In the beginning, I felt that being published would prove to my friends and family that writing was more than a hobby. To not worry about being “legit” because I’ll never feel that way. To not focus on an end result of publishing because that’s not where the most joy is.

I’d tell myself to relax and enjoy the writing process more. I would go all the way back to where I started calling myself a writer. If you could go back several years to give advice to your pre-published self, how far back would you go and what advice would you give? How might that advice change where you are, or what you’re doing, today? Kelly answered these questions on her writing journey: With multiple award nominations for her 2013 debut, 45 POUNDS (more or less), Kelly’s new novel is eagerly anticipated and just happens to be coming out on April 5th, the same day as my new book!!ĬHARLOTTE CUTS IT OUT, which Kirkus says “offers important lessons in self-realization and collaboration,” is destined to be another beloved book, especially for teens struggling to forge their own path amid the competing pressures of family, friends and romance. While I do obviously support healthy eating habits and exercise for those who can manage it without damaging their bodies, I get tired of seeing the same message in weight books: Lose weight because you’re worthless until you do, you big fatty.Today we welcome Kelly Barson to the Lucky 13 Then and NOW Blog series. All too often it ends with the main character losing weight and suddenly becoming beautiful and desirable and wonderful where she wasn’t before.

It’s all about feeling comfortable in your own skin - no matter how you add it up!īeing a fat lady myself, I tend to stay away from YA books (or any books really) that deal with weight issues. Welcome to the world of informercial diet plans, terrifying wedding dance lessons, endless run-ins with the cutest guy Ann’s ever seen-and some surprises about her NOT-so-perfect mother.Īnd there’s one more thing. So Ann makes up her mind: Time to lose 45 pounds (more or less) in two Her Aunt Jackie is getting married in 8 weeks, and wants Ann to be her bridesmaid. Summary: Here are the numbers of Ann Galardi’s life:

45 pounds by ka barson