From the Booking Desk:
Fridays have always been exciting because they mark the start of the weekend, but since I started this new feature here at BOLO Books, Fridays also mean the posting of a new Composite Sketch interview. This week, it’s a joy to have Kay Kendall with us. Michael and I first met Kay at a publisher’s party at Bouchercon (Raleigh, 2015 – I think). Kay is the author of the Austin Starr mysteries – Desolation Row and Rainy Day Women (yes those titles are inspired by Bob Dylan songs, so you can see why they might appeal to me).
Kay Kendall is currently working on a new book and kindly took a little of her time to answer the Composite Sketch questions. I hope that you will enjoy meeting her and that you will check out her novels.
Name: Kay Kendall
Location: Houston TX
This person from my personal life is such an inspiration:
My Texas grandmother presented an exceptional role model as far back as I have memories. Named Walter, to honor her dad, she did everything men did and more—hunted, fished, rode, ran a household, raised three children, and founded the Dallas Orchid Society in her spare time. Her radical mastectomy when I was nine did not slow her down one little bit, even when medicine was not as advanced as now. Happily, she lived two more decades, dying of old age. I have always tried to walk in her footsteps.
One of the people I admire most in the crime fiction community is:
Catriona McPherson not only spins wondrous tales (I’ve read all of her charming historical mystery series and frightening standalones), but she also acts as an encouraging mentor to aspiring writers in the crime fiction community. Besides, she is tremendously witty and amusing.
STALKER ALERT! If this fictional character were real, they would likely need to get a restraining order against me:
Mr. Rochester. No male fictional character has ever come close to ensnaring me the way Jane Eyre’s master-turned-husband has. His magnetism has not dimmed since I first encountered him when I was twelve years old.
People are always surprised that I am a fan of this individual (singer, actor, or artist):
k.d. lang. This Canadian singer burst on the scene in 1987 with a big voice singing country music like Patsy Cline, but she later transitioned to pop and contemporary torch songs. I was an early fan since I lived in Canada back then and discovered her early.
My personal catch phase is (or should be):
Dauntless, she pressed on. I want that on my tombstone. Words to live by—the Golden Rule.
Great profile here! Really love this feature, as I’ve said. Perfect set of prompts to give some different perspectives on a person.
Thanks Art. I really took some time crafting questions that would get to the “heart” of people in the shortest amount of time possible. I have not received answers yet where I haven’t learned something about the person being profiled.
I love that Kay’s grandmother’s name was Walter. Another great piece.
Howdy, Dru. All the time I was growing up I was fascinated by thinking about what my grandparents’ wedding announcement would have looked like: Williams weds Walter.
Then when I stood on a Dallas hillside and contemplated their joint tombstone (lovingly created by my architect grandfather to feature his wife’s orchids), I giggled a little to see the names and dates–Williams and Walter.
The next time I saw their tombstone, ca. 2002, I thought–Look at them, appearing to strike a blow for marriage equality, way before it became a Thing.
I’m with you re: Catriona and Mr. Rochester, Kay!
Great new feature, Kristopher!
Hi, Lisa. I always view all the screen versions of JANE EYRE, and never is there a perfect Mr. Rochester, one who can match what exists in my head, but some come closer than others. The same goes for Jane too of course.
And Catriona! Oh how grand she is!
Great feature! Also with you re: Catriona and Mr. Rochester. I’ve read all Kay’s books and highly recommend them.
Hey, Laura, thanks. You have been so important in my progression as a fan and writer of mysteries. Thanks, my friend! xo
“Dauntless, she pressed on.” Sounds like your grandmother. Good words.
Oh yes, my paternal grandmother was a force of nature. For sure dauntless, even indefatigable. I am not the latter, alas, but I do try for dauntless!
Nice profile interview, Kristopher!