Welcome Alex

We’re joined on the Starline by a lawyer, writer, and amateur painter. We now add author to her resume as she has released her debut novel which was almost called "Memento Mori", look for it in book stores as “What Meets the Eye”. We welcome Alex Kenna.

Alex, let’s go Beyond the Mic. Lawyer during the day, mom, painter at night. Where was the origins of “What Meets the Eye”?

As a prosecutor, you have the story that you want to tell a jury, you set it up in your opening statement, bring witnesses to give evidence and then wrap it up with a closing statement. How did this practice help with writing this novel?

What makes the art world thrilling and yet sketchy at the same time?

Most expensive piece you ever sold as an art salesperson?

Your main character Kate has a challenging relationship with her daughter especially because of her ex. How has your own relationship with your son influenced the way you wrote Kate and the love she has for Amelia?

The Rockin' 8:

It’s time for the Rockin’ 8, 8 random questions; answer with the first thing that comes to your mind. There is no Pressure.

1. Best place to take your dog Zelda for a walk in LA?

2. One thing you miss from Washington DC?

3. Should artists be held to the same moral standards as the rest of the world?

4. Did we need the Sex and the City revival?

5. Best flea market find?

6. What was the wildest thing you did before marriage?

7. You started as a visual artist doing figure drawing during your teens. Which body part is the hardest to draw?

8. Best place on the Penn campus?

The Back Half:

Before law school you studied painting and art history? Why are these topics similar and yet very different?

Favorite color that you overuse?

How has the art world helped and hurt you?

In which way from your first draft of “What Meets the Eye” to the final episode what changed the most?

You talk about voice. You spend the book not from one point of view but bouncing between several points which is unusual. Why was that important for the story?

As a prosecutor your job is bringing the evil in our society to justice. In a world of black and white, there is a million shades of grey. Who influenced your ideals of right and wrong?

How have they evolved through the years?

Growing up who mentored and influenced you the most?

Which writer influenced you from your youth to today? Who helped develop your voice?

Who are you closer to in private, Kate or Margot?

Did your art critique classes from the past find their way into the book?

How has writing this novel change the way you look at yourself?

Books:

Favorite book in your shelf behind you?

As he is a book nerd, so how hard was giving him the first draft?

Best thing about your husband?

What are you still working on as a writer?

Will we see Kate & Luke in a follow up story

How would you describe your own art to someone?

You have so many stories you have been an active part of so what’s the best and worst part of being a prosecutor and author?

How has your first rejection as an author and prosecutor change you?

One thing people would be surprised to know about you?

How did you husband and you meet?

What is justice to you?

How has Kate changed the way you look at yourself and the world?

One Big Question:

If you could have five questions with any artist who would it be and what would be your first question?

Where can people find you online?

The Wrap:

She had trouble drawing hands, kept her husband from buying an antique toilet as was set up by a devious friend. “What Meets the Eye” is her book available at bookstores or online. We thank Alex Kenna for taking the time for talking with us today?

And that my friends is Beyond the Mic.

Listen to other Beyond the Mic Conversations with authors here.

Check out Alex Kenna at her homemade website here.