Brittany Kelly has degrees in both vocal performance and business administration, blending her artistic and entrepreneurial hearts. A forever book lover, she draws inspiration from her passion of storytelling. Freckles is her debut children’s book recounting a very true tale. She resides in Kansas with her husband, daughter, and of course, Freckles.
Q: What inspired the idea behind your book?
A: My inspiration came from my daughter’s unique and sweet bond with a duck decoy she named Freckles. Since meeting him at three years old, she has carried Freckles everywhere. People have embraced their unusual friendship, and it has been heartwarming to witness the happiness it brings to others. Throughout their adventures, I started to realize that this story holds meaning, and I got to work!
I dedicated a lot of time to writing and researching the publishing process and was fortunate to connect with a publisher who believed in the story I wanted to convey. I also found a talented illustrator who helped bring my vision to life on the pages. This journey has been a deep learning experience filled with late nights, complete dedication, and trust in the process. I can hardly believe my first published book is on the way!
I wanted to share this uplifting story about friendship, finding your true path, and choosing kindness. Freckles is a family book that captures our Freckles’s story and my daughter’s special journey, and I’m excited to share it with the world. I hope it brings joy to everyone who reads it.
Q: As an author, what tips would you give anyone who wants to get into writing?
A: It’s challenging for me to offer advice to aspiring writers since this is my first book, but I say, just take the leap! Have faith in your abilities and seize every opportunity that comes your way. If you have an idea that you believe in, it’s valid, and you can write and share it. The key is to put in the effort to turn it into the book or written work you envision. You can make it happen!
Q: What is your favorite book?
A: I don’t have a favorite book because I am always reading something new and exploring new genres!
Q: Was your main character modeled after anyone in your life?
A: My main character was modeled after my daughter, Maverick, whose love for Freckles, a hunting duck decoy turned unlikely bestie, sparked the inspiration for this story. Their unending friendship has impacted others, spreading joy and laughter in every circumstance. While most children typically bond with a stuffed animal or a blanket, ours chose to save a hunting duck decoy—an unexpected, humorous, and heartwarming story that we all needed. Without the two of them, none of this would be possible.
Q: What is your favorite part of the writing process?
A: My favorite aspect of the writing process is editing, as I get to witness everything come together and see the story evolve before my eyes into a polished piece for readers. I enjoy seeing characters develop.
Q: Do you believe that being a “good writer” is a developed skill or a natural talent?
A: I think you can be both in this world! I think you can work hard to develop any skill to carry you through and also have a natural ability. I don’t think writing has to be categorized as one thing.
Q: Do you have a favorite quote from a book, poem, TV, or movie?
A: One quote I say daily is “It is what it is.” I think sometimes, we have to admit that things aren’t always perfect, and that’s okay! I love that about life!
Q: Would you write another book (or are you already writing another book)?
A: We’ll see!
Q: Is there an author you look up to, and why?
A: There are so many great authors I look up to. Any author who puts their art out there is worth looking up to! It’s too hard to pick just one!
Q: If there were an apocalypse and you could only take five books into your doomsday bunker, what would they be?
A: I would take the Bible. There’s so much there, from wisdom to adventure, from mystery to sound advice, that I’d never be bored. I would also pick anything from the Bridgerton series!
Learn more about Brittany Kelly and her debut children’s book, Freckles, at https://blueballoonbooks.com/bookstore/freckles/.
