Author Interview: Kersten Kelly

"Success isn’t a result of spontaneous combustion. You must set yourself on fire.” -Arnold H. Glasgow

Kersten L. Kelly is a self-published author of narrative non-fiction and semi-fiction books. She grew up in Munster, Indiana, and currently works in a sales role based out of Chicago, Illinois. She started writing at an early age and graduated from Indiana University with a dual Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and Communication & Culture. She then went on to earn a Master’s in Business Administration from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University. She has a passion for learning, teaching, and writing as well as international travel in her spare time. This book is her first piece of published work.

 Professional football players, corporate tobacco advertisers,  volatile gasoline prices, and the Cold War all share an undetected commonality—each is an intrinsic part of economics. Though not obvious to the naked eye, each entity shares a pattern with the others. This book helps to shed light on these mutual characteristics. It is an extensive compilation of theories interpreted using supportive examples.

Economics is an enthralling science that encompasses our actions, thoughts, and emotional rationality every day in the unconscious. This book dissects economic theory into bite-size, entertaining snippets that anyone can understand and apply to their daily routines. It is a compelling depiction of history, business, pop culture, and social movements intertwined with relevant economic trends. Economics is part of daily life, and this book challenges readers to question how and why people make decisions by adding a simple twist on normalcy.

Let's delve into her mind a bit, yeah?

  

Why Economics? This isn't a textbook, right? What are you trying to teach readers? 

               I love economics, and I majored in it during my undergraduate work at Indiana University. As a student, many of the examples in my textbooks were irrelevant and made the subject one that many students did not enjoy. I wanted to change the negative connotations associated with the topic. I wanted to make it something that people understood and relished learning about.
                I want to shed light on economics as a topic for the average reader. I want them to realize that economics is not just graphs, charts, and theories. It can be applicable in almost any situation. The theories that I explain in the book are developed with multiple examples that readers can relate to. Purchasing gasoline is one of them, and education is another. It is amazing how economic theory can help to explain both.


Hey, I'm an average reader! So that would make this an average book, technically speaking. How do you feel about writing it, or about writing in general?
               I like the ability to argue my opinions, compile them in a written publication, and have readers be able to communicate with me via my website and through reviews. There has been nothing more rewarding than working for a year to create a publication that people can pick up and read. I like the idea that someone else can read what I wrote and discuss it with others.


Since this is Not A Textbook, what do you hope readers will take from your writing?
              I hope readers will feel enlightened to "think outside the box" when it comes to their daily routines. Much of what I discuss in the book concerns normal activities that most people don't usually think twice about. I hope that readers can take away that Economics can be a part of their life, and it doesn't have to be all charts and graphs (although, they help explain much of what the subject is).



While we're on the subject: since you're Not A Textbook Writer, what types of writing do you prefer, and why?
            I prefer non-fiction purely because it makes me think the most. After writing and publishing my first book, I can appreciate any type of writing. It is amazing to look at other authors and see the work they are developing. I am always open for a great referral from a friend for a book I "just have to read."


What draws you to non-fiction writing?
           Non-fiction allows me to strategically think about the world in a different way. For my book, Economics is a perfect subject to analyze the world. The style of writing helped me to convey a message and provide an explanation for how certain parts of the economy function.



Right, but I'm a fiction person. What about your book makes it special for people like me?
           It is written as a narrative non-fiction so it is a very quick read and easy to understand. I included examples that almost anyone can relate to. For example, if you've ever purchased a gallon of gas, there is an explanation of how retailers create the extremely volatile prices for that gallon of gas. I wanted to reach a larger scope than just the typical Economics reader/enthusiast. I think anyone can enjoy the message.


Tell me five things every non-fiction writer should do.

1. Never give up.
2. Challenge yourself.
3. Edit, edit, edit, and edit again.
4. Reach out to other non-fiction authors and ask questions. People are willing to help.
5. Write about a subject you enjoy and that you are passionate about. 

Where can people learn more about you and your work?

        They can follow me on Twitter @KerstenLKelly, the books website (www.theeconomicsbook.com), or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/KerstenLKelly.