Gail Wilson Kenna earned B.A. USC 1965. Graduate work San Francisco State. Earned secondary teaching credential 1967, married 1968, taught in Los Angeles, San Antonio, and decade in Napa Valley. High school English teacher. Began writing 1970 after U/C Berkeley Bay Area Writing Project. First publication Redbook, 1981. Wrote for magazines & newspapers in 1980s, military audience, received awards. In Germany, completed MFA degree, then taught writing & literature for college & university programs in foreign countries & USA. Still teaching at 80. First book published 1982.Three editions, New Reader's Press, until 2003. In 2019, Along the Gold Rush Trail reprinted as Here to There and Back Again (Ingram). Five of Kenna's books currently available. Received U.S. State Department award for work in Venezuelan prisons. Beyond the Wall 2000 reprinted in 2020 (Ingram). A passionate teacher, tireless fighter for justice, lover of family, friends, students, literature & nature, Lives with 1968 husband on creek of Virginia's Chesapeake Bay. Two adult daughters live in Washington, D.C. Tennis competitor since 1953 & tennis instructor since 1960s. At 80 with new knees, plays tennis five times a week. Tennis Talk of a Nobody is her seventh book.
"Firstly, congratulations - you are indeed a highly polished
professional writer (and gutsy). Your writing style feels smooth
and effortless. The reader glides on your sentences. Your book is a
great accomplishment. Secondly, I think this book should be
required reading for any serious tennis player, young or old.
You've captured the divinity of the sport, possibly better than any
sports novel I've read." Dr. William E. Nordt
"Tennis Talk of a Nobody is a gem. From its depiction of the author
as a young girl reluctantly taking up the sport (she wanted to play
piano) to its evocation of a life having tennis woven through it,
even overseas in Malaysia, in Colombia and Peru, the book
entertains wonderfully. The author paints vivid portraits of known
(the young Billy Jean King) and relatively unknown (Darlene Hard)
players, which she had the pleasure of knowing, and some of whom
she competed with in tournaments. Though the greatest pleasure of
Tennis Talk is in its evocation of a time lost to us. Here is an
America, despite its many conflicts, still in that seeming arc
toward justice. Touching, compelling, a pleasure. Tennis Talk is a
book to be savored and treasured."Wayne Johnson, Iowa Workshop
graduate, Stanford Stegner Fellow, author of novels, non-fiction
books and screen plays
"Gail Kenna hits an ace with her memoir, Tennis Talk of a Nobody.
The memoir cleverly interweaves Gail's lifelong tennis journey with
her love of good literature and significant events in her life.
Gail's voice is authentic, witty, and gritty. Her growth mindset is
inspiring. By example, she inspires you to fear not and live your
life to the fullest. Get fit and stay fit so you can play tennis or
engage in whatever sport or hobby brings you joy. Enjoy movement.
Read and discuss fine literature with friends. Travel and take
risks, especially to help a friend. Take a full swing at
life!"Michele Burke Craddock, attorney
"A reader need not be a tennis player to be charmed by Gail Wilson
Kenna's love for the sport and its impact on her life. Tennis Talk
of a Nobody recounts her seven decades on tennis courts: West to
East in the USA, then Germany, Malaysia, and three South American
countries. Her weave of compelling narratives will warm hearts of
tennis players and non-players. A grand slam for every
reader."Dorie Battelle, former Advertising Executive
"Gail Kenna's exchange with her orthopedic surgeon about Julian
Barnes has made me want to read and re-read this British writer's
books. I'm in awe of Kenna's memory of everything related to tennis
from childhood and youth, into adulthood and old age.
Congratulations for Tennis Talk of a Nobody." Mary Stuary, retired
educator and union activist
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