Life and Work with Kelly Fletcher

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelly Fletcher.

Kelly, please share your story with us. 
I have been a professional singer all my life. I was also a songwriter in Nashville when I was newly married. I have always been a writer, whether it be journaling or writing short stories as a kid, songwriting or drama sketches for my local church and elementary school. It wasn’t until my three sons were teens that I started writing full-blown romance novels.

I was working a day job during the week and traveling on the weekends singing, so my time was limited. I am an artist at heart and had just lost my dream job as a Creative Programming Director. Moving into a cubicle in corporate America was not something I thought I would ever do and I was kind of lost. I needed an outlet to stay sane and started writing a short story that took place in my office. That story quickly turned into a full-blown novel. I had some friends read it and they encouraged me to keep going.

I wrote a second novel and really tuned my craft. I also sought out pockets during the day to research how to get a book published. It took me over a year before I felt like I was prepared. When I had my draft ready to go, I queried a handful of publishers. Within a month, I had a contract. I joined the Georgia Romance Writers Association where I found my new tribe and my critique partner who I can’t live without! I also joined Romance Writer’s of America, which is the national division of GRWA. I have learned so much being around other like-minded people. I started attending book signings and local readings, all the while meeting more awesome local Atlanta artists. I will be a featured session speaker at the 2018 Moonlight & Magnolias Conference held right here in Atlanta in October.

My first three novels were traditionally published. I am currently on the indie track taking a stab at the self-publishing market with my new series, Southern Promises. All of my stories take place in and around Atlanta which my readers LOVE! It’s been a wild ride and I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world!

I tell my sons all the time to NEVER give up – go after those dreams! Don’t let anyone tell you that you are too old, too green, too whatever! If you are thinking of taking a risk and trying something outside your comfort zone, DO IT! I was let go of what I thought was my dream job – that job was just preparing me for my future.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Do your homework! I did over a year’s worth of research before I queried publishing companies. I also followed many, many authors who I admired to see what they were doing. Join groups – meet people in the same industry. Ask questions! Give back!

One of my favorite contemporary women fiction writers is Atlanta’s own USA Today best-selling author, Wendy Wax. She was slated to come near my neighborhood to speak at a local book club my sister happened to belong to. She invited me and before the event, I reached out to Wendy through her website and asked her if she might be willing to meet me before the event for a glass of wine. I didn’t think I would hear from her (I mean, come on! A total stranger reaching out to you wanting to buy you and drink and talk!) But she did meet me! I bent her ear for an hour and she was so gracious giving me tips and advice on this new journey I was on. I hope that one day I can be a Wendy Wax to someone.

Please tell us about KG Fletcher, The Singing Author.
Dubbed “The Singing Author,” KG Fletcher is the author of the standalone contemporary romance, The Nearness of You and romantic suspense novels, Love Song and Unexpected. She is currently working on her first series, Southern Promises featuring three standalone romance novels: Georgia Clay, Georgia On My Mind and Georgia Pine. She is an active member of RWA and the Georgia Romance Writers Association. She was a singer/songwriter in Nashville, TN and a recipient of the “Airplay International Award” for “Best New Artist” showcasing original songs at The Bluebird Café. She earned her BFA in theater at Valdosta State College and has traveled the world professionally as a singer/actress. She currently gets to play rock star as a backup singer in the National Tour, “Remember When Rock Was Young – the Elton John Tribute.” www.almosteltonjohn.com

KG lives in Atlanta, GA with her husband Ladd and their three gorgeous sons. She is a hopeless romantic continuing her work on her original cabaret act called, “The Novel Romantic – an unexpected evening of sweet & spicy love” to help promote her romance novels.

Often it feels as if the media, by and large, is only focused on the obstacles faced by women, but we feel it’s important to also look for the opportunities. In your view, are there opportunities that you see that women are particularly well positioned for?
You are never too old to go after your dreams. I am still rocking out on stage as a backup singer and I’m a 6-time published romance author. I didn’t do the latter until middle-age!

If women settle because of their age, we are doomed. We MUST continue to go for it! Don’t let anyone stop you! Opportunities are out there – you just have to be diligent and work very hard.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.kgfletcherauthor.com
• Email: kellygfletcher@gmail.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/kellyf9393/
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/kgfletcherauthor/
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/@kgfletcher3
• Other: www.Amazon.com/author/kgfletcher

Image Credit:
Inkspell Publishing (Unexpected, Love Song and The Nearness of You book covers), Kelly Fletcher

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