Thursday, April 19, 2012

Finalist #5

 Our fifth finalist is Lee Kelly


Tell us about your book:
MANHATTAN SAVAGES is about two sisters, prisoners of the war camp once called Manhattan, who attempt to escape after discovering devastating secrets about the island.




Why do you want to attend Backspace?
I can’t imagine a better weekend than one filled with three days of writing, critiquing and listening to professionals talk about the craft.




Are you afraid to eat lunch with a Shark?
I’d be honored to eat lunch with a Shark! The closest I’ve come is swimming with one in Hawaii. Seriously, I would be beyond thrilled.


West Side Story: Jets or Sharks?
I have to go with Sharks – I tend to root for the new kids in town. Plus, I kind of had a crush on Bernardo.



If you could save the life of any one fictional character who would it be and why?
Ned Stark (Game of Thrones): it would save an honorable man, dethrone an imposter and prevent a war.





Is there a book that makes you think “If I could write one thing like that, I’d die happy.”
If I must pick one, it would be “The Phantom Tollbooth” – I read it 25 years ago, and it’s still my measuring stick for excellence.



What's the most terrifying thing you've lived through?
Dealing with a serious family illness while billing a 350-hour month at a law firm. It was a terrible time.



When you're published, what will you do to Pay It Forward?
I’d love to work with young kids that aspire to write, maybe through a foundation (in a dream of dreams) or on a smaller scale.

25 comments:

Charley said...

Way to go! Congrats to all you finalists!

Laura Hughes, MittensMorgul said...

Congrats, Lee! I always suspected Manhattan was home to a lot of devastating secrets! ;) Sounds interesting!

Brandi M. said...

Congrats! Ned would definitely be on my to-save list!

Good luck!

Cindy C said...

A war camp once called Manhattan--that phrase alone sold me on the book! Congratulations!

DeadlyAccurate said...

Ned Stark is a good call. Congratulations!

Lanette said...

Congrats, Lee.

Brooke said...

Congratulations, Lee!

Sarah said...

Congrats! Your book sounds intriguing. Good luck!

Ann Landsberger said...

Congrats, Lee!

Anonymous said...

Congrats, Lee! I love dystopian novels --sounds like an interesting read. :)

Btw, I couldn't help but notice you're an attorney. Me too! YAY to attorneys who moonlight as writers!

Erin

Brent Stratford said...

Congratulations on making the cut Lee.

Jessa Russo said...

Take 3. I just poured my second cup of coffee in hopes that I will include all necessary words in this comment.

Congratulations, Lee! Like SiSi, you totally had me at "the war camp once called Manhattan." And the title is awesome!

I LOVE the fact that you want to pay it forward by helping kids with their writing dreams. I push my daughter so hard in her reading and writing (much to her dismay) because I believe so strongly that with a solid base in those two things, everything else will fall into place.

Can't wait to read your book!

(Side note, my captcha finally says something cool: "ssocal" And I'm thinking, why yes, little buddy, I AM in So Cal.) lol

Dana said...

Congratulations, Lee!

OMG, hubby recently got me hooked on 'Game of Thrones' and I'm with you on saving Ned Stark!!! I was devastated when they killed him, but what a great show (yes, I'm bad and haven't read the books yet, but they're on my mile-long-to-be-read-list).

Best of luck and congrats again!

Dana

ProfeJMarie (Janet Rundquist) said...

Yay Lee! I love the idea of paying it forward with kids - so much potential.

Lisa Gomley said...

Congratulations Lee!

It looks like it is unanimous...your book sounds like a hit!

Your answer, along with a couple other comments, makes me think I am going to have to read Game Of Thrones also. Although, it might take some time since I just picked up 11/22/63 yesterday. Wow...it is huge! Stephen King is usually too wordy for my taste but I had to give it a shot. After that King Of Thrones maybe?

Congratulations again Lee!

Julie said...

Congrats, Lee!

elizabeth norris said...

Congrats Lee. Yay Ned Stark. I would totally save him too!

M.V.Freeman said...

Congrats LEE!

I aggree with you about Ned Stark. Oh the tragedy. :)

Lee Kelly said...

Thanks so much to Janet and Liz for this amazing experience and opportunity, and to their team behind the scenes for all of their time and consideration too! And thanks to all of you for your kind words and supportive comments. By the way @Erin, loved your moonlighting comment – YAY is right!

Thanks again; I’m honored!! Can’t wait to see who’s posted next :)

Eileen said...

Phantom Tollbooth is one of my all time favs. Long live Milo.

Regina Castillo said...

Best of luck & congratulations!!!

LN said...

Congratulations, Lee!

Angelica R. Jackson said...

Congratulations, Lee--and Janet, that was a brilliant idea to come up with these questions, such a nice way to get to know the finalists!

B.Geets said...

Congratulations, Lee! I'm definitely intrigued by your 'Manhattan war camp' concept, sounds exciting for sure! And kudos for your plan to give back to young writers:)

Lynn M. said...

Congrats Lee! Can't wait to read your book!