Keeping it in the Family
This fall , writing will become even more of a family affair for Foley as she joins her sister , Jaz Kennedy , for the release of their first book , “ Dream of Me ,” in a co-written novel series titled Harmony Falls .
Kennedy also attended Shaler Area High School , and graduated in 1994 . She was involved with choir and the school musicals and dabbled in some intramural sports as well . She went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts with a focus on literary journalism from the University of Pittsburgh and , years later , earned a certificate of court reporting that allowed her to work as a court stenographer for the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas for eight years . She now lives in the Bloomfield area , is happily married and has two children , ages 3 and 4 , that she calls her Irish twins .
“ Writing romance was something I never saw coming ,” says Kennedy . “ When Gaelen finally sat me down and said , ‘ You should be writing fiction ’ and ultimately suggested we collaborate on one of the ideas she had brewing , at first I was totally stunned and honored , and then I knew I had to give it a shot .”
“ In co-writing with my husband , the experience of writing with a partner proved so rewarding creatively and emotionally while allowing me to be so much more productive ,” says Foley . “ It inspired me to write a fun , sassy , small-town romance series set in the Laurel Highlands , and I couldn ’ t think of anyone better to recruit for the job than my very talented youngest sister .”
The sisters drew their inspiration for the series from the fictional town of Harmony Falls that they dreamed up while spending time with their “ very outdoorsy ” father , Jim Foley , in the Laurel Highlands as children . “ Dad ’ s been taking us girls up there on hikes , long bike rides , ski trips and more for as long Foley ( right ) with sister , Jaz Kennedy . as we can remember ,” says Foley . “ This quaint , wonderful small town of Harmony Falls is an amalgam of everything we love about our many family day trips up to the mountains . “ As I write these books for Harmony Falls , I find myself drawing on all of those precious memories ,” adds Kennedy .
Foley believes the series will especially appeal to Pittsburghers — particularly the scenes set in the ‘ Burgh . The hero of “ Dream of Me ” works in downtown Pittsburgh , while the heroine is a young woman living in the countryside of Harmony Falls , struggling to take over her grandfather ’ s farm , and slowly transitioning it to organic .
Foley and Kennedy have always been very close and love writing together . “ This series has the emotional richness my novels are known for , with the humor and sass of my baby sister ,” grins Foley .
“ Dream of Me ” ( Harmony Falls , Book 1 ) is set to release in late summer of this year . ■
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