Interview With Author Kelly Knowles
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Chin Hairs and Other Things Mama Didn’t Tell You: From Surviving to Thriving in Your 20s and 30s is my first published book. I started it 25 years ago and determined to finish! It began as a result of discussions with my friends about all of the life changes in our 20s and we ended up with some great stories – some which made it to the book!
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Chin Hairs and Other Things Mama Didn’t Tell You: From Surviving to Thriving in Your 20s and 30s – if you read the first pages you know exactly what inspired it: the gory appearance of chin hairs on my face! And the process to manage, hide, discuss, figure out all of those crazy things happening in our 20s and 30s – while trying to move from survival mode to thrive!
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I dump ideas constantly into Evernote and occasionally wear out my husband with my “verbal processing”! Thankfully, he is very patient and knew what he was getting into (I think :)) when we married. I also try not to over-edit. I learned that with speech writing. Over-editing can lead to analysis paralysis and nothing gets done.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love Jon Gordon and Jim Rohn. I also grew up reading Judy Blume who addressed issues that no one else was discussing for girls my age. Things that many parents were too embarrassed to even consider…
What are you working on now?
Over the years, I’ve created and developed two small weekend conferences just for girls and their female caregiver. This event is especially for girls 9-12 and we cover all the things that girls that age truly need in a safe and respectful manner. I am working to do my third conference next spring with some mom’s who have daughters in that age range. I’m also thinking about how to start my next book and what the topic will be. I’m considering a sequel to “Chin Hairs” about your 40s and 50s or digging into something that is also very personal: First Generation Professional: Navigating the Transition from Working Class to Laptop Class (CC – that’s my title).
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m brand new to this! Sooo green! I work full-time as a lead trainer for a law firm. So, figuring it out as I go, asking lots of questions and realizing that mistakes will be made! And truly, I’m proud of this book. It has a message that I believe every woman can connect with and be inspired by.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
If you have a message, put it out there. Not everyone will love it, but if it’s part of your mission and purpose – you owe it to the world to get started. And don’t be afraid to ask questions, get help etc. Give up your membership in the “I have to figure it all out by myself club”
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I’m not sure yet!
What are you reading now?
Just finished reading Brave New World after 30 years for book club. I’m also leading a women’s faith study based on Fervent. We all need more prayer. I picked up the original Girl Scout guidebook in Savannah GA recently and it’s been a fun look back but also some amazing common sense for today!
What’s next for you as a writer?
Getting started again! I hope to get out there and continue to speak the message that we are all here for a purpose. We all have value.
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?
Cliche, but the Bible for sure. I would also take a Jim Rohn book for inspiration and probably something by Brenda Rickman VanTrease or Ruta Sepatys. Amazing authors!
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