The Kendra Interview

The Kendra Interview

By Nikola

When I took this assignment, I knew I was stepping into a realm of unknowns. Who would I interview? Would they be gracious? Was I getting in over my head?

The assingment was handed down. I was to interview Kendra . My first thought was "Oh my gosh, she's a moderator! I'm still relatively new to the community. Would she really want to talk with me?"

We agreed to meet at the Story Mistress, a funky little book shop/coffee house sandwiched between Milkman's Joke Shop and the Simply Everything Deli. I arrived early, found a table in a quiet spot and started going over my notes yet again.

I was so absorbed in the notepad in front of me (and my nervousness), that I didn't notice the woman approach.

"Nikola?"

I looked up to see a smiling, blond-haired woman. In that instant, all my doubts dissolved. She sat down and we ordered hot mochas. While the waitress was filling our order, we started to get acquainted.

I learned that Kendra has lived in Montana most of her life and loves it there. She and her husband of three years have a two-year old daughter named Linsday, and by the time you read this, she should have given birth to a second daughter to be named Kera.

Kendra is the oldest of three children. She is close to her parents and siblings, happily relating that her parents have been married for thirty years! She states:
"Family is important to me and makes up a big part of who I am."

When Kendra isn't busy with family and writing, she loves to read. James Patterson is one of her current favorites. She also has a soft spot for the classics, especially Modern European and American.

She also loves the outdoors. (Who wouldn't in beautiful Montana?) She likes to hike, camp and fish. Other interests include scrapbooking, cooking and hanging out with friends.

As our mochas arrive and as the waitress takes her leave, we get down to business. I wanted to ask a combination of questions so that my readers would get a sense of the what makes this writer tic, and the woman behind the writer. I present to you then, The Kendra Interview:

Nikola: Kendra, let's start at the beginning. How exactly did you find Writing.Com?

Kendra: Hmmm...I honestly don't remember how I found Writing.Com. It's only been a little over a year since I did find it, but it feels like so much a part of my life that I don't remember the times before it! (laughs)

Nikola: Tell me about your writing. What inspires your work?

Kendra: It is hard to sum up my writing, but I'll try! I've been writing since I can remember, the first story I wrote was probably in third or fourth grade. It was more or less a hobby and a way of venting emotions for most of my life until I got into college. Then, in a spur of the moment decision between quitting school and finishing with an "easy" degree, I switched my studies to English mid-junior year and discovered that I loved to write. I've not done it exclusively since then, instead took time out after graduation to work, get married and have a daughter. But in the last year or so, I've gotten back into it and have dreams of quitting my day job and only writing.
My work is mainly inspired by life experiences, my family, my home and my faith in God.

Nikola: Is there any genre and/or style that you haven't tried yet that intrigues you?

Kendra: I would say that since 99% of my writing is in poetry form, there are a lot of styles I could try. One thing I'd definitely like to try is a story or novel based on my life story.

Nikola: That's sounds like a fascinating project! You should go for it!
Do you an an ideal place to write? Where is it?

Kendra: My ideal place to write changes with what I'm writing. Sometimes it's on the peak of a mountain with a pen and a wrinkled piece of paper from the bottom of my backpack. Sometimes it's a crowded bookstore with a hot mocha in my hand. No wonder she liked the idea of meeting here! Sometimes it's in my bed in the middle of the night with the light on low enough to see but not enough to wake my husband! (laughs)

Nikola: (laughing) That's too funny! I guess we must write whenever and wherever the muse strikes us! Let's find out more about Kendra, okay? Take the readers on your dream vacation.

Kendra: My ultimate dream vacation would have the perfect balance of time spent lounging on the beach, writing/reading, sight seeing, shopping and fun activities. I've been to some beautiful places and the only thing lacking is that perfect balance.

Nikola: Finding that balance is tricky, isn't it? Next question. Do you like to watch movies? If so, what are some of your favorites? Do you have a favored actor and actress? And, would you rather read the book first or see the movie first?

Kendra: Movies...I love to watch movies. One of my faves is Gone With the Wind, but I also really like Pitch Black. I also loved Runaway Bride, so I guess my taste in movies is diverse. I don't have a favorite actor or actress really.

It also depends on the movie/book, but I usually try to read the book first.

Nikola: I think it depends on the movie also. I'll share with you though, don't read the Harry Potter books right before seeing the movies! I did with the first one and spent the entire time nit-picking over all the details they left out. I didn't reread the books right before watching the next two and it really made a difference in my enjoyment of those.

Back to the interview. What are your musical tastes?

Kendra: My music taste is as diverse as my movie taste. I will listen to almost anything, with rap, country and classical being the exceptions. My favorite artists include Sarah McLachlan, Dave Matthews Band, Third Eye Blind and Bob Marley.

Nikola: That is diverse! I have to agree with your choice of Sarah McLachlan. She has the most amazing voice!

Now Kendra, I know that you're in a family way and this question may not be entirely fair right now, but...what is your favorite meal?

Kendra: Oh, my favorite meal! Since I'm currently pregnant, I like all kinds of food! (laughs) But seriously, my favorite has always been anything Asian/Pacific Rim/Oriental. Anything in that ballpark I really love.

Nikola: There is a Cantonese restaurant where I live. The food is wonderful!

I know you are a busy woman, so I'll wrap up. What advice would you give to someone who is new to Writing.Com?

Kendra: (With a huge smile on her face.) I suppose I would give the advice that you'll get out of Writing.Com what you put into it. If you get involved, post your work, read and review others' work and make the most of your time here, you'll benefit in so many ways! You'll be encouraged and inspired in your writing. You'll be blessed with some great relationships. You'll learn a lot about yourself, your writing and your world. You'll have a ton of fun!


We finished our now cold mochas and parted ways. I couldn't help but feel inspired by this wonderful woman. Kendra is a valuable asset to our community. No wonder she gets to carry around that cool, blue case!

I bought a few books at The Story Mistress. As I wondered out into the busy street, I decided to visit Milkman's Joke Shop and then slip over to Simply Everything Deli for a nice sub!

I would be remiss not to share some of Kendra's work with the readers. Please check out:

ID: 649004 Invalid Item  This item number is not valid. by Not Available.

ID: 818967 Invalid Item  This item number is not valid. by Not Available.

These are but two examples of this talented writer's work. Enjoy! I know I did!