Kelly Anne Manuel has a light, energetic personality that reflects in her writing. She is an eternal optimist who strives to see the good in all her days and throughout all aspects of her life journey. She has a unique voice that Children respond to because it is characterized by her own actively vibrant Inner Child.

Kelly Anne used her degree from Indiana University to enter the corporate world but after the birth of her son dedicated her time to Early Education. She taught Preschool and then moved into Preschool Administration. She assisted the Preschool achieve NAEYC Accreditation before accepting the Preschool Coordinator position for the largest Faith Formation Program in southeast region.

When she is not writing her books for Children, she composes poetry for adults and paints. Both creative outlets allow her to feel that she is contributing to Children and their Caregivers in a greater and broader fashion. She loves to tell stories, and people of all ages love to hear them.

1) First, I want to thank you for taking the time to do this interview with me! When did you know that writing is what you were called to do? What is it about being a writer that you love the most? What about being a writer frustrates you the most?

I call myself an “uncommon author” because I only started writing in late March of 2022. I was suddenly hearing poetry in my head that arose from my heart and connected with a downpour of creativity from the heavens. This flow is what I love the most about being a writer. It is a beautiful, organic and natural thing that feels so special and I only have gratitude for its existence. My biggest frustration comes from having so much more to share and not knowing what next steps to take to accomplish that.

2) Can you tell us a little about your book(s) and where our readers can find out more about them and you?

My books were all born as poems and then I converted them into Nursery Rhyme format for children. I published thirty-one books in a six-month period of time because I felt an urgency for children to have immediate access to them. I also converted them into audio and video format to reach as many children as possible. I have done many interviews that can be accessed by googling my name and also have a Kelly Anne Manuel YouTube channel where I read a few of the books myself. I am also on Goodreads.

3) Where do you draw your inspiration from for the stories that you manage to weave together and the characters that you create?

My inspiration is always a spontaneous burst of prose that is infused with all the experiences I have had over the last fifty-five years on the planet. The characters emerge from the depths of my soul and from my extremely vibrant inner child. It is this inner child voice that the children respond so incredibly to when they read my books. There are always themes of reliance, hope, self-empowerment, joy and support from nature, to create a world where the child can trust literature as an integral part of their world.

4) Do you have a schedule for when you write? Do you outline your novels? How long does it generally take you to finish a novel? What projects are you currently working on?

My writing is spontaneous and often inspired by an experience that I am managing or an event I am witnessing. I see a logical need to express in words what I am feeling, although the entire process follows no typical linear pattern. I wrote twenty-seven books in fourteen days and had the remainder to round out thirty-one within the next seven days. I am currently writing more Nursery Rhymes and curating a collection of Contemporary Poetry so as the child ages up they can continue to access my writing.

5) What’s the first book you ever read that really moved you emotionally? Who is your favorite author to read? What book are you currently reading?

“Suzanne’s Diary for Nicholas,” stands out for me as somehow pivotal in my emotional evolution. James Patterson is far and away my favorite author to read. “Run Rose Run,” a novel where James Patterson and another favorite, Dolly Parton, have collaborated to hold my rapt attention. How wonderful!

6) What has been your most significant achievement as a writer thus far? Where do you see yourself within your career in the next five years?

My most significant achievement as a writer thus far was being invited to the DPA Pre-Golden Globes Gifting Suite 2024. To be able to attend an event where creative people who are at the top of their game would spend a moment of time with me to hear about my writing was absolutely incredible. I had to choose one book to gift and that was “The Catcher Dream.” The response to the book was amazing, validating and encouraging. In the next five years, I plan on publishing many more Nursery Rhymes as well as my Contemporary Poetry collection. I love to paint and hope there is a path forward to move that from hobby to gallery.

7) How have you dealt with rejection within your writing career? What is your advice for other writers to better be able to cope or navigate their way through the publishing process, be it traditional or self-publishing?

After some thought about this question, I wrote a poem.

The Review

My jaw did chew

As discomfort grew

With the slew

When opinions few

Formed a queue

What was true?

I suddenly knew

As a boundary drew

To right my crew

That my vibrant hue

Need pay no due

Squashing the shrew

I bid adieu

For I saw through

The hullabaloo

As courage did brew

Birthing through

Doubt away flew

Unwinding clew

A glorious coup

For me and for you

Kelly Anne Manuel

1.20.22

8) Do you find it hard to juggle the creative side of being a writer against the business side of being a writer, in terms of marketing and promotion and things of that nature? How hard has it been (or easy) for you to build up your author platform?

I have more of a business background than a writing background. I believe this is serving me well as my new career is unfolding. The largest discomfort for me resides in the space of online public social media. I have to make a choice where to place my energy and hope that my author platform will arise from the foundation of that choice.

9) So many writers say that they hate reading their own work. Do you ever enjoy reading your own work back to yourself after it’s out there for the rest of the world?

I am a poet. My poetry, whether in Contemporary or Nursery Rhyme format, is soothing to me. I call upon it as a support through my daily life, whether it be joy or sorrow that I am experiencing. My hope is that it does the same thing for anyone who interacts with it, as that is the reason for its existence.

10) Do you believe that there is ever a point in life where it’s too late for an aspiring writer to become successful in this industry? Do you feel a late start would hinder their chances?

It is never too late as I say to “write away, right away!” As I only started writing in my fifties, I am the perfect example of how important it is to allow yourself to pursue any dream at any time. I do not feel a late start hinders chances because a late start brings with it wisdom, strength and courage, that when coupled with writing is a gift to readers everywhere.

11) I feel like writing is a remarkable tool to help people not only express themselves, but also to cope emotionally and mentally. I know for me I write to be and feel more authentic. What unique quality is there about you, about your art, that you feel represents your authenticity? How does writing help you to be more empowered in your purpose?

Everything I write is experiential. That is to say, every word emerges from a place in my soul or true self.

The journey of my soul is determined to be shared with readers in the hopes of providing a layer of support. The support varies from encouraging outdoor play to saving pennies to coping with loss and grief. It is my mission and purpose to take all the ingredients that I have accrued and feed as many as possible with its menu.