Kelly Elliott Shares Her Journey to Becoming a Bestselling Author

USA Today and New York Times bestselling author Kelly Elliott, creator of heartfelt romances that captivate readers worldwide, shares insights into her inspiration and craft.

Crafting Authentic Love Stories With Heartfelt Emotion

Kelly Elliott discusses her rise to bestseller status, crafting relatable romance, inspiration from small-town life, balancing work with personal life, and her aspirations to explore new storytelling horizons.

Kelly Elliott, a literary powerhouse and masterful weaver of emotions, has made an indelible mark on the romance genre. As a USA Today and New York Times bestselling author, Kelly has captured the hearts of millions with her poignant stories that blend heartfelt emotion, relatable struggles, and the promise of love’s redemption. Known for her talent in crafting swoon-worthy heroes and strong, passionate heroines, Kelly’s works—such as the beloved Wanted and Meet Me in Montana series—transport readers to charming small-town settings that feel comfortingly real yet achingly aspirational. With over a decade of publishing under her belt and a remarkable ability to tackle meaningful topics like miscarriage, PTSD, and infertility within her love stories, Kelly proves that romance is as much about connection as it is about escapism.

In an exclusive conversation with Mosaic Digest magazine, Kelly opened up about her journey from self-published writer to bestselling author, her ability to craft authentic love stories, and her creative approach to balancing her poignant themes with heartfelt romance. Branching into sweet, closed-door romance under the pen name Ellie Grace, Kelly explores yet another side of her creative voice while staying true to her signature style of delivering happily-ever-afters. Beyond the page, Kelly’s Texas roots and deep appreciation for small-town life vividly shine in her novels, making her settings as integral to her stories as her unforgettable characters. In this candid interview, Kelly shares her inspirations, challenges, and invaluable advice for aspiring storytellers. Join us as we celebrate the woman behind the stories that continue to captivate readers across the globe.

“Kelly Elliott’s heartfelt storytelling and ability to tackle meaningful topics through unforgettable romances have made her a literary treasure.“

Your journey as a self-published author to a USA Today and New York Times bestselling writer is truly inspiring. What was the turning point in your career that made you realise your books were resonating with readers on such a large scale?

 It was probably when I received emails after my second book, Saved, was published. It dealt with miscarriage and Fragile X. Women wrote to me and thanked me for talking about miscarriage and how it didn’t make them feel so alone. A  a number of other people wrote to me about Fragile X syndrome. That was when I truly knew that even though I was telling a love story, I could still write about things that meant something to someone. I’ve since wrote about suicide, PTSD, endometriosis, and infertility, and wove those subjects around a love story.

“When I published Saved, I realized my books were resonating with readers on a deeply personal level.” – Kelly Elliott

Your novels are known for their deep emotional connections and heartwarming romance. How do you craft such authentic and relatable love stories, and do you draw inspiration from real-life experiences? 

I love storytelling and I’ve always got ideas floating around in my head. I do draw from real-life experiences, yes and always try to include something personal from my life in ever single story I write. 

Many of your books, like the Wanted and Meet Me in Montana series, capture the charm of small-town settings. What draws you to write about these places, and how do you ensure each town feels unique and immersive for your readers?

 I live in a small town and my husband grew up in a small town. His family had a 500 acre ranch, so I spent a lot time there with him early on in our relationship. I love writing about a town where you can close your eyes and picture it. Each time I write a story, I want to create a world my readers can get lost in.

As a prolific author, how do you balance your writing schedule with personal life, and what advice would you give to aspiring writers trying to maintain consistency in their craft?

 I try to write something, even its just a few hundred words each day. I also use Pacemaker which creates a schedule for me to follow and that helps to keep me on track. One thing I learned early on is that I needed to make time for my personal life. Being a writer can be very lonely so be sure to have a small group of people, whether they are writers or not, that you can talk to each day. And don’t keep going back and reading what you write. Get it all down and once you’re finished you go back and tweak it as you read it. 

You’ve written across multiple romance subgenres, from contemporary to western romance. Is there a story or genre you haven’t explored yet but would love to write one day? 

Historical. I love reading historical romance. I dove into historical romance one time with a book I co-wrote and I adored it. Probably my favorite book I’ve written to date. It is no longer published, but I loved immersing myself into another time.