by Writing Workshops Staff
A year ago
It is great to hear from Hawai'i 2023 workshop alum Amy Kelly, who has several recent publications!
Amy has worked under LaTanya McQueen and Sarah Darer Littman at the Yale Summer Writers Workshop 2021 and 2022 and was selected for the Alumni program for 2023 with Jacquelyn Mitchard.
Learn more about Amy's work below:
What published work do you want us to share on our blog and on social media? Please include link(s) to forthcoming or recently published work and anything else you'd like us to know.
Since attending the Writing Workshop in Hawaii, I have had four essays published in the Yummy Mummy Club (here, here, here, and here). I have just had an excerpt from my short story, Hidden in the Kingdom of Giants, published in 805 lit + art magazine volume 9 issue 2.
Also, my work will be featured on the June 8, 2023 episode of The Shit No One Tells You About Writing podcast
Describe your work (influences, interests, etc.) and what you're working on now.
I am inspired to write about dynamic, courageous, messy women. I have been inspired by my fellow Canadian Margaret Atwood, also Louise Erdrich, Amy Tan, Laura Ingalls Wilder, Judy Blume.
Recently I fell in love with Kristin Hannah and Delia Owens.
I have two novel length manuscript completed and three others I am working on. I always have a short story and an essay on the go to keep the creativity flowing.
What are your short term (1 year) and long term writing goals (5 years from now)?
I want to acquire representation from an agent and write for a living. Five years from now I would love to have sold all five books and get a call from Reese or Oprah. If we are going truly aspirational a Gellar Prize and a “good job” from Margaret Atwood would be sublime.
What class(es) did you take/are you taking with Writing Workshops?
I took the fiction writing with Virginia Reeves at Writing Workshops Hawai'i in January 2023.
What did you enjoy most about your class(es) with Writing Workshops?
The craft talk was specific, achievable and very insightful. The instructors and the spouses in attendance were very friendly.
BIO: Amy Kelly is a former-midwife, registered clinical counselor, Infant-Parent Mental Health Facilitator, mother of two, and soon-to-be farmer. She has worked under LaTanya McQueen and Sarah Darer Littman at the Yale Summer Writers Workshop 2021 and 2022 and was selected for the Alumni program for 2023 with Jacquelyn Mitchard. She is polishing two novel-length manuscripts that she plans to query this spring. When not writing, she is beekeeping or hiking. Her last great adventure was hiking to Everest Base camp for her 40th.
