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Don Kennedy - CraveBooks

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Don Kennedy

Member Since: 10/2022

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Don Kennedy is a resident of Makaha Valley on Oahu, Hawaii. He was a long time Nevada resident of Las Vegas, Lake Tahoe, and Reno. He’s a member of the Hawaii Writer’s Guild.

Kennedy was born and raised in Wisconsin and is a graduate of Concordia College in Milwaukee. He was a Congressional Page in the U.S. House of Representatives in Washington D.C. and an elected member of the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors. He served as a staff assistant to Wisconsin Lieutenant Governor Martin J. Schreiber.

A radio and television on air personality for a decade, Kennedy also worked for many publications as a reporter, editor, and publisher in Nevada.

His next career was as a Casino Resort Marketing executive in seven states: Nevada, California, Oregon, New Mexico, Louisiana, Indiana and Oklahoma.

Kennedy is the author of the 2019 book: Kids Say The Darndest Things To Santa Claus, the 2020 book of the same title, Volume 2, and the 2022 book of the same title, Volume 3. The books chronicle his 25 years as a volunteer Santa Claus for hospitals, women’s and children’s shelters, military bases, boys & girls clubs, fire victim shelters, churches, schools and more. The books have won awards and 5-star reviews.

Kennedy enjoys reading, music, sports, and travel. He’s been a member and officer of the NFL Alumni as an Associate member. He’s received many awards and recognitions during his careers. His passion remains being a volunteer Santa Claus for all those who need to be seen and heard every Christmas. 

Tell us a little bit about yourself, your hobbies and interests.

I am semi-retired and live in Makaha Valley on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. I was born and raised in Wisconsin and lived decades in Nevada, Las Vegas, Reno and Lake Tahoe. I love reading, writing, music, concerts, movies, the outdoors, family and friends. My passion is volunteering as Santa Claus each year for organizations that do not have the funds to hire a Santa.

When and why did you start writing books?

I am a volunteer Santa Claus and for 29 years have portrayed that role each Christmas season for children. Each year after my visits, I would post a top 10 list of my favorite humorous and heartwarming stories. My family and friends encouraged me to write a book about those experiences and share the stories with readers.

What made you decide to tackle writing as a career?

I have always written in my careers over the years, writing a book was a very different experience but one that I truly enjoyed.

Which one of your books or characters is your favourite?

All 3 of my books in the Santa series is a favorite in certain ways. My favorite characters are all of the little kids each holiday season.

Which one of your books was the hardest to write and stretched you the most as a writer?

The 3rd book was the hardest as I expanded the content and it reached 200 pages, the 1st book was 100 pages and the 2nd was 140 pages. Book 3 ended up with 23 chapters and over 350 stories.

Who is your favourite author and book?

My favorite book is The Gradd Is Always Greener Over The Septic Tank by Erma Bombeck, I love all of her books and her unique sense of humor.

What book are you reading right now?

Michelle Obama's Becoming is my current read.

Where do you get your inspiration for your books?

The children are the inspiration as well as all of the volunteers.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Sports, reading, music, concerts. movies, walking, travel, family and friends.

Do you have any new books in the works?

Book 4 is underway!