Sunday Awakening - D.A. Kentner

Today, I have the great honor of having D.A. Kentner here.  Here is a man who joined our critique group about a year ago. His artistry with words and stories is amazing.  If you buy any book, I highly suggest you purchase one of D.A.  He is a master at what he does.  

To prove my point, take a look at his recent reviews for his novel Sunday Awakening.  

Book Wenches
Thanks, D.A. for guesting! Wishing you great success.  Just remember little old me when you hit the big times!
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As I'm writing this, a situation has just come to my attention. NYT bestselling author Jessica Verday removed a short story she had written for an anthology with a major publisher. The reason? Ms. Verday had written a Young Adult story of first love – between two young men – and the publisher wanted her to change one of the characters to a female. That wasn't the story she had written. Ms. Verday stood her ground not just because she believed in her story, but because young love between same sexes is a reality within society, and she refused to turn a blind eye. Ms. Verday chose integrity over acceptance. Not always an easy choice.

Please understand, the issue here is not gay love, the issue is an author's choice to stand behind her convictions.


Though hardly on the same scale, when I sought a publisher for "Sunday Awakening," I encountered similar problems. My story was too raw, too real, too not what publishers were looking for. What a few people focused on was that my female lead, Cheryl, came from a life of child abuse and prostitution. How could anyone be interested in such a story? What they overlooked, failed to see, is that "Sunday Awakening" is a story of Cheryl's rise above all the horror inflicted on her. It is a story of empowerment, courage, and fulfillment. Most of all, it is a story of discovering the true meaning of home and love and finding that one man who will risk all to be loved by… you.

Because, in the end, isn't true, unbreakable love what we all seek?



Blurb:

If the microwave hadn’t blown a fuse, she might not have killed him. But it had, and she did. Sundays are like that sometimes.

After stabbing her keeper to escape his abuse and her sex-slave life, Cheryl faces the greatest decision of her twenty-six years: “Now what?” Only one thing has ever brought her comfort and a sense of freedom—running. So she does.

On her journey to discover who she is, and where she came from, Cheryl happens upon a woman who puts her onboard the modern-day Underground Railroad for abused women.

At each stop, each "depot," she encounters people who teach her love may not just exist in novels. But is love possible for someone who doesn’t know what it is?

Criminal Investigator Taylor Hughes reluctantly agrees to locate Cheryl and find her “home.” When Cheryl poisons him, Taylor realizes the hardest part of the trip may well be the day he has to leave her behind.


Brief BIO:

Judith said I should share a little about myself, which is fortunate as there's little to tell.

I was an army EOD specialist before beginning a career in law enforcement. While a cop I worked in patrol, undercover narcotics, detective, shift commander, and ultimately police chief. No, I don't miss it, but I certainly draw on my experiences to create characters and events in my stories. In fact, the first piece I had published, which appeared in Faraway Journal, was a story about a police officer. I've also been an auctioneer and antiques dealer.

Today, my wife and I continue to volunteer on occasion at the local Salvation Army as we have for over a decade. I interview authors both famous and not yet famous for GateHouse News Service, and write stories I hope readers will enjoy.

If you'd like to learn more about me and what I'm up to, please visit my blogs: http://dakentner.blogspot.com/ and http://kevad-author.blogspot.com/

I was fortunate that Noble Romance Publishing believed in "Sunday Awakening" and chose to publish Cheryl's unique story. For that, I will always be grateful.


Comments

Ramblin' Rose said…
This comment has been removed by the author.
Ramblin' Rose said…
Don't let him fool you. David's had an adventurous life and a lot of experience to bring to his stories, (not to mention the information he has to share with his crit partners). It shows.

Great interview, KevaD and Judith.
This comment has been removed by the author.
Lillian Grant said…
I love your writing, David. You weave wonderful stories about characters you can't help but care about.
T said…
David is a lovely gentleman and I am very glad to know him.
Aww, gee. Two more of my favorite people.
Thank you, Lillian and "T". I really appreciate you dropping by.
Carol Hone said…
This comment has been removed by the author.
Cari Silverwood said…
Hi David,
As always great writing and a wonderful plot.
AllureVanSanz said…
What great promotion! With high recommendations, how could anyone NOT buy your entire list?

Great blurb, great author, great person.

All my best to you,
Allure Van Sanz
Lauren Fraser said…
You have a wonderful way with words.

Cheryl is a fantastic character, I'm glad you stuck to your guns and wrote her the way you did. She's flawed and human and all the more real for it.
Hi, Cari.
Aren't sweet for stopping by. Thanks for the comment.
=)

Allure,
Wow. Thank you. Major compliment coming from you. You're a superb writer.
Thank you so much.
Lauren!
Great to "see" you. You know I'm a huge fan of your work. Thank you for encouragement.
How any publisher could have turned down Cheryl's story is beyond me. Yes it is raw, real and also riveting. I said Sunday Awakening was a triumphant story told masterfully when I first read it. I would certainly call it a must read.
Remember the name name "Debbie Vaughan" - coming soon to an e-book store near you!

Thank you, Debbie!

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