Interview with Kew ~ by Penny

First, I want to thank Penny, for this wonderful opportunity to share my story with her readers.

1. Why don’t you start with telling us a little about yourself? What genre so your write and why?

I am trained in Cultural Anthropology, and hold a Master’s degree, that said, my first love has always been music, and I mean rock ‘n’ roll. My love goes back to saving my pennies to buy the 45rmp records that cost 25¢. I lived in Hollywood, and during the sixties; every musician in the world came here. At 15, I interviewed the Beatles at Los Angeles International Airport, and then backstage at the Hollywood Bowl, for ABC News as a cub reported. For the next ten years, I met, hung out with, or dated various members of the English Invasion and LA locals and visitors.

One boyfriend that exposed me to the fast lane of rock and roll was Bill Wyman, from the Rolling Stones. In his book Stone Alone: The Story of a Rock ‘n’ Roll Band – Bill Wyman, 1997, This excerpt is from his book. “Brian’s behavior was bizarre that night and Kathy (West) Townsend, a girlfriend of mine at the time.”

I continued to be surrounded by musicians because I became a professional dancer in Hollywood clubs, and for concerts, like in arenas behind the Who. Later, I worked at the world famous club the Whiskey A-Go-Go, and another club in Beverly Hill called The Daisy Club, that catered to popular actors. And then there was Record Plant West Recording Studio, where the Who’s Who of the music industry recorded. A few years later, I squeezed in some legal experience at the Walt Disney Company, in their Entertainment Law department. So, these are the sources I draw from for the series.

It is tough for me to categorize my writing. At first, I would say Glitz and Glam, but then there is a strong romance theme. However, as the story evolves it becomes darker, more suspenseful, and ending as more of a thriller. So I guess it would be fair to say I am a multi-genre author.

2. Tell me about your current book(s) which you are promoting.

I am promoting Heart (Book One).

3. How long have you been writing?

Since 1989.

4. What got you interested in writing and what inspired you to write your first book?

It happened accidently. Stories of my life in Hollywood would occasional pop-up in conversations, and I would hear “Why don’t you write about that time?” And eventually I did in a memoire. So I guess, it could be said, I inspired myself, because three years later, I novelized my experiences and Heart of the Hurri-Kaine was born.

5. Do you outline before you write? If not, what’s your initial process?

I can’t write from an outline, for me that would be too academic. I’m one of those creative writers – a panster – that needs to follow the characters. I let them go and I do my best to keep up with them. I even had a character show up in a scene and it was five pages before I knew who she was.

6. What comes first: the plot or the characters?

Oh, the characters are what drive my stories and they tell me the plot.

7. Which of your characters do you love/hate/fear/pity the most and why?

I characteristically fall in love with all my principle male characters. If I don’t fall in love with them, how can my readers? I always admire and identify with all the females. I can’t hate or pity any of them and I have enough time to develop them with a full backstory. So, I understand each characters motives and why they are pushed to do what moves the story forward. I could never hate or fear any of my characters. Even my pro-agonist I understand, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t deserve what happens to him.

8. What was the hardest part of writing your book?

Ending them. I have so much more story to tell.

12. What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

Laugh…I’m always writing. But these days it is traveling. My Cultural Anthropology degree makes it interesting to go about the world investigating other cultures and the Archaeology minor enhances my travels to sacred sites and ruins. I am planning another trip soon, and as the playwright, Eugene Ionesco said …”A writer never has a vacation. For a writer life consist of either writing or thinking about writing.” I’m loaded up with my computer, sharp pencils and notepad ready for ideas to flesh out on the plane or around the pool.

13. What books or authors have influenced your writing?

I cut my teeth on Jacqueline Susann and Jackie Collins — Glitz and Glam novels. I just loved entertainment rags to riches stories.

14. What do you see for the future of publishing eBooks?

I believe eBooks are the future. I see a bright future for anyone that has a story to tell, his or her own way.

15. What are your current books out right now and what are the books coming up for release?

The books I have out now are the London Series and London Series anywhere Books are sold.

 

Forthcoming is Eye of the Hurri-Kaine (Book Three, and Untitled Book Four. New to The Hurri-Kaine Series lineup is a novella, HIDDEN, which is the backstory on Nicky Jamison the lead guitar player for Hurri-Kaine. In the works is a prequel, and five or more novellas that will be the back-stories for other principle characters.

17. What advice would you give a new writer just starting out?

Follow what interest you — your passion, and then write your story, the one that lives inside YOU. Write it your way. After it’s written… Then edit, edit, edit!!!!!

18. Where can people learn more abuot you and your work?

All information about me can be found at kewtownsend.com.

I want to thank anyone who took the time to come and meet me. Should you decide to read my series I would love to hear from you. Please contact me for any questions or comments.

Thanks again Penny!!!