Cody Kennedy: Safe’s One-Year Anniversary Celebration

Safe by C. Kennedy

They met at ten, they kissed at twelve, and were madly in love at eighteen. Caleb is the captain of the swim team and the hottest senior in school. Nico is small and beautiful and has an Italian father who rules with an iron fist. Literally. Nico is never safe from his vicious father. One morning Caleb forgets himself and pecks Nico’s lips at school. A teacher sees them and tattles to the Headmaster. Accidentally outing themselves is the least of their problems. The ball set in motion by the school’s calls to their parents may get Nico killed.

I had a chance to ask Cody Kennedy some questions about his books, writing and himself.  Below are my questions and his answers.  Be sure to check out Cody’s blog, if you are interested in learning more about him.

Books & Writing

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

It is my deepest wish that my stories give readers hope.  Abuse does not define you and finding love is entirely possible. There is someone out there looking for exactly what you have to offer right at this moment. Believe. Never stop believing.

 

Which comes first, the character's story or the idea for the novel?

The character’s story always comes first. That said, and contrary to popular belief, plot and character are not two separate elements. Plot grows out of character. One sometimes starts with a good plot, but unless it’s fleshed out with three-dimensional characters, it’s a wasted plot.

Can you share a little of your current work with us?
I am currently finishing Slaying Isidore’s Dragons. It is an action-packed romance for young adults. The story is about two young men who lose parents in the same London car bombing. They meet at the beginning of their senior year at a private academy in the U.S. and fall in love. Together, they face grief, tragedy, cruelty, and extraordinary peril. When conspiracy moves from theory to reality, only their unwavering determination to be together can save them.

Getting Personal

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I talk to myself while I write. “That sounds good, but that other part sounds lame. Go back and rewrite it.” “I forgot to eat. I need to eat something.” “Do you really think [character] is going to do that?” “That dialogue sounds all kinds of wrong.” “This story is hard to write. Why am I writing it?” You know, the usual.

What are your pet peeves? 

My poor grammar is my number one pet peeve. I am constantly trying to improve it. I am also big on using the backspace key when I should be highlighting a deleting. Total time suck.

What book are you reading now?

I am currently reading Lighting the Way Home by Shira Anthony and E.M. Linley, and Social Skills by Sara Alva, and Harmful to Minors by Judith Levine.

An actor or a book character you have a crush on?

Jacob in Josh Lanyon’s Heart Trouble. I don’t think I’ve ever met a kinder character.

Is there a particular movie that you preferred over the book version?

No. There very phenomenon of books is that you must imagine whereas film spoon-feeds you someone else’s vision of the story. Rarely does a film adaptation do a book justice. That said, I liked Robert Zemeckis’ adaptation of the novel Contact by Carl Sagan.

What is your favorite food?

If I’m fine dining, it’s Chateaubriand or prime rib. If I’m being irresponsible and have little time, it’s a good cheeseburger. Fat Burger and In-n-Out are my two favorites. Don’t mock me.

Where can readers find you?

You can stalk me and read excerpts of my upcoming novels, Omorphi and Slaying Isidore’s Dragons, on my blog.

You can also find me on Facebook.

You can also find me on Goodreads.

Buy Safe:

Smashwords

Amazon

No Boundaries Press

Thank you for joining me in Safe’s one-year anniversary celebration, Jayson! It was great being here!

 
Thank you Cody!