January's Take 5

Take 5 from Jenny Rebecca Keech

Writing came later in life for author Jenny Rebecca Keech, but reading was a passion discovered at an early age. Once she decided to try her own stories, she entered University of North Carolina Wilmington’s creative writing program and hasn’t slowed down since. Having recently published The Treason Blade, her second novel, she reflects on a few of her literary inspirations:

“MARION ZIMMER BRADLEY – A controversial author, but her work helped me want strong female narratives in my work. I like woman characters who know their strengths and accept their weaknesses. I want girls developing into young women to know it’s okay to have imperfections and to be strong in that. FRANK HERBERT – His Dune series. I’ve always loved authors who can create new, fantastical worlds. BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA by Katherine Paterson. All books are emotional, but this was the first book I read as a young teen that dealt with death and its aftereffects. I still tear up discussing this novel. It reminds me why I love books. They should make us feel, even if it hurts. READING LOLITA IN TEHRAN: A MEMOIR IN BOOKS by Azar Nafisi. This was a required reading in college, but it turned into a joy – a narrative about unlikely friendships set among turmoil that taught me to take another look at classic novels through new eyes. THE BIBLE/GOD This is the book and author that has most influenced my life. It has fundamentally affected my heart and spirit, which in turn has affected my attitude, my life, and ultimately, my writing.”

To view more of more of Amy Conry Davis' work go to www.gypsypye.com