Meet the Author: Desiree Kannel
Hello, readers! I’m back with another Meet the Author interview, this time with author Desiree Kannel. I met Desiree at a writing conference, and when I heard she was about to publish a retelling of Pride and Prejudice, I said SIGN ME UP. Desiree is a writer and teacher currently residing in San Antonio. She is the author of Lucky John (2020) and The Delany Bennets (2023). Her short stories have appeared online and in print. Learn more about her at DesireeKannel.com and on Instagram @RWWrites
1.What is your favorite part of the writing process, and least favorite part of the writing process?
My favorite part is when I find myself "in the zone" while writing. It feels as if the characters have taken over and the story just flows out of me. I love that! Getting there, however, is the tough part. I have to constantly remind myself to get out of the way and let the story just unfold.
2. Where is someplace you feel most at home?
I really enjoy being out in nature, either biking or just a short walk. Luckily, San Antonio has a great parks system with lots of biking trails. Plus there are some cool spots on the River Walk that make great nature hikes. I always feel refreshed and clear headed after being out in nature. Spring is here, so a drive to see the wildflowers is definitely in my near future.
3. I love the setting of your modern Pride and Prejudice retelling, The Delany Bennetts. Did you come up with the setting first, or did that part come later in the process? What was it like writing a retelling of such a well known story.
I became a Pride & Prejudice fan after the BBC version aired over 20 years ago, so when Austen's work became public domain, I knew I would be writing an adaptation. The HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) idea came first and proved to be a good choice because it allowed me to place varying class levels in the same setting, which is a central theme to the original P&P. My one concern was to remain respectful to Austen's original work, especially with respect to the female characters.
4. Tell us about someone who has inspired you creatively?
I can't name a particular person who has inspired me, but I do know that my writing friends are always a great inspiration. I see them writing and publishing and know that I can do it too, if I do the work!
5. What kind of books do you gravitate towards in your own reading life?
I read everything from cozy mysteries to YA. Stories with strong women main characters and a bit of romance are my go-tos. I avoid books with unbelievable or unrealistic characters or faulty plot lines. Plus, if I am not hooked by the first 50 pages, I DNF.
6. What is one of the best pieces of advice you've ever gotten?
Don't worry about how long something will take, just do it. So what if writing and publishing a book takes 3+ years? The years are going to pass whether you write the book or not so it's better to have a book after those 3 years, than to have regrets for not having the book.
Thank you so much, Desiree! Again, you can find links to all of Desiree’s work and connect with her on social media through her website: DesireeKannel.com