Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a British writer and blogger and I have written 1 book in a series I am writing called SHINE. My second book ‘When Everyone Shines INCLUDING You’ is due for release in Spring 2016. I write to heal and receive answers from the wisdom within and share this with those who may be going through challenging times.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
‘When Everyone Shines But You’ was inspired by a dark time in my life. I was depressed, anxious and felt very hopeless. My mind was telling me I was a useless failure and I had a small feeling inside that doubted this was true. So after trawling book shops looking for answers I sat at my keyboard one day, I gazed out of the window and asked the Universe what I needed to know. And the book flowed out of my fingertips. I wanted to feel enough as I am and I wanted others to feel the same way too.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I gaze out of windows and look at nature. Nature often inspires me for the words that reflect what is needed. I also call on my inspirers in spirit and the angels to come down and fill me with their energy and I open my heart so I am able to hear it speak. Also a lovely coffee gets the brain cells functioning more clearly.
What I have noticed, is that life gives me challenges so I am able to write about them when in the moment of the challenge. So my writing has a quality of ‘realness’. I have been told countless times now ‘How did you get into my head Kelly?’ because the words reach those places where people feel hurt and scared and they bring relief.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Byron Katie, Brene Brown and Tara Bach are great inspirations to me, along with Eckhart Tolle. I love books that are real, mean something and reach peoples hearts. I prefer books that do not give extensive exercises to follow, books that touch me from the moment I open the book.
What are you working on now?
I am nearly finished the first draft of the second in my Shine Series books called ‘When Everyone Shines INCLUDING You’. It is for those who have begun to feel less invisible, are able more to practice being present and mindful, but still need answers on how to take centre stage in their lives.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I find twitter is really good, which surprised me as its whizzing by at ninety miles an hour most days, but I have a good following and I share inspiration too, so people receive free insights and this supports them so they take a look at my book. I also like Facebook now I have finally got to grips with how to get my page seen.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write from the heart. Write for yourself. Don’t write for the audience. What do you need to let loose onto the page right now? What is inside you bursting to get out. And write for the sake of writing – not to be a famous author.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
‘It’s okay to make mistakes’ and ‘you don’t need to be perfect to teach’.
What are you reading now?
I am re-reading EARTH by Barbara Marcianak
What’s next for you as a writer?
I am going to get my first book republished by a professional publishing company, finish my second book and let the universe take it out to those who need to read it and who knows… one step at a time.
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?
Eckhart Tolle – The Power of Now
The Invitation by Oriah Mountain Dreamer
And a couple of books by Osho or Rumi, I would need to ponder that more.
Author Websites and Profiles
Kelly Martin Website
Kelly Martin Amazon Profile
Kelly Martin Author Profile on Smashwords
Kelly Martin’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account