I have a tattoo of a tiger on my back.
2. What is your nickname?
Mostly I get called Muuuuuuuuuum!!!! Friends call me Deb or Debs. When I was little, everyone called me ‘Deborah Duck’ though I have no idea why!
3. What is your greatest fear?
I worry about the environment- what state we are leaving it in for our children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
4. Describe your writing style in ten words.
Heartfelt. Wistful. Intuitive. Sensitive. Honest. Considered. Succinct. Many-layered. Understated.
5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer.
Sensitive. Observant. Focused. Diligent. Passionate.
6. What book character would you be, and why?
Charlotte, from Charlotte’s Web. She was creative, clever, selfless and kind. She was a wonderful writer and a loyal, true friend.
7. If you could time travel, what year would you go to and why?
I think we spend far too much of our lives time-travelling! We think about the past or worry about the future. We miss what’s going on in the present and therefore never truly live. Yoga is teaching me to be present in the moment-and so are my children!
8. What would your ten-year-old self say to you now?
Why aren’t you in Africa saving endangered species? I guess writing books is cool, too!
9. Who is your greatest influence?
Observing and reflecting on the world around me.
10. What/who made you start writing?
I have always felt the need to express myself through words, usually in the form of poetry. I decided to try writing for children after reading so many picture books to my own kids.
11. What is your favourite word and why?
‘Inspire’-the possibilities are endless!
12. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
A children’s book-Anything by Margaret Wild-I especially love The House of Narcissus.
An adult’s book- Anything by Jeanette Winterson-Her books are like poetry. They have so many layers that there is always something new to discover.
Deborah Kelly is a Newcastle-based author and poet. Her debut picture book, The Bouncing Ball (KBR review here), was released in 2013. Her latest book, Jam for Nana (KBR review here), was published by Random House in March 2014. Visit Deborah's website and Facebook page to find out more about her other books and writing endeavours.
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