Kelly Jones

I was born in Twin Falls, a small town in Southern Idaho, the second of six children. I loved being part of a big family, but always appreciated having my own quiet space. At an early age I learned from my very busy and efficient mother that if you wanted to escape for a little break, travel to an exciting place, solve a mystery, or learn something new-pick up a book. I never had childhood dreams of actually writing one.

I graduated from Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington, with a degree in English and an art minor. I spent my junior year in Italy at Gonzaga-in-Florence and developed a love for travel, a passion I now share with my husband Jim.

After graduating I realized a degree in English with an art minor didn't translate into an abundance of employment opportunities. I worked at a variety of jobs from waitress, to car rental agency manager, to jewelry store clerk, to substitute teacher, adding them to my eclectic resume which included wienie packer. (While in college I worked summers at the family owned business, a meatpacking plant in Twin Falls.)

I moved to Boise, married, and raised a son and daughter. While staying home with my young children, I took night classes at Boise State University, concentrating on business courses to prepare myself for the job market when my children were older. I also took creative writing classes, slipped in as a true guilty pleasure. I had short stories published locally and even started a novel, but considered this fun and nothing more. Eventually I took a position at The Idaho State Tax Commission. After my husband and I divorced, I found myself a very busy working single parent with two active teenagers. I had little time for writing. Through a friend at work I met Jim, who at the time was serving as Idaho's Attorney General.

After ten years at the Tax Commission, I became frustrated with the bureaucracy and wondered if there wasn't something more creative out there for me. One day, after a particularly discouraging day at work, Jim suggested I quit and put my efforts into that novel. The possibility seemed ridiculous at the time, but after several days' thought I took an enormous leap and offered my resignation.

I felt as if I had just received a gift of time and opportunity and wanted to make the most of it. I joined a writers' group at the Log Cabin Literary Center in Boise and got to work.

The Seventh Unicorn, my debut novel, was published by Berkley Books in 2005, followed by The Lost Madonna (February 2007). I am currently working on a story that takes place in Germany.

So here I am-finding myself approaching a time in life when many are thinking about retirement, and I'm just getting started. I have a very full life. I enjoy reading, traveling, spending time with my children and grandchildren, getting together with my mom and dad, brothers and sisters and their families, walking on Boise's Greenbelt, taking in a movie at THE FLICKS, and meeting with my fellow writers at The Cabin.

Kelly Jones

Contact me at: kelly@kellyjonesbooks.com