Meet Kennedee Devoe (Los Angeles, CA)

Kennedee holds an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Studies, a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management, and a Master’s Degree in Human Services. She has worked for a variety of Parks and Recreations Departments, for-profits, and non-profits agencies. She currently works in the nonprofit sector as a Program Director. Kennedee resides in Los Angeles and is the author of “Two Wrongs Don't Make a Right...It Makes Us Even.”

About “Two Wrongs Don’t Make a Right”

Have you been cheated on by a man? Have you been lied to by a man? Have you been used by a man? Have you been abused by a man? Kennedee Devoe has had all of the above happen to her, but she refused to be a victim of men's insensitive ways towards how they treat women. When you've been too exposed to many men lying and cheating in your life, you can either become cold blooded or cold hearted. She became both.

"Two Wrongs Don't Make a Right... It Makes Us Even" chronicles the real life experiences of author Kennedee Devoe as she takes you on a roller coaster ride about her successful and failed relationships with men.

You will laugh and cry as you follow Kennedee on her journey to seek vengeance and get even with the abusers, cheaters, liars, and users who have wronged her. But through it all, she overcomes the obstacles that she faced as a young girl looking for love, and evolves into a mature woman.

UBAWA: When did you first decide you wanted to become an author?

Kennedee: I've thought of myself as a writer ever since high school. In some ways, I was more a writer back then, than I am now. It's something that I wanted to do previously when I was much younger, but was discouraged by some bad advice. I started writing poetry in high school. I also was the editor for my high school newspaper. I initially wanted to become a journalist, but I ended up in the Human Services field where I have been for the last 13 years.

UBAWA: How did you decide on the idea for your 1st book? 2nd book? 3rd book, etc?

Kennedee: My real life dating experiences have been horrific over the last 15-20 years. I knew that a lot of people could relate to one or more of my experiences.

UBAWA: How long did it take you to complete your first book? What was the process like?

Kennedee: I started off at just writing a full chapter on my Blackberry while I was sitting in Starbucks. I ended up emailing it to myself, and from there I wrote the full book on my computer. It took me 4 years to write the book, because I was going to school for my master’s program while working a full time job.

UBAWA: What’s so rewarding about writing books and being an author?

Kennedee: The biggest reward is being privileged to be a member of a great profession. Being an author has given me the opportunity to pursue my passion for writing. However the most rewarding part of being an author is that I am able to change lives with my story.

UBAWA: Was there ever a time you felt like giving up?

Kennedee: Yes, I did. I had finished the book early 2012, but I was having trouble trying to figure out how to get an editor, getting the book typeset, and getting the cover designed. I kept telling everyone I didn't write this book to sit in my computer so I need to get this project off the ground. Finally I was able to network with the right people that pointed me in the right direction.

UBAWA: There’s more to being an author than writing a book. How do you manage to handle the business side of things?

Kennedee: I have a bachelor’s degree in business management so this has been helpful. It’s one thing to know how to write a book, but you do have to be business savvy. You have to know how to promote a book, and how to prioritize the numerous tasks involved in book promotion. Make sure to have a good marketing plan that gives you a blueprint that will assist you in promoting your book. Get a business name, a tax identification number, and get a LLC this way you write off your expenditures during tax season. Treat your book as a business because at the end of the day that's exactly what it is...a business.

UBAWA: Do you have an editor or do you edit your own books?

Kennedee: I definitely have an editor. Her name is Jill Duska. She pushed me really hard and challenged me on certain things aspects of the book. It made me think harder like yeah I should have introduced that early on or maybe I do have too many characters. It was definitely a learning lesson.

UBAWA: Who does the cover art for your book(s)?

Kennedee: Donna Osborn Clark of Creations by Donna. We collaborate together to make everything come to life. I tell her to add this or change this and it works out.

UBAWA: Do you ever encounter writer’s block? How do you get past it?

Kennedee: Sometimes I do encounter writers block. Sometimes I just allow my mind to gather my thoughts and ideas to conceive, I and develop in my mind, before I start writing again. Timing is everything. You can't rush perfection.

UBAWA: How often do you write?

Kennedee: The most challenging thing I find to do is write. I still work a 9 to 5, so I'm usually tired when I get home. I have to find a way to motivate myself. I try to set aside time to write at least 30 minutes a couple of days out of the week. I always end up exceeding the time frame especially when the creativity gets to flowing. Sometimes I won’t write at all even if I'm scheduled to write because I am not inspired at the time.

UBAWA: Tell us about your last book signing.

Kennedee: My last book signing was very intimate. I had a few family, friends, and associates over to my home who had purchased the book. We enjoyed food, wine, and good conversation regarding the book. I signed books, and took pictures with everyone. It was truly an enjoyable experience.

UBAWA: Beside social media, what other methods are you using to get the word out about your book(s)?

Kennedee: I have placed an ad in Krave magazine, attended book expos, donated books to local libraries, placed ads in sovereign books for plays, internet radio shows, an article written about me in Bold Magazine; bloggers have reviewed the book and done interviews about me. Most importantly I am hitting the pavement. I have spent many Saturdays in parking lots of grocery stores and malls selling my book. With so many other authors out there you have to have drive and determination to get yourself out there.

UBAWA: As a Woman of Color, what inspires you the most?

Kennedee: To be an example and inspiration to others. We all have skeletons in our closets, but I want to be able to share my experiences with others so they too will know you are not the only one.

UBAWA: Who is your biggest influence?

Kennedee: Terry McMillian. I absolutely love her work. She is an inspiration to me that one day my book will become a big screen hit. My influence has also been my family. I have some good examples in my life.

UBAWA: Have you ever done something in the past you regret? How did you get through it?

Kennedee: Of course I've done some things in my past. Haven't we all? This is a part of life. We go through things to be able to learn, grow, and share. That is exactly what my book Two Wrongs Don't Make a Right...It Makes Us Even is all about. The title identifies how I was living my life at the time.

UBAWA: How do you get through the tough times in life when life throws what it throws at you?

Kennedee: I have learned to just pray. Every moment of your life will not be a good one, but don't let one thing or person define your day, who you are, or your path in life. We all go through trials and tribulations. We have to learn to pray and not ask why we are going through, but how to get through it.

UBAWA: What is one goal you want to accomplish for yourself in 2013?

Kennedee: My goal for 2013 is to get my name and book out to the public because you can’t do that sitting behind a computer. You want success, you have to make it happen, don't wait for it to happen.

UBAWA: What do you have planned next?

Kennedee: I am currently writing about my friendships I've acquired over the years the last 25 years. Also, I am taking my book on the road. I will be in Newport News, Virginia on March 16, 2013. I have a book signing in my hometown of Carson, CA on March 23. I will be at the Las Vegas Jazz festival in April, and I have a lot more things coming up. I am so excited and grateful about the doors of opportunity opening for me.

UBAWA: How can readers and others in the literary community reach you?

Kennedee: www.kdevoe.com

www.facebook.com/kennedeedevoe

www.twitter.com./kennedeedevoe

www.amazon.com

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