Debra Kemp profile picture

Debra Kemp

Women who behave rarely make history. What would Lin do?

About Me

The House of Pendragon Book I: The FirebrandRather read the e-version? Now compatible with Amazon's Kindle and Sony's reading devices."Despite the collar marking her as a slave of Dunn na Carraice, young Lin is fiercely determined to retain her pride and keep her family intact. That dignity bears a price, for Lin has drawn the wrath of Modred, the youngest prince of Orkney. His single-minded quest to break strong-willed Lin--by any means necessary--nearly succeeds. Although accustomed to the death, disease, rape and famine that runs rampant in the slave hovel she calls home, it is when her beloved brother Dafydd is placed on the auction block that her warrior spirit becomes apparent to all who challenge her, and the shocking secret of her lineage is finally revealed."Click here for moreDiscussion questions for FIREBRAND:1) Authors are often asked: do you have a favorite character? For me it's: Dafydd or Lin? (and I've already made my admission!) And of course the question is on the readers' poll here. I'd like to propose a variant of that. Which character do you admire more: Lin or Dafydd or another? Why? Which do you relate to more closely?2) If you could ask any character in FIREBRAND a question, and get an honest answer, which would you ask, and what would the question be? (Author's note: I am prepared to answer in character.)3) FIREBRAND explores the darker side of Camelot, dealing with incest, rape, abuse and slavery. Given that Lin's abuse is sanctioned by Morgause, and her sons see nothing wrong with the system of slavery in their home, how does it affect your view of Gawain, Agravain, Gaheris, and Gareth as heroes? Can a knight be chivalrous and condone what Lin must endure?4) Dafydd is often exasperated by Lin's actions. Having to witness her beatings and tend her wounds afterwards takes a heavy toll on his heart. Would you have done or said anything different to Lin to dissuade her self-destructive behavior? If so, what? Why? Do you think Lin would have listened?Also by Debra A. KempThe House of Pendragon Book II: The RecruitHave the new Kindle and prefer e-books?King Arthur's daughter, Lin wants more than a life of weaving and gossip. Rejected and misunderstood by her mother, the Queen, Lin turns to her father for acceptance by joining his army.The Ultimate review" . . . a fine blend of traditional legend and innovation . . . Kemp captures the gritty essence of the era . . . (and) successfully raises very modern issues, such as the role of women in marriage and society. Kemp's "House of Pendragon" series is already a welcome addition to the body of modern Arthurian fiction." --Barbara Tepa Lupack, ARTHURIANA, Volume 17, Number 4, Winter 2007A few quotes from my young fans at a local middle school"Thank you . . . I guess you made me think Social Studies isn't the most boring and uninteresting class." Austin"Your visit made me more interested in the Dark Ages." Rachel"I will chose my dreams like you." Mandy"I want to be an author some day, thanks to you." Kristen"You were awesome." Keaton**Finalist in the National Indie Excellence 2007 Book Awards (eBook/fiction)****2007 USA BookNews Best Book Award Finalist (historical fiction)****New 5 Star review for Recruit**"The concept of King Arthur having a feisty daughter, a warrior, makes for an intriguing and highly entertaining twist. While this novel makes a great story on its own, it leaves many unanswered questions, leaving the reader in high anticipation for the next book(s) in the series."The House of Pendragon, Book II: The Recruit" is a highly-recommended read, not only for those who are historical fiction fans, but for all readers who enjoy suspense, adventure, and intrigue. A warrior princess full of spunk, a sense of righteousness, a sharp temper, and undying determination; a princess Camelot will embrace. Escaping her past, however, may turn out to be more than she bargained. Is she brave enough to prevail?" Reviewed by Regan Windsor for Reader Views (5/07)**From Crystal Reviews for The Recruit**" . . . [a] haunting, freeing novel of what it takes to become a true heroine." by Viviane Crystal of crystalreviews.comNew Interviewmore info here

My Interests

King Arthur, Arthurian literature, Celtic studies, Medieval history, reading, writing, travel, British historyCamelot Trailer
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I'd like to meet:

Book clubs in the Indianapolis area. I would be happy to provide sample discussion questions of my historical novels, The House of Pendragon series and attend your group's meeting, giving your group insights into my writing process and my vision of the King Arthur legends as written through my protagonist, Lin--King Arthur's daughter. Contact can be made with a myspace message.Welcome, Christopher! Wish you weren't so far away. Can't wait to meet you, sweetheart. Love, nani
View my page on Writers and Readers of Distinctive Fiction

View my page on Amber Quill Press

Music:

