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Tuesday, February 28, 2017

Guest Post from Author Mallory Kane

Mallory Kane Shares...

My husband and I recently had our DNA tested through 23 and Me. It was really interesting and exciting, to find out where I came from. Now, through a website called Promethease, we can look at our specific genes and whether the genetic variants are good or bad, indicative of disease or of protection against disease. While I still have a lot to learn about what I'm seeing, some of the information is very telling. For instance, it is my DNA that makes me love coffee. It's my DNA that makes me prone to neurological problems, such as Restless Leg Syndrome. And it appears to be my DNA that has contributed to my ability to write fiction.

A Finnish team doing research on DNA and creativity, has noticed that participants with increased creativity had duplicate DNA strands that contained a gene that affected the processing of Serotonin, a key neurotransmitter. It seems that elevated serotonin levels in the brain increases the connectivity in the brain’s posterior cingulate cortex, a key center for awareness and internally directed thought. Their research confirms a study by Cornell University that found that individuals who are artistically creative have a specific genetic characteristic that may enhance their creative ability.

Now that is a lot to take in. I can't say exactly what it means. All I know is that I have a number of genes that are protective for Serotonin processing and quite a few that are connected to increased creative ability.

While creative ability is thought to be largely about divergent thinking, which means that creative ideas are generated through exploring many possible solutions, researchers agree that it is also influenced by generating endless associations. And what is writing but the brain connecting all the ideas, thoughts and words inside it in many different ways to come up with many possible solutions. And that, when written down, can become a beautifully written story. In other words, creativity.

If you've ever been In the Zone, and most writers know that phrase, then you've experienced the euphoric sensation of the words flowing so quickly and so fluidly that later, it's hard to remember writing it.

So is writing in the DNA? The ever-growing and changing world of Genetics seems to be moving closer and closer to the idea that genetics influences the type of creativity that makes good writers.

I mean, if my DNA controls my love of coffee, imagine what else it can do.

You can find out more about Mallory and her books at:

Website  |  Amazon  

And don’t miss my newest story The Red Prince in the upcoming anthology—Masquerade.

           

Mallory Kane will be attending Romancing the Smokies

March 17-18, 2017  |  Hilton Knoxville Airport, Alcoa, TN

Romancing the Smokies, a production by Sweet Romance Author Donna Wright, is a romance readers dream with a Emerald Isle event, author meet and greet, an elegant luncheon, book signing, Masquerade Ball including fun casino games, plus tons of swag and giveaways.

Here, readers get to meet their favorite authors and authors get to connect with readers. We have put together authors from every sub-genre of Romance and even some Mystery authors so you, the reader, can make a personal connection and really get to know the authors whose books you’ve loved.
See full details at our website HERE.
See ticket options at Eventbright HERE. (the book signing from 2 to 4 on Saturday is free to the public)
Find out how to win the

4 comments:

  1. My sister had a DNA analysis, and I really didn't think I'd need one. Well, now I wonder how much genes diverge between siblings, because I love coffee, and she hates it.

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  2. I haven't done it yet, wondering what I might find if I do, but I think it would be fun to see.

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  3. There are definitely differences in siblings. My brother has a widow's peak. My DNA says I have zero genes for a widows peak. Most of my father's family had/have flaming red hair. I wanted red hair SO badly. I have no genes for red hair. :/ However, I do have a gene that is explained as the ability to comprehend story. Story! That just might be the writer's gene. That's exciting!

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  4. In the published book, Masquerade, available at the booksigning at Romancing the Smokies on Saturday, March 18, 2017, my story is called Bryndle's Choice. I'll also be signing some Harlequin Intrigues and A Cherry Lake Christmas from Tule. Come see me.

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