All I ever wanted to do was write. Fear stood in my way for years. When I finally garnered the courage to send a story to a friend to read, I just knew she would hate it. I ran into my closet and hid amongst my clothes, imagining my friend tossing my manuscript aside in disgust.

What I later learned was she did not hate it, but she did have recommendations on how to improve it. Subsequently, I joined a critique group and determined to learn the art of fiction writing. It’s been a journey. I grew thicker skin. I read lots of writing craft books. I wrote lots of drafts that went unfinished and entered stories into contests that didn’t win.

But with every effort, I saw improvement. Following your heart takes grit. It takes work. But I’m loving every minute of it.

I now live my dream in Panama City, Florida, with my husband and mini Australian Shepherd, Blossom, igniting my passion of writing. I am inspired by people I meet and places I visit. I have the incredible blessing to be a contributor in the quarterly magazine, Voice of Truth, published by Women World Leaders, with my column Through The Eyes of Merci. I also contributed a chapter in Embrace the Journey and self-published three novellas, Saving Sabine (BookFest Award winner), Romanian Runaway (BookFest Award winner), and Kamilah. One day I hope to compile them into a collection entitled Way of the Broken. My latest mission is Miracle Mindset: Finding Hope In The Chaos. It’s a powerful read of testimonies written by women who experienced healing, revelation, and so much more when they sought the help of their Savior, Jesus Christ.

When I’m not scribbling out fiction, you’ll find me crocheting, kayaking, enjoying the beach, or cuddling a good book and cappuccino. Come hang out with me when you can on social media @imkelleyrene and kelleyrene.com.

Thanks for stopping by!