Season 07, Ashutosh Garg, Female, English, Business Leader, Education; Author, USA

Discovering Ancestry and Adventure: Brigid Kennedy, Author of Lost: The Lost City of Incan Gold

Posted on by inknuts
03
Aug

Discovering Ancestry and Adventure: Brigid Kennedy, Author of Lost: The Lost City of Incan Gold

  • Turning 50 and reflecting on a full life as a mother and musician
  • A powerful dream visitation from her grandmother urging her to “write the story”

Podcast

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Overview

In this captivating episode of The Brand Called You, author Brigid Kennedy shares her inspiring journey from violin teacher and mother to publishing her debut novel, Lost: The Lost City of Incan Gold. The discussion explores personal inspiration, family history, and the craft of writing for readers of all ages.

00:47 – What inspired Brigid Kennedy to start writing fiction at this stage in life?

  • Turning 50 and reflecting on a full life as a mother and musician
  • A powerful dream visitation from her grandmother urging her to “write the story”
  • How her family joined her on her journey to becoming an author

02:47 – What challenges and surprises did Brigid encounter as a debut novelist?

  • Transitioning from writing music to writing fiction
  • Struggling with imposter syndrome and learning to trust her own voice
  • Discovering how her real family history strengthened her fiction

04:26 – How much of Lost: The Lost City of Incan Gold is based on true events versus imagination?

  • The story’s deep roots in authentic family history
  • The true adventures of her great-grandfather, an Irish treasure hunter in Peru
  • Blending fact and fiction, with a postscript explaining which events are true

08:29 – Why combine Irish myths with Incan legends in the novel?

  • A natural blend reflecting her Irish and Peruvian heritage
  • Exploring inherited mythologies through family bloodlines rather than intentionally merging cultures

09:15 – How did Brigid create believable young adult characters who resonate with adults?

  • Writing the main character, Kat, as a fully developed 24-year-old rather than a typical teenage YA protagonist
  • Making the book accessible and appropriate for readers of all generations
  • Avoiding excessive language and graphic content while focusing on authentic emotion

12:16 – Which characters did Brigid Kennedy feel most connected to or surprised by?

  • A deep emotional connection with Kat, inspired by her grandmother
  • The emergence of Genevieve, a Haitian voodoo priestess, as a morally complex and redemptive character

14:18 – Did the emotional connection to her ancestors become overwhelming while writing?

  • Yes, the writing process was deeply emotional from beginning to end
  • A desire to authentically portray both the joy and grief woven through her family’s history

17:38 – Did her background in music influence her writing style?

  • Thinking in musical phrases and appreciating the power of silence
  • Applying the discipline of daily musical practice to a consistent writing routine
  • Bringing the rhythm, pacing, and dynamics of music into her storytelling

20:11 – What deeper message does Brigid Kennedy hope readers take away?

  • The importance of preserving family stories before they disappear
  • Encouraging everyone to document the extraordinary lives and legacies within their own families

RESOURCES

Learn more about Brigid Kennedy: LinkedIn

Enjoyed this podcast?

Did you know? The wildest, most incredible parts of Brigid Kennedy’s book are true. From Irish treasure hunting in Peru to bullfighting and legendary artifacts, her ancestors really lived these adventures. Even her husband had trouble telling fact from fiction!

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Profile

  • Brigid Kennedy is an author, violin teacher, and educator who inspires readers through engaging storytelling rooted in history, adventure, and family values.
  • She is the author of Lost: The Lost City of Incan Gold, her debut novel that blends historical intrigue with imaginative fiction.
  • Brigid draws inspiration from her experiences as a teacher, mother, and lifelong learner, creating stories that resonate with readers of all ages.
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