Kersten L. Kelly is a self-published author of narrative nonfiction and semi-fiction books. She grew up in Munster, Indiana and currently works in a sales role based out of Chicago, Illinois. She started writing at an early age and graduated from Indiana University with a dual bachelor’s degree in economics and communication and culture. She then went on to earn a master’s in business administration from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University. She has a passion for learning, teaching, and writing.
In her spare time, she enjoys international travel with her friends and family and training for running events of various distances. She likes the outdoors, social media, pop culture, and any new technologies that draw the people of the world a little bit closer together.
Favorite reads?
Freakonomics, A Million Little Pieces, The 50 Shades of Gray Trilogy, and My Friend Leonard
Inspirations for the book?
I fly all the time for business, and the number of people that I meet is unbelievable. There are so many unique stories that I've collected over the years that I thought it was unfair not to share them. I wanted an opportunity to provide people with a little entertainment with unique stories that they normally wouldn't read about or experience in another venue.
Did you know you wanted to be an author when you were little?
Yes, I spent much of my childhood writing stories about all kinds of stuff. The best part was that my parents, sister, and friends all encouraged me to keep writing. I actually found some of the old scraps of paper with my stories on them and laughed. It's always good to remember where your roots are. My passion for writing started young.
Any Pet Peeves?
Non-aggressive drivers. I live outside of Chicago, and I commute to work every day into the city. For anyone who has ever experienced driving in a major city, it's important to be alert and to be quick. I get frustrated with those who aren't.
Chocolate or Peanut Butter?
Peanut Butter
The weirdest thing you've ever done?
The weirdest thing I've done is probably jumped out of an airplane 4 times. Many people think it's crazy, but I love it.
Is there a soundtrack to the book/Favorite music?
There really isn't. I have a very wide mixture of music on my iPhone that I listen to while writing, running, reading, or just relaxing. There really isn't a rhyme or reason to what I choose. Most of the time, one song will be a vastly different genre than the one before it.
Do you need anything to write?
The only thing I need to write is time. I am a sales person as well, and sometimes it's hard to find time to write.
How long do you write on any average day?
I would say about an hour on average when I do write. I definitely don't write every day just because I don't have enough time.
Author Info:
Twitter: @KerstenLKelly
Facebook: facebook.com/KerstenLKelly
In this tumultuous, distinctive memoir, Kersten L. Kelly looks back on the most influential individuals that she encountered while flying through the clouds. Confined in a small vestibule for hours, Kelly identified an opportunity for learning and growth by chatting with the fellow passengers around her. After a few life changing conversations and unforgettable emergencies, she put the in-flight magazines to rest and never looked back.
She recalls life lessons from perfect strangers about love, family, perseverance
of dreams, and humility through a series of brief anecdotes all taking place on airplanes. Selfless philanthropy was discovered, long-term friendships bonded, and talents unveiled. The book proves the phrase “you never know what you will learn on an airplane” over and over again.
Every chapter will capture the mind and sometimes the heart of anyone who
jumps into this collection of humanity at its best. The personalities present in this
book assimilate with the intrinsic characteristics all readers can relate to. With a raw authenticity stemming from old notes in a ragged journal, Kelly delivers a personal reflection of unique tales from a mile high.
*Giveaway*
(Ends 2/21)
I'm currently reading Paper Airplane myself! :)
ReplyDeleteI loved how she explains why she chose the name: Paper Airplanes in the story!