K.D. Keenan

K.D. Keenan is an American author known for her work in the fantasy genre, particularly The Gods of the New World Trilogy. She is known for integrating Native American and Hawaiian mythology into her writing. She also founded a successful PR agency in Silicon Valley.

Keenan was born and raised in Northern California. Her passion for reading began early, influenced by her grandparents' extensive library of Victorian children's literature. At nine, she shifted her focus to fantasy and science fiction, a change that helped curb her mid-nineteenth-century writing style, which her English teachers did not appreciate.

Keenan joined the high technology industry in 1978. She has worked as a writer, content creator, and public relations expert. In 1986, she founded Oak Ridge Public Relations, Inc., recognized as one of Silicon Valley’s Top 25 PR agencies by the Silicon Valley Business Journal for ten consecutive years.

An avid reader, Keenan was inspired by her mother, an archaeologist specializing in Southwestern Indian civilizations. This interest in Native American folklore became a cornerstone for her writing. In her own words, Keenan stated, "My mother sparked my interest in mythologies and ancient cultures."

Keenan's debut novel, The Obsidian Mirror (2014), was born out of her frustration with the stereotypical Euro-centric fantasy settings. She created a fantasy based on New World prototypes during a downturn in her freelance work. Her first book introduces Sierra Carter, a public relations executive in Silicon Valley, who is thrust into a magical adventure by Quetzalcoatl. Accompanied by Coyotl the Trickster and a mannish named Fred, Sierra battles the evil avatar Necocyaotl to save the environment.

Following the success of her first book, Keenan released Fire in the Ocean (2016), the second book in The Gods of the New World Trilogy. Set in Hawaii, this novel delves into ancient Hawaiian mythologies and traditions. Sierra and Coyotl, intending to enjoy an eco-vacation, are diverted by Kanaloa, the Hawaiian god of the ocean. As Sierra attempts to correct some injustices with the help of ancient gods, the situation escalates, leading to unexpected consequences.

Keenan is currently working on the third and final volume of the trilogy, Lords of the Night. This book takes the characters to Classical Maya times in the Yucatan Peninsula, blending historical fiction with fantasy. "My characters made me finish the book. They didn’t even let me write it the way I wanted to," Keenan remarked, highlighting the creative process behind her novels.

K.D. Keenan lives on the Central Coast of California with her family, including her husband, daughter, son-in-law, two granddaughters, two elderly dogs, and a cat.

Photo credit: theobsidianmirror.net