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Kenneth Konecnik Interview

Ken Ken

The Self-Publisher’s Showcase Kenneth Konecnik Interview

Self-Publisher’s Showcase: Today we are joined by Kenneth Konecnik, author of Borderline Hero; Inhabit the Night; Our Last Penny; and Democracy Reborn: Overcoming the Politics of Fear and Divisiveness in America. Welcome to the Showcase Lounge, Kenneth.

KK: Thank you. I am looking forward to joining the Showcase forum of contemporary storytellers.

SPS: For any of our readers who haven’t come across your work previously, can you take a moment to tell us all a little about yourself and your work?

KK: As a consequence of growing up in a blue-collar family and neighborhood, I have always felt an affinity for conscientious, hard-working people who make the most of their abilities and have the courage of their convictions. After writing many successful advertising campaigns for various products and services around the country, I felt the need to write about what I saw happening out in the real world. The social, cultural and political issues of the day are the backdrops for my stories of relatable people in challenging situations who are determined to make their mark in today’s volatile, changing America.

SPS: What are your perfect writing conditions, and how often do you write?

KK: Writing at sunrise overlooking a shimmering pond flecked with blue heron and stately swans is a perfect setting for quiet reflection. Rough drafts percolate for a day or two, followed by re-writes and fine-tuning. Every day presents itself in a new light. Every new thought and word matters.

SPS: Can you put your finger on the moment when you decided that you wanted to publish your work?

KK: I decided to publish my ideas when it became apparent to me that no novelist was writing about the current tribulations of life in America. Escapism and melodrama reigned supreme, while the vicissitudes of day-to-day living were largely absent.

SPS: Why do you think it is that you have found yourself writing in the style that you do?

KK: I write in a conversational style because that is how we best communicate with each other. Personal. One-on-one. Face-to-face. No false pretenses. No esoteric musings.
I like to keep things moving and get to the point as though I was speaking with my best friend.

SPS: What would you say, if anything, best differentiates you from other authors?

KK: Concept. Tone. Pace.

SPS: Where does the inspiration for your work come from?

KK: My inspiration comes from observations of real world individuals overcoming real world obstacles. I wanted to create similar efforts in my stories of the trials, tribulations and triumphs of the American spirit.

SPS: Have you received a favorite review of your work?

KK: Remarks such as “Your story has restored my confidence in the American Dream” or “You have truly identified the plight of so many Americans” or “Managed to construct a happy ending under such dire circumstances” are good enough for me.

SPS: What’s next on the self-publishing horizon for yourself?

KK: So far my books have tackled the current polarizing issues of immigration; ethnic stereotypes; climate change; and egregious politics. Tomorrow is another day.

SPS: Was the Self/Indie-Published route always the preferred route for your work?

KK: I initially thought that working with a literary agent to find a publishing house was the way to go until the details of giving up substantial ownership and being put on the back-burner by agents because they were “99% full” showed me I had taken the wrong road. Mimicking the characters in my books, I took matters into my own hands and now feel much more in control of my own destiny.

SPS: Has the experience so far been all that you thought it would be?

KK: So far, so good. There is much more personal support and potential exposure via Self-Publisher’s Showcase…and attendant social media.

SPS: If you could give one piece of advice for someone looking to get into writing, what would it be?

KK: As I was advised early on, “Write, write, write!” Write what you know, write what you believe in, write from the heart. Try to find an accomplished mentor. And editor.
I found both and it has made all the difference.

SPS: Thank you for joining us today, Kenneth, and all the best for the future.

KK: Thank you for being a much needed conduit in a field that is becoming increasingly important as a counterpoint to the hype and speed of today’s viral messaging: the printed word.

SPS: For more information on Kenneth Konecnik and his work, please do visit Kenneth’s Showcase page

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