An Interview with Kevin and Jayne Kmitta

Kevin and Jayne reside in Belleville, IL. He is a graduate of the Northern Illinois School of Journalism and a proud member of the 100-year-old St. Louis Writers Guild. He loves traveling, family, hiking the Shawnee National Forest, and black cats. When not writing, he works part time at Busch Stadium in St. Louis.

Jayne graduated from Illinois Wesleyan University with a degree in music education. For twenty-five years, she inspired generations of students to love music. After hanging up her director’s baton, she picked up an artist paintbrush. As an educator, Jayne weaves life lessons into the narrative. As an artist, she views the world in melodies and colorful art, thus enhancing the words Kevin lays down. She enjoys family, a beautiful sunset, and her cherished friends.

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Tell us the story of your book’s title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?

Various titles morphed as the book progressed. At the end, we considered four or five that seemed to line up with the finished product. We asked friends to picture themselves in a bookstore in front of the new releases and to imagine two books with each title and which would their hand first reach for. Angels and Eagles was unanimous due to their curiosity to find the link between angels and eagles. It was then an easy decision!

How did it feel when you first saw your book cover? Or when you first held your book in your hands?

Very proud. The cover was designed by Jayne’s sister, who captured everything perfectly, including the muted images of the eagle and angel that blends with the sky and hints of the themes of faith and mysticism. Very happy with the visuals of the stream and the tree-covered hills in the background. The crooked tree (used by ancient Indigenous tribes as trail markers for important and sacred locations) can almost be considered a character in the book

Holding the book for the first time? Elation! It finally felt like our long road was complete. Also, we might add, a bit frightened that the book will not be loved by the readers; after all, this is our baby (story) that they will be judging!

What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?

Jayne: I have had a wide variety of past jobs besides teaching band to four through eight. I have been a realtor, piano tuner, marketing rep for a gift company, a travel agent, and an optometrist assistant. And now I can add author, marketing, and editor to that list. So glad I am retired?

Kevin: Marketing, management, and sales provided insight and clarity into the psyche of the human mind. This experience granted me a wealth of material to draw from into the formation of characters. In addition to writing, I also work parttime at Busch Stadium in St. Louis. This influx of examples of human behavior is an inexhaustible gold mine.

What was the most rewarding/meaningful part of publishing your book?

Meeting and making very special new friends along the way. Our beta readers (all of whom have Native American ancestry) came to us in accidental ways and started out as strangers. Soon, though, they turned into not only friends, but extended family members. We can’t leave out our old friends who also stepped up and supported us by supplying the encouragement that we needed during the nine long years of this project. We needed all of these wonderful people! They all have a piece of making this all possible.

Now that we are doing book signings, we are really enjoying meeting our new readers and hearing their positive reviews. This is our second book, and the one that really makes us feel like authors in every sense!

We can’t leave out the ancestors who also gave us encouragement along the way and provided us with occasional signs of encouragement to keep us going. After all, this is their story, not ours. We just had the honor of putting their story into words so others can learn.

If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?

Generally, music that conveys spirit, emotion, quiet desperation (but not despair), and continued resilience and hope.

• Amazing Grace (Cherokee language version by Walela)

• The Sound of Silence (Disturbed version)

• Can you Hear the Call (Robert Mirabal)

• Wake Up (Llunr)

• Brave the Elements (Christian Tschuggnall and Michael Edwards)

• The Connection (Celestial Navigations)

• Night Moves (Bob Seger)

• I AM (Stan Walker)

• One World (Celtic Woman)

What is one thing you hope readers take away from reading your book? How do you envision your perfect reader?

A new knowledge of the plight of the Native Americans who were forcibly removed from their ancient homelands. Respect your fellow man. Don’t be so quick to judge.

What creative projects are you currently working on?

We are currently discussing ideas for either prequels or sequels for both books. Right now, marketing Angels and Eagles is duty number one!

How was working with Atmosphere Press? What would you tell other writers who want to publish?

Everyone is great to work with.

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