Hi, I'm D.E. Kendall
Also known as Dannika 🙂
I’m passionate about writing, which I hope shines through, if ever you spend quality time with any of my books!
Entertaining, educating, and empathising with you, my dearest reader, is important to me as a writer. Ultimately, it is my intention to craft immersive stories that offer a slice of escapism and/or comfort during these uncertain times. We’re all in this together, after all…
Countless Hours of Research
Endless Hours of Writing in Every Spare Moment
Celebrating Word Count Milestones
Books Published So Far
My Story
So, I’ve been writing stories since I could hold a pen (which is over thirty-something years now… o.O).
I live with my (extremely patient) husband and our gorgeous collie, Cai. I’m also the billpayer and maid for my beautiful pony, Eira, whom I rescued over a decade ago (though she doesn’t live at home with us [yet], much to my husband’s delight).
Since life likes to run away with me sometimes, getting books written and published can take years! For instance, one of my ongoing projects is a series of YA novels that I’ve been working on for over a decade, writing and rewriting hundreds of thousands of words…
However, I may finally be able to finish all the literary projects I’ve started (as well as work on a fair few more!), thanks to a bittersweet change in circumstances. I was recently made redundant from the pet insurance company I worked for as a copywriter for two years (devastated about it; I loved that job – it combined two of my passions, animals and writing), due to a company restructure. Therefore, I’ve decided to take the biggest leap of faith by embarking on the journey of a lifetime and writing my own books full-time for the next few months (that’s what savings are for, right?).
I’m incredibly grateful for my amazingly supportive husband, family, and friends who are helping me pursue my lifelong dream of becoming a full-time author <3
In case you’re interested in my academic record, I achieved a 2:1 after studying for an undergraduate degree with the Open University, meaning I currently hold a BA(Hons) in English Literature & Creative Writing (though often wish I had the time [and money] to pursue a Masters degree, then PhD in Creative Writing; I’m a bit of a word nerd and love to learn, if you hadn’t already guessed…).
Anyways, I’d better stop rambling now! I’m sure you’ve got better things to do, like reading a book 😉 I’ve self-published a number of books (available here), and previously worked as a ghostwriter, as well as a publishing assistant and copywriter – so, if you have a question about publishing or the writing process, please feel free to contact me 🙂
My Writing Process
Step 1 - I handwrite the first draft of my manuscript.
It may sound old-fashioned or like it makes the process far slower, though I find my creativity flows more freely when I put pen to paper.
Step 2 - I type the second draft of my manuscript.
I use the typing up of my manuscript as an opportunity to edit it for the first time. However, it can become too easy to focus on errors, which means it takes longer to complete the second draft!
Step 3 - I edit, edit, and edit my manuscript.
Then, after editing my manuscript a further thousand times, I send it off to be assessed by publishing experts and hope for the best.
In case you’d like to discover the books, short stories, and film scripts I’ve written, take a look at my portfolio…
Are you a fellow writer?
Writing can be a lonely venture at times.
If you’re a writer, like me, please feel free to reach out – I’m always happy to chat about the highs and lows of the wild world of words 🙂
Also, let me know about your own published books; any excuse to add to my epic TBR pile!
