Kim Kelly
"It is uplifting to know that there are people who can write like this, with clarity, a bit of devilment and a hint of a smile."
Her latest novel, The Truth & Addy Loest, was published in February 2021, and is presently working on another. She is always working on another novel, and occasionally a short story, one of which, ‘Messerschmitt’, appears in the Hope Prize anthology, or a novella, one of which, ‘The Rat Catcher’, was shortlisted for Viva la Novella 2021.
When Kim is not writing, she is reading. In real life Kim is a book editor, better known on that side of the page as Kim Swivel, and regularly reviews for The Newtown Review of Books, too.
Raised in Sydney in a house that was humble except for its library and dinner-table debating style, Kim was always going to do wordy type things myself, and do them her own way. Home today is Central West New South Wales, where she is daily grateful to share a small slice of rolling green-and-gold Wiradjuri country with her muse de bloke, Deano, two cats and some chickens, and occasionally the kids when they come home to graze.
What genre does Kim Kelly write and what themes recur in her books?
Kim Kelly writes Australian fiction. Her novels commonly explore passion, politics and history, focusing on ordinary people living through extraordinary times in Australia.
Which novels and shorter works has Kim Kelly published?
Her novels include Black Diamonds, This Red Earth, The Blue Mile, Paper Daisies, Wild Chicory, Jewel Sea, Lady Bird & The Fox, Sunshine, Walking, Her Last Words and The Truth & Addy Loest (published February 2021). She has also published short fiction such as the story 'Messerschmitt' in the Hope Prize anthology and the novella 'The Rat Catcher', which was shortlisted for Viva la Novella 2021.
Are Kim Kelly's books part of a series or can they be read on their own?
Most of Kim Kelly's books are standalone novels, so they can be read in any order. They are not presented as a single continuing series.
Which book is a good place to start with Kim Kelly's work?
A good starting point is The Truth & Addy Loest since it is her most recent novel (2021). Alternatively, choose a title that matches the historical period or themes that interest you, as her novels stand alone and vary in setting and focus.
Has Kim Kelly received awards or recognition for her writing?
Her novella 'The Rat Catcher' was shortlisted for Viva la Novella 2021, and her short story 'Messerschmitt' appears in the Hope Prize anthology. For further award details, check individual book listings or author announcements.