Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I live in the deserts of eastern WA, also known as the Evergreen State. Quite the misnomer. I’ve written a number of short stories and novels, though Edge of Desperation is the first I’ve published through Amazon.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Edge of Desperation is set in the Wielder World, where people can Wield the Nerve of the World and use various magical powers. Women can do so freely. Men, unfortunately, must deal with Taint and Corruption.
The idea was a way for me to create a world where the gender roles are flipped a bit, where women tend to be more dominant, but in subtle ways. This book was also inspired by Dune, where the women were afraid to ‘look into the dark places’ and didn’t expand their abilities beyond a certain level, while the men did. In the Wielder World, men might go mad, but they also have abilities women don’t.
Also, I love to read gay fantasy, and so I’m writing what I want to read.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Unusual? Is getting up at 5 am before my day job every day to write unusual? If not, then no.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I think as writers we are influenced by every book we read. I can’t put my finger on just one writer, but I love Barbara Kingsolver, Hemmingway, and Patricia Briggs.
What are you working on now?
More of the Wielder World. The series has a long arc and I’m currently working on book #3, titled Afflicted to the Core.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve no idea. I’m new to this promotion business.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write, write, and write. Learn to write well. Read good books, not fluff. Unless you want to write fluff, then write fluff well.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write, write, and write. How’s that?
What are you reading now?
Ancillary Mercy and Aeronaught’s Windlass. See a theme there. (answer, both Hugo nominations.)
What’s next for you as a writer?
Write, write, and write. Broken record, I know. I’m going to be working in the Wielder World for a while, but I have several works/series I plan on writing. Next up is probably a high fantasy series. With cat people! I love cat races.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
When Will There Be Good News by Kate Atkinson. Illusions by Richard Bach. And the Harry Potter series.
Author Websites and Profiles
Nat Kennedy Website
Nat Kennedy Amazon Profile
Nat Kennedy’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile