Meet Kelly Stuckey | Children’s Book Author and Interior Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kelly Stuckey and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kelly, why did you pursue a creative career?
Better to ask if I chose a creative career or if it chose me. Creative occupations
involve imagination and original thinking, mainly through creating original works
of art. I have always had a very active imagination. As a child, my mother read
stories of magical places, people, and happenings that captivated me.

Genetically speaking, my mother gave me more than genes. She gave me a love of all things beautiful and created the sparks that led me to my chosen creative career. After I learned to read on my own, the library became my haven. The stories in the books lit the fire of my imagination, and I began to dance to the flames.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Writing is a professional joy, what I consider a job. For instance, Atlanta Ballet
company dancers not only perform for audiences but exercise a lot. Our Atlanta
Braves, when not competing, practice and exercise to maintain their skill levels.
The creative arts are no different. Writers need to practice. As a writer, I spend a
lot of my time practicing English sentences and proofreading carefully to see if
I’ve left any words out. I am also constantly scanning my environment for ideas.
Everything sparks my imagination. People, places, textures, aromas. Then I write
my thoughts down. Extracting those thoughts from the mind and putting them
down on paper takes practice.

I am reminded of the words of Heide Julavits here. “When I write, I am trying
through the movement of my fingers to reach my head.” I’d say my chosen career keeps me pretty busy.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I have always anticipated the arrival of family and friends with pleasure. In these
odd covid -isolation times, one of our most cherished desires is the company of
those we love and enjoy.

Where to begin? I think anyone who spends time in Atlanta needs good driving
skills. So, our first stop would be the Porsche Experience Center for professional
diving lessons. Afterward, we could go to the Sun Dial Restaurant for a relaxing
dinner. We can admire the view of our beautiful city while we dine and plot and
plan activities for the week. A visit to the High Museum and an evening at the
Atlanta Ballet would be on the list. And, of course, a trip to the Georgia Aquarium, where imagination swims wild. There is so much to experience in the area that a week would only be the hors d’oeuvre to the full menu Greater Atlanta offers.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
How to begin? I have so much credit and recognition to pass out, and I equate
credit and recognition as words equal to love. My mother and father, and my
husband, who has walked by my side since our college days. My three daughters
and son. Many friends up-close and online. The list of those who have touched my life and inspired my words is endless. Each has, in their way, contributed to who I am. I hold the two most important words in the English language to be ‘Thank You.’ So, thank you to those who have supported me on my life’s journey and the joy given me in my chosen career.

Instagram: kelly.stuckey

Facebook: Kelly Boyd Stuckey

Other: howtoteachatrolltoread@gmail.com, to order directly from me, or the book is available on Amazon.com