Heavy metal rules!, Godsmack, Metallica, Soulfly, Chris deBurgh, Van Morrison, Celtic, classical, Dropkick Murphys, Clutch, Blackmore's Night, Me First and the Gimmee Gimmees, Peter Frampton, Klezmer, Andreas Vollenweider, Rob Zombie, Robin Trower, Rush, Collective Soul, The ClashSpamalot Medley 2 Royal Variety
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Movies:

CAMELOT, Dr. Zhivago, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Life of Brian, V for Vendetta, Singin' in the Rain, The Red Shoes, Duck Soup, anything in black and white, silents, Laundry Day (a short), Ben Hur, A Christmas Story, Loss (a short), First They Came For (a short)Star Trek Monty Python and the Holy Grail Camelot scene
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Television:

Dr. Who, Xena, Emeril Live, Good Eats, No Reservations, Monty Python's Flying Circus, Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends, Most Haunted, the History Channel, The Travel Channel, Myth Busters, Monk, House, Red Green (when I can find it!)documentaries about England, The Royal, Barbarians I and II, Turner Classic Movies, Deadliest Catch

Books:

The Belief Test, Gerald Morris' young adult Squire's Tales series, Mary Sterwart's Arthuriad, Kathleen Cunningham Guler's Arthuriad, The Morte d'Arthur, The Once and Future King, Kitchen Confidential, non-fiction (especially British/Celtic and Roman history), Lori Armstrong, Karen Hall, Anne Barbour, Terry D Scheerer, and MANY more!!

Heroes:

King Arthur, Lin ferch Arthur, Dafydd ap Elen, Kate Chaplin, Jean Kemp, Bouddica, Gutenberg, Sir Thomas Malory, Joan of Arc, Groucho Marx, libraries, independent bookstore owners, teachers, small press publishers, people who request my books at their local libraries!!

My Blog

New interview available

What to know more about my writing process? Or how I came up with my characters and storyline for my House of Pendragon series? Or even my granddaughter's nickname?I recently did an interview at Favor...
Posted by Debra Kemp on Thu, 26 Jun 2008 04:18:00 PST

Soundtracks to Write By

I'm currently working on book three of my House of Pendragon series, as most of you know.  And the task has not been easy for me.  I still only have about half the novel mapped out in genera...
Posted by Debra Kemp on Sat, 14 Jun 2008 04:29:00 PST

Want a chance to win a free copy of The Recruit?

I just found a new review of The House of Pendragon II: The Recruit at GUD Magazine.  They gave me four stars!  Here's the link: http://www.gudmagazine.com/review/archive/2008/6/9/the-recru i...
Posted by Debra Kemp on Mon, 09 Jun 2008 02:41:00 PST

update from the Indy branch of Camelot

2008 BEACH BOOK BOOK FESTIVAL WINNERS  ANNOUNCED!   OK, I might not have won, but I did make it as an honorable mention!  This makes about four such honors for Recruit. ATLANTIC CITY (M...
Posted by Debra Kemp on Mon, 05 May 2008 06:16:00 PST

Birthday greetings to Lin ferch Arthur

Today is Lin ferch Arthur's natal day.  She's been quiet lately.  If she isn't speaking to me, I'm not getting much writing done.  I think it's the birthday thing on her mind.  &nb...
Posted by Debra Kemp on Fri, 02 May 2008 05:52:00 PST

update from the Indy branch of Camelot

This is from chapter 12 of "Recruit".  Warriors aren't born with sword in hand!  Enjoy!   *** "Sir? I would like the same chance you have offered Dafydd. "What chance is that, Lin?" "A...
Posted by Debra Kemp on Wed, 30 Apr 2008 05:18:00 PST

Thought I would bump this excerpt up for people just joining my circle of friends.

The House of Pendragon II: The Recruit ..:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />  Debra A. Kemp   Chapter 1 (from uncorrected proof)   "Mercy."  My ...
Posted by Debra Kemp on Fri, 25 Apr 2008 05:03:00 PST

Update from the Indy branch of Camelot

Things are great.  I started a job Friday at a brand new bookstore.  Although on Thursday, I wasn't sure if I still had it after all.  Thanks to a glitch in our answering machine, ...
Posted by Debra Kemp on Wed, 16 Apr 2008 08:49:00 PST

Update from the Indy Branch of Camelot

It looks like there may be a book trailer for FIREBRAND in the not too distant future.  I spoke with Kate Chaplin of Karmic Courage Productions this morning--hashing out ideas for what I would li...
Posted by Debra Kemp on Fri, 04 Apr 2008 05:02:00 PST

Modred is back, but this time Lin is armed.

I’ve been agonizing over my third book for quite some time, making exceedingly little progress since Recruit’s release last year.  Going through all my notes and ideas for the key eve...
Posted by Debra Kemp on Tue, 25 Mar 2008 12:22:00 PST