classy.
The second one was weird--"Your book is not for us. Thanks." I didn't boohoo, but I thought it a strange turn of phrase.
Compared to some of the academic journals from which I've received rejections, these were both kind. Academia tends towards "Your entire body of scholarship is in need of drastic review, and we question the validity of your existence. Did, perchance, you receive your degree from a non-accredited school? Or, perhaps, a carton of cereal?" They generally suck.
You know, that's all it really takes--a couple of polite sentences--to stay classy.
The second one was weird--"Your book is not for us. Thanks." I didn't boohoo, but I thought it a strange turn of phrase.
Compared to some of the academic journals from which I've received rejections, these were both kind. Academia tends towards "Your entire body of scholarship is in need of drastic review, and we question the validity of your existence. Did, perchance, you receive your degree from a non-accredited school? Or, perhaps, a carton of cereal?" They generally suck.
Dee McKinney
I get outside and clear my head. I play with the dogs. I go back and re-read old favorites. Those things usually work. I'm also trying a new technique. If I'm struggling with prose, I switch over and write 'screenplay' style. That helps a lot with dialogue.
Dee McKinney
Creativity and freedom.
Dee McKinney
I'm not sure I'm qualified--it's been a decade since my last publication. I think the usual adage about reading is true. I'm not someone who says write every day, but I will say think about your writing every day. More than anything, get the heck out of your comfort zone. Travel. See the world. Try new things. If you stay in your tiny corner, you'll only write small stories.
Dee McKinney
A modern paranormal mystery.
Dee McKinney
I must have dedicated chunks of time. I can't do it on the fly. But do you mean tangible things? Smells, mostly. I've got a keen nose and an accompanying powerful sense of taste. I'm also quite visual, and something like a single old photo can inspire a story.
Dee McKinney
Watching Gary Oldman. Is he a chameleon or what??
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