Author Nicole Kennedy
1) Favorite curse word?
F*ck. There are no shortage of “f*cks” within my books.
2) Favorite coffee or beer?
Beer! I’ve never been a coffee drinker but before the author gig, I did years of bartending and cocktail serving. I’ve working in many craft breweries and love a good porter or stout!
3) Tell us about Alpine Peak. What is the inspiration for it?
Fifteen years ago my step dad passed away. In Final Goodbye (book 1) you meet Paige. Her dad tragically passes away and this brings her back to Alpine Peak, her hometown, for the first time in twelve years. She faces obstacles that test her emotions and has to grieve the loss of the parent she was always the closest to. While this story is definitely not a carbon copy of my life, it was the story that needed to be written for me to finally heal. Instead of keeping it all inside, I got to show readers that fictional small towns aren’t always meant to be cozy and warm—sometimes they are cold and uncomfortable. Most people read to escape reality by picking up a book in a fictional town. For me, I wanted to show readers that even fictional characters go through hard things and have to learn to overcome them.
4) What is your favorite part of the writing process?
Finishing the first draft and seeing how far it comes once you finish your final draft. The process is stressful, but that final ’THE END’ is so rewarding.
5) What project is next for you?
I’m currently putting the small town of Alpine Peak behind me and entering the big city of Las Vegas. I’m working on a three book series that makes me very excited! I’m writing new tropes I haven’t written yet, diving into topics I haven’t covered, and figuring out one book at a time how I can shock my readers with unexpected twists.
6) Any advice for up and coming authors?
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. We all have to start somewhere. And honestly, most days even the authors who are published are still figuring things out.
