Meet Marissa Kennerson | Author

We had the good fortune of connecting with Marissa Kennerson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Marissa, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
Writing a book takes many rounds of edits! I think a lot of people hesitate to write because they think they need to make it brilliant and perfect from the word go. It sounds cliche to say that writing is about rewriting, but it truly is. It is a process of discovery and uncovering, and that happens in revision. Revision is not proofreading for spelling errors. My relationship to revision and rewriting has really changed working on my latest manuscript, and I am a better writer for it.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I didn’t set out to, but after writing three novels – I can say – I write fiction about female artists. I have my masters in psychology and art therapy, and while I love making art – I never thought I was particularly good at it. It was something I did to relax from writing. That said, I love making art, and if someone else said they weren’t “good” at it – I would tsk tsk them! I also write about finding one’s identity, friendship, loneliness and love.

I have been writing since I could hold a pencil. I stumbled upon some professional success by being in the right place at the right time — but it has always been a lot of hard work. One of my biggest challenges lately was getting really smart but slightly overwhelming feedback from my wonderful agent. I had to dive in and relearn how to do some things relating to the craft of writing. People say every book demands something different, and this latest book has been a diva!! But I am absolutely a better writer for all of her demands.

I hope people see themselves in my stories and feel comforted. I want you to read my books and think -ooh, other people have that thought? Or I want you to giggle because you can relate to whatever embarrassing thing my main character just did.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love this question because I love my hometown of LA! That said, it’s not always easy to penetrate! We would:
Lunch at Inn of the Seventh Ray in Topanga
Hike up Temescal and enjoy the ocean view
Drink at The Proper Hotel in Santa Monica
Dinner: Sugar Fish in Studio City

The next day we’d go east:
Horseback ride or hike in Griffith Park (I like to get my steps in!)
Lunch at Basecamp in Burbank
Museum it up at The Getty Center (with tea in their garden!)
Dinner: Bacari in Sherman Oaks

The next day (!)
Walk on the beach in Malibu (Point Dume)
Brunch at The Sunset OR fish tacos at Dukes
Dash out to Pasadena to visit Vroman’s book store

Downtown and the Arts District is wonderful stop. So many great places to eat like Bavel and Zinc.
I just love my city! The beautiful nature you can get to easily mixed with fantastic restaurants, art and shopping…amazing.
If we had time – we’d definitely make a trip up to Ojai!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are three women I met during the pandemic through an online writing retreat. I would like to recognize them here for being the best critique partners and cheerleaders a gal could have. They are gorgeous writers and wonderful friends! Thank you, Sarah Blair and Catherine Curtis and Megan Orsini.

Website: marissakennerson.net

Instagram: marissa.kennerson