Interview With Author Jenny Kellett
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
For over a decade, I’ve poured my heart into nonfiction writing. My early days saw me scribbling away on train rides to work and burning the midnight oil until I could turn this passion into a full-time endeavor. Born in the UK, I took a leap at 18, moving to Australia. My journey then led me back to Europe, where I now enjoy the sun-kissed Spanish shores with my husband and our three feline companions. My insatiable curiosity knows no bounds—I wear hats ranging from a cat first-aider and Olive Oil Sommelier to a zookeeper and reiki practitioner. This zeal for continuous learning, I hope, is evident in each of the 25 books I’ve written.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Easy English Romance Short Stories. This is the latest book in my collection of easy English books designed for English language learners, which I publish under my married name of Jenny Goldmann. I have always been passionate about languages (I used to work as a journalist and editor), and have been learning multiple languages over the past 7 years. I wanted to create books that I would like to have if I was learning English.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I do my best writing at airports and on planes. I still haven’t pinpointed why exactly, but I can get a month’s worth of work done on a 3-hour flight.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
As a child I was obsessed with almanacs and the Guinness Book of Records.
What are you working on now?
I am working on the Christmas edition of my series of English language learning books. And, a Christmas edition of my annual best-selling “The Huge Book of Amazing Facts and Interesting Stuff”. It’s a lot of fun!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m not the best at promoting my books, to be honest! I try to put out great books and post the odd social media posts here and there. I have a lot of return readers. Amazon Ads have been very good for me too.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
There are a lot of websites and ‘gurus’ out there that will promise you the world, but having been in this game for a very long time, I can tell you that very few of them can. Learn by doing. There are plenty of YouTube channels and great blogs that can teach you the basics of self-publishing for free – so avoid being tempted to fork out a lot of money for special courses.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Someone once told me, ‘Write not because you want to say something, but because you have something to say.’ This resonated deeply with me. As an author, it’s easy to get caught up in the mechanics of writing or the allure of sales and fame. But at its core, writing should come from a place of authenticity and passion.
What are you reading now?
I’m too embarrassed to say.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Great question. I am very happy where I am right now—I am passionate about the topics I write about and love the feedback I’m receiving. I would like to branch out more into language learning books, though.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
1. “The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook” by Joshua Piven and David Borgenicht
2. “How to Build a Boat: A Beginner’s Guide to Building Your Own Boat!” by Stuart Evers
3. “Robinson Crusoe” by Daniel Defoe
Author Websites and Profiles
Jenny Kellett’s Social Media Links