The Author and Artist Hour, March 15, 2022

Guest, Kelly Van Nelson

Kelly Van Nelson is the #1 bestselling poet and author of six books, originally from Newcastle-upon-Tyne, now living in Australia. Her contemporary poems, short stories, and articles have featured in numerous international publications and she is a prominent media figure, regularly appearing on radio and television discussing current issues prevalent in society. Her poetic Tedx talk, titled, Abandon Superwoman on Krypton, attracted over 100k views and explores how to manage competing priorities and the convergence of work, family, and creativity to live one authentic life. She is represented by The Newman Agency.

Graffiti Lane, her powerful debut poetry collection, was showcased at the London Book Fair and became an instant bestseller, raising awareness and influencing change around bullying, domestic violence, mental health, and suicide. Her second poetry book, Punch and Judy, is a #1 bestseller, shining a spotlight on turbulent love and domestic violence and her third bestseller, Retrospective, delves into the underbelly of urban life and the power of resilience. Her books are frequently gifted to television celebrities, music icons, and Hollywood Oscar nominees and winners. She is also the author of Rolling in the Mud, a short story collection, and her first fiction novel, The Pinstripe Prisoner, is due for publication in 2022.

Kelly is the recipient of a KSP First Edition Fellowship, an AusMumpreneur ‘Big Idea - Changing the World’ Gold Award winner for her creative use of the literary word as an antibullying advocate, and a double Roar Success Award winner for Best Book (Graffiti Lane) and Most Powerful Influencer. She is also a 2020 Telstra Businesswoman Award Finalist and CEO Magazine Managing Director of the Year finalist.

Kelly is also the mum of two children, wife of her soulmate of more than two decades, and Managing Director on the executive board of a global organization. In the spare time that she doesn’t have, you can find her hanging out on the open mic performing poetry. In short, she is a juggler.

I love quotes by Maya Angelou ... If you are always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be.

Abandoning Superwoman ... The art of blending work, family, and creativity.

Welcome to the show Kelly we are delighted to have you here today!

Questions for the Guest: Kelly (these questions are a guide only and we may ask other questions as the show progresses – we like the show to remain fluid)

Kez. Kelly, you immigrated from the Uk to Australia was homesickness part of the process generating your poetry

Toni. There have been many awards for your poetry books Kelly, dating back to 2019 Have they been a catalyst for you to write more

Kez. All of your books advocate the prevention of abuse and bullying in the home. What has been your experience of bullying in the workplace?

Toni. You have two beautiful boys, are they creative in any way?

Kez. You are also an advocate for mental health, can you tell us how that came about?

Toni. You have been on many global platforms Kelly, your books in many places, Has your message changed at all.

Kez. You have become an Australian figurehead in poetry, a podcaster, a mum of two, a wife plus full-time employment, how hard is it to juggle all the balls

Toni, I believe there is also a book on life with Kelly if not What’s next for Our Kelly Van Nelson

Kez. Where do we contact Kelly Van Nelson