Writing in her journal since the 7th grade led to her venture. Kelly Corrigan was a fundraiser for non-profits in her past life but she always wanted to be a writer, “This was my dream, flat out, exactly this.” With her first book making it on to the New York Times Best Seller List in 2008, she became an author to watch and her dream was coming true.
But how did she attract an agent and then a publisher in the competitive world of non-fiction? ” My sister in law had a friend who had a friend so I was three-degrees of separation from Andy Barzvi(who became her agent). We believe in the same things, we cry over the same, stew over the same things, want the same things.” Barzvi found her a publisher and she was on her way. 
But it wasn’t a straight shot, “My first editor was a publishing powerhouse named Pam Dorman. And I was riding her so hard about the cover she actually had to say these words to me: ‘Down Girl.’ I am still learning to back off but I am a woman of tremendous conviction…seriously problematic levels of conviction.”
What does Kelly think of the power of women, “I have strong feelings about what we are all capable of and what stops us from pursuing our true interests. When I think about all the women I know, all the women I meet at readings, I see this massive underemployed army of smart, talented women and my wheels start turning. What can we all do together? How can we use ourselves up? What should we be throwing ourselves at? What is worth our full attention? I want to round us all up and get to work on something that really matters.” 
Kelly’s first book is a memoir, “The Middle Place,” about taking care of herself with a cancer diagnosis in the middle of raising two young children and helping her father deal with his cancer battle. It’s a poignant look at the time in one’s life when you look at your parents’ mortality and your own.
Her next book “Lift,” published in 2010, is written in the form of a letter to her children. Looking at a family in crisis through three different stories, readers find the book incredibly inspirational.
Kelly also wrote an essay call Transcending, and released a reading of it which became a YouTube favorite. She has the unique ability to speak to the issues many women are dealing with, whether it’s a cancer diagnosis or getting your kids to eat vegetables. Her humor is contagious and she makes readers and listeners feel like they are best friends and they share the same trials and tribulations. And most times they do.
This month Kelly’s third book, “Glitter and Glue,” will be published by Random House. How does she feel about her fans, “It feels good, thinking a reader stopped everything to sink into my story, though it sometimes feels strangely embarrassing that people can finish my books so quickly considering they took me years to write and edit.”
She says of her work, ” Writing is how I figure out what matters. I have these stories I have retained, a handful, and I know there is a reason why the memories of those experiences have lasted while others have fallen away. If I keep writing, I think I might be able to unravel every last one.” What is she writing next, “I’m working on a novel.” Can’t wait.
Contact: www.KellyCorrigan.com
VentureMom Tip
Make your dreams come true.
