We recently connected with Kelly Fletcher and have shared our conversation below.

Kelly, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

I knew from a very young age that I wanted to pursue a career in the arts. As a young girl, I was always singing, drawing, and writing stories in spiral notebooks. I took piano lessons, sang in the school choir, and performed in all of the drama productions. On a dare during my senior year of high school, I tried out for Six Flags Over Georgia. I had very little dance experience, but I could sing my butt off. I made the show which led me to other singer/dancer jobs during my summers while I was in college, including Hersheypark in PA. I graduated with a BFA from Valdosta State University and immediately moved to New York to pursue my dream of Broadway. Unfortunately, I was sidetracked, landing singing gigs on American Hawaii Cruise Lines and the Disney Cruise which took me out of NYC and putting me on a different path.

I met my husband, who is also a musician, and we joined forces as a dynamic country music duo. We moved to Nashville our first year of marriage and were signed to Independent Music Label, Encore Records. We played original music at the famous Bluebird Cafe, my love of writing lyrics and performing combined with my husband’s talents as a musician surprising both of us. We were on the road for the next five years playing at all the major honkey-tonks and live country music venues up and down the east coast. As we started having our family, our band turned into a popular corporate/wedding band that played in and around Atlanta for the next fifteen years.

It wasn’t until I turned 50 that my romance author career began. I like to call it my “second act.”

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Currently, I am a back-up singer in the national touring show, Remember When Rock Was Young – The Elton John Tribute. I’ve been a part of this group for over a decade.

I am also a published romance author of 18 books.

Being a singer in various bands and a performer in numerous musicals at various professional venues, I’ve been blessed to meet so many other artists in my industry. Through my contacts, I’ve landed many amazing roles and singing gigs. It really is who you know (and talent and work ethic doesn’t hurt.)

It wasn’t until I turned 50 that I dipped my toe into the publishing world. Here’s the back-story:

I have three sons, one of whom was into travel baseball (which is VERY expensive) and we needed extra money to help with the cost. I took a flexible job in the corporate world as an assistant to a VP which still allowed me to gig on the weekends. However; this job was a regular 9-5 during the week… in a cubicle. UGH! I had never worked a job like this before. I’m a worker-bee and would get my work done before noon, and I was bored out of my mind! To pass the time, I started writing a workplace romance story. I showed it to a friend who told me I should look into getting it published.

I knew nothing about the publishing world and started doing a ton of research. In January of 2016, I queried six publishing houses who I thought would be a good fit for my story, and within one month, I had a contract.

I had three books published with my publisher and learned a lot during that time. But I also learned very quickly how it all worked. As an author, I made pennies – until I decided to go indie.

I’m now the author of 18 indie-published books including four series.

I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished in my “second act.” I’m doing something that brings me great joy (singing and writing) and I’ve even written and recorded a few songs that are featured in my books. Rockstar romance is my jam! I write what I know, including several musician romances.

My brand is, “Love Always Wins.” I write heroes who are chivalrous and respectful. I write stories of redemption and second chances. I always leave the reader with a happily-ever-after.

I also give back to the indie-author community. I’m a speaker at events sharing how music can enhance a writer’s experience. I also share tips and tricks about social media and building a reader following.

I’m proud of myself for never giving up on my creative dreams, and I’m living proof that you’re never to old to start something new!

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

As a singer, it’s seeing the joy in the faces of the audience, knowing that we are all experiencing something memorable.

As an author, it’s getting feedback from readers telling me I touched them with my words/story.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

I teach a class on this at conferences and writing retreats. My best advice is to be intentional. If someone comments on a post, reply to them! Everyone wants to be seen on social media. A kind word or reply can go a long way.

Figure out how you want to come across. I’m a self-proclaimed “love promoter.” On my social media (with Instagram being my favorite) my posts are always related to love and kindness. Of course, I’m also trying to sell books and let folks know where I’ll be singing. But I’m intentional with posts about love and romance, handsome heroes, pretty flowers and music… It’s a VIBE.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kgfletcherauthor.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kgfletcherauthor/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kgfletcherauthor/
• Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/kelly-fletcher-8259814
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/kgfletcher3
• Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxD4r0_mOYWWiVmlT_JSSdg
• Yelp: N/A
• Soundcloud: N/A
• Other: TikTok Link – https://www.tiktok.com/@kgfletcherauthor/