Check Out Kelly Young-Silverman’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelly Young-Silverman.

Hi Kelly, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I love where I am today because I have so many things I am passionate about being: a children’s book author, screenwriter and filmmaker, educator, mom, and wife.

When I was younger, I thought I wanted to be an actor. I went to college for theatre, and after graduating, I interned at Actor’s Express. It was such a great experience for me, and most importantly, it was where I met my husband, David. David is an actor, filmmaker, and educator, and I will say that he has been my best friend, thought partner, and biggest supporter.

After a few years of performing on stage, in film, and in commercials, it became clear to me that acting wasn’t my true love. What I loved was the storytelling. So, I turned my attention to pen and paper and began writing. I had always been a writer, but I decided I wanted to do more with it.

I wrote a short film called The Tedious Existence of Terrell B. Howell, and David and I started a production company, Cakebaby Productions, so we could make the movie ourselves. It had a successful film festival run, and from that point on, David and I kept making short films. We now have more than a dozen short films.

During that time, I was also writing children’s stories and working on a YA novel. While I was pregnant with my daughter, I found an illustrator for one of my children’s books, Erin Wicker (who you actually interviewed back in 2022), and we found a traditional publisher who was eager to publish the book.

After my daughter was born, my passion for teaching reignited too. I started teaching an outdoor class, then got back into the classroom at Buckhead Prep in Smyrna (now Smyrna Prep), and soon found my way to The Lovett School, where my husband also teaches. I’ve been an associate teacher in various grades for my eighth year now. I’ve been incredibly fortunate because the school has always been supportive of the arts and my author life.

WordCrafts Press published two more of my books, and then COVID happened. I took some time away from writing, but in 2024, an author friend of mine, Rosalind Bunn, asked me if I had a new story—preferably something with a Southern theme.

That question got me writing again, and I created Hot Boiled Peanuts: A Georgia Food Tour, which was published by Pelican Publishing. I’ve been blessed to have had a lot of success with that book, and it led to two more books with Pelican.

Now, I spend my time writing children’s books and screenplays, teaching, speaking, making films, and spending time with my family. It’s not the path I imagined when I was younger, but it definitely feels like the right one!

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Well, I did choose the arts, so I wouldn’t say my path has been easy. But as a writer, I often remind myself that the best stories are the ones where the characters struggle. That’s true for real life, too.

My biggest struggles have been self-doubt, a lot of rejection, and countless hours second-guessing my choices. While I absolutely believe that hard work and preparation are important, I have learned over the years that just as important, and perhaps even more so, is learning to let go and trust that things will be okay.

I have a pretty strong faith, and for me, that is what helps me through the good and bad times. Honestly, I think everyone should find what gives them the strength not only to persevere, but also to find gratitude and peace when things don’t go as planned.

One thing that has always helped me is remembering that we are all in this together. We don’t have anything to prove. When I focus on the goodness in other people instead of worrying about who I think I should be, I tend to find a lot more peace.

And, in my opinion, there is no amount of success or money that can replace peace.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Just like a lot of artists, I have a broad range of work. I’m a traditionally published children’s book author, educator, and screenwriter who creates family-centered stories across books and film. I’m also a public speaker who loves sharing uplifting messages with audiences of all ages.

I’m proud of all of my work. Every book and every project has taught me something. But right now I’m especially excited about Hot Boiled Peanuts: A Georgia Food Tour. It has had more success than I expected, and has led to two more books with Pelican Publishing, The Littlest Star’s Wish and The Mystery of the Haunted Graveyard, which is my first chapter book. I’m very excited about that one. It’s opened up a whole new way of storytelling for me, and I’m working on turning it into an early reader chapter series. On top of that, I’m currently writing a screenplay, so I’ve got things moving across books, chapter books, and film all at once.

I think what sets me apart is that I don’t stay in one lane. My theatre background, my classroom experience, and my life as a mom all show up in my writing. I’m always thinking about how a story sounds read aloud, how a kid in a classroom would respond to it, and whether it’s something a family wants to come back to. I also believe so much in collaboration, whether that’s with an illustrator, my husband at Cake Baby Productions, or the writing community around me. I’d rather build something with people than alone.

We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I have Irish in me, so I do believe in luck, but more than luck, I believe in blessings. I’d say my biggest blessing is my family. Throughout every part of my journey, I’ve always been surrounded by people who make me feel loved, supported, and safe. I’ve also been blessed with an open heart and mind, and with not taking myself too seriously.

All of the good things that have come to me have come through connecting with people. Honestly, in most areas of my life, building meaningful relationships and working together toward a common goal have played a huge role in any success I’ve ever had. Some of the most important opportunities in my life have come from simply saying yes, meeting someone new, listening to an idea, or trying something I hadn’t originally planned to do.

Whatever you call it, luck or blessing, it’s definitely played a part in my life. But it was up to me to recognize it when it showed up and to be willing to do the work once it did.

Pricing:

• Books $12.95-$19.99

Contact Info:

• Website: https://kellyyoungsilverman.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youngsilvermankelly/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Kelly-Young-Silverman-Author-100089912280504/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-young-silverman-88655941/