Motherhood & Writing: A Journey of Growth
2
48
0
Kelly S. Brown explores different voices and perspectives with her writing. She has always dabbled in writing in some form or another (poetry, blog posts, and articles for an employee/retiree publication), but it was through motherhood that she found her voice. The patience gained from raising her two sons provided Kelly with a strong foundation to pursue her dream of writing and publishing her first novel, The Gem, which chronicles the escapades of two retirees at The Gem, a senior citizen residential community.
Invaluable skills were ingrained in Kelly for over twenty-seven years as a special agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). “My time in law enforcement sharpened my observational skills, honed my interviewing techniques, and demanded clear and concise writing – all of which directly translate to crafting compelling stories and believable characters.”
The unexpected lessons of motherhood taught Kelly to be flexible and patient, enabling her to overcome writing humps. While being a parent was challenging and rewarding, learning to adapt is fundamental to being a resilient writer. “The ability to handle constant interruptions and shifting priorities translates directly to tackling revisions, edits, and the inevitable writer's block.”
The strategies Kelly finds most helpful to get back on track with writing:
Joining writers' groups: Receiving feedback and support from fellow writers is invaluable.
Participating in critique groups: Constructive criticism helps me identify weaknesses and improve my work.
Attending writing workshops: Learning new techniques and gaining insights from experienced authors is always beneficial.
Using timed writing sessions helps me focus and generate new material when I'm feeling stuck.
Writing in coffee shops: The change of scenery and ambient noise can be inspiring.
Eliminating distractions: Putting my phone away is crucial for maintaining focus.
Crafting authentic dialogue for Kelly’s characters is one of her favorite writing endeavors. Finding genuine ways to bring the reader into the story through shifting perspectives reflects her appreciation for the complexity of the human experience. The most appealing writing to Kelly is what ultimately leaves the reader feeling uplifted, with a satisfying, optimistic ending.
The journey from special agent to author has been unique and transformative. The skills Kelly acquired in law enforcement, combined with the lessons learned as a mother, have shaped her writing style and given her the resilience to pursue her passion. She looks forward to continuing to share her stories with the world. For more information, contact Kelly S. Brown via email at kbrown2340@gmail.com. The Gem is available on Amazon.
