Today we’d like to introduce you to Allison Kennedy
Hi Allison, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was born and raised in Northeast Ohio, and joined the United States Navy in 2004. In 2005, I volunteered to deploy to the Middle East. Placed in Iraq, I was part of a joint unit during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Stationed on an Iraqi military base, I was one of three women on the entire installation. Our unit was tasked with training forces to take over the positions that the US troops were holding. While serving as a vehicle gunner on a standard convoy in Mosul, Iraq, a roadside bomb detonated beneath our humvee. The explosion triggered a number of injuries that took years to fully settle. In that moment, my military career and my life was forever changed. I suffered debilitating spine injuries that resulted in innumerable treatments and eventually two fully invasive spine surgeries and fusions. I was medically separated for the combat-incurred injuries that still plague me daily. After the Navy, I attended Ohio State University using my GI Bill benefits before requiring my first surgery.
It was a long recovery, but eventually, I was able to live an adapted version of normal life between bouts of acute pain. While the damage to my lower back was mostly resolved, the injury to my neck only increased in intensity and frequency. I tried all the treatments and therapies, and still, it worsened. During this period, I became a business owner and a wife. I filled these periods with art and reading, travel and as many adventures as I could- relishing in the good days until the bad ones became even more frequent. The VA tried and failed to provide adequate and reliable care which made the entire process even more difficult. The pain rose in intensity to the point where it was difficult to get out of bed some days. The compression to my spinal cord, nerve pain, and an abundance of arthritis became unbearable. With failing options for treatment, I dove deep internally and became focusing my efforts on writing. Since I was a child, I loved immersing myself in books and stories and as an adult, I finally took my chance to write my own story. It served as a way to process the pain and the inability to relieve it. I poured my heart and soul, every ounce of that pain and discomfort into what would become my debut novel. Eventually, I had to undergo a second surgery which changed my life once again. The relief was immediate, but my love for writing and bringing this story to life, remained.
I self-published my book, The Way Home in October of 2024: A second-chance, small town, spicy adult romantic suspense novel. With complex characters and immersive story telling, my story weaves together themes of love, loss, grief, trauma, and the importance of self-love and a strong community of support. My five-star rated book is now available online on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Walmart, as well as select local independent bookstores in the greater Cleveland area. My 2025 schedule is packed with book signings, book fairs and other events. I feel honored and grateful to have reached this height and look forward to every chance to reach and engage with new readers. I hope that my story can inspire others to reach for their dreams, despite the barriers and difficulties that often stand in the way.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It’s had its ups and downs like most things in life. But I remained strong and steadfast, both in advocating for the healthcare I deserved and was entitled to, and knocking down barriers that stood in my way.
The writing and publishing process was a learn as I go kind of thing. And goodness, did I learn.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Currently, my focus is on writing fiction and specifically, the romantic suspense genre.
As a disabled combat veteran, I spend most of my time as a small business owner and independently published author.
My experiences are what set me apart from others. My experience as a woman serving in the military. My experiences traveling and exploring the world. My experiences with the interactions and relationships I’ve had. I have a diverse and unique perspective, which was also bred from being an avid, life long reader, and proud supporter of the arts. These experiences have rounded my path in life and my perspective- open, welcoming, and multifaceted.
I’m most proud of the obstacles I’ve faced. Despite being the minority, despite the disability, and despite doubt, I’ve emerged a confident and strong woman who loves breaking barriers.
What makes you happy?
Spending time with my friends and family, and my rescue dogs. I love to travel and read. The world is a big place, and there are so many things to find beauty.
More often than not, my head is stuck in a book. I also find joy in the simple things- a sunny day, flowers brightening up my kitchen counter, a good cup of coffee, rich, delicious food, and smooth red wine.
Pricing:
- $9.99 Kindle E-book, free with Kindle Unlimited
- $22.99 Paperback on Amazon
- $32.99 Paperback on Amazon
- $29.99/$39.99 on other retailers (B&N, Walmart, Google, Apple)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://theallisonkennedy.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/theallisonkennedy
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/allisonkennedybooks
