Today I’m delighted to feature author Karen Kelly. I attended a literary lunch in October and was fortunate to hear Karen talk. It was a lovely bonus as I hadn’t been expecting it. She’s warm, funny and very persuasive – I certainly bought the book!

 

 

About Karen

Karen Kelly, born in Cumbria, has lived in Cheshire since she was three raised surrounded by music and sport with a keen ambition to travel. She had a successful career as Cabin Crew for many years travelling the globe and also lived overseas in Australia. She currently works as a blogger for a leading toy company and hosts her own radio show for a local community radio. Her debut novel, Lillian White’s Journey, was launched in June with a recent book signing event held at WHSmith, Trafford Centre. Karen is also working on a series of children’s picture books, Emergency Ed, an ambulance with a difference where characters magically come to life as well as writing the sequel to Lillian White’s Journey. She resides in Wistaston, Cheshire with husband Dave, Charlie 16 and Maggie 11, not forgetting their devoted collie Baxter.

So over to Karen :-

 

Which 5 pieces of music/songs would you include in the soundtrack to your life and why?

 

I found this by far the hardest question as there are just so many.

However, I am an 80s queen through and through and listening to tunes such as ‘Just can’t get enough’ or ‘Personal Jesus’ by Depeche Mode, ‘Mad World’ or ‘Everybody wants to rule the world’ by Tears for fears and Duran Duran – ‘Girls on film’ or ‘Hungary like the wolf’ really take me back to my young adult world but I’d be the first to hit the dance floor if the DJ threw out tunes by Eurhythmics or Bananarama.

Over the years I’ve enjoyed All saints, S club 7 (did I say that out loud?) I passed my Aerobics exam to ‘Don’t stop moving!’

I also love Massive Attack as it takes me back to when my husband and I first met.

‘Weather with you’ by Crowded House brings fond memories from my time living overseas.

(Oooops I think I’ve mentioned more than five!)  Just a few more!!

 

Highlight 5 things (apart from family and friends) you’d find it hard to live without.

 

Cadbury chocolate – it’s good for the soul!

Pink Nivea Lipsil – it’s all you need for those non-makeup days

My car – Mum’s taxis would seize to trade!

Trainers – I love running and am currently training for my second 5k every day in December for charity

Dry shampoo, perfect for flat, limp hair (like mine!)

 

Can you offer 5 pieces of advice you’d give to your younger self?

 

Slow down, don’t be in such a rush

Stop worrying, it won’t change the outcome

Save your money and plan for the future

Believe in yourself

Change is a good thing

 

Tell us 5 things that most people don’t know about you.

 

I can play any tune on a recorder (although I don’t read music)

I was a keen netball player and played until I was 40

I was on Blind Date in the early 90s

I have been on Songs of Praise with Dan Walker

I used to be a fitness/Zumba instructor

 

What are the first 5 things you’d have on your bucket list?

 

Road trip around America with family

Stay in an ice hotel

A full-time writing career

See Lillian White’s journey on the big screen, it would be hilarious!

Be a guest on the Ellen DeGeneres show (I’m a secret fan)

 

Thanks so much for joining us today Karen. It was lovely discovering more about you and hoping not to rue letting you off with more than five music choices! I’ll blame it on the fact that I’m a bit of an 80’s girl myself (and the fact I left it too late to get strict!). Hope you’re training went well, the though of 5K leaves me drained. I’m sure we’d love to see your Blind Date appearance, though that might be something you’re happy to admit to safe in the knowledge that’s not an option. From Blind Date to Songs of Praise is also a bit of a contrast! Here’s hoping you get to tick off those bucket list items, not such a  ‘secret’ Ellen fan now though!

 

Lillian White’s Journey by Karen Kelly

On the morning of her wedding, Lillian White awakes with a hangover from hell, a naked stranger and no recollection of the previous night. As her eyes become focused the panic sets in as the once intimate, romantic Bridal Suite resembles the aftermath of a wild, drunken party. Unread messages flood her inbox from her soon Husband-to-be but with only hours to spare, can she still go through with the wedding?

 

 

 

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