NWHerald.com • Sunday, February 7, 2016
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Author Spotlight
KELLY GRAY WILLIAMS
Latest Book: “The Princess Rancher” Publisher: Belle Isle Books/Brandylane Publishing, Richmond, Virginia Release Date: November 2015 What’s your new book about? (From Williams’ bio) Kelly Williams wasn’t born into ranching. Before she ever learned to ride a horse, her life was one of globe-trotting and high comfort. But when her marriage fell apart, it set her off on a new path that would lead to open spaces, tangles of barbed wire, and the sweat, dust and tears of cattle ranching. Through it all, one thing that remained constant was her love of food, and her memoir serves as an ode to the ages-old tradition of the men and women who toil from sun-up to sun-down to put beef on our dinner tables. It is a story of risk, reward and reinvention that captures a disappearing American way of life. Where did the idea come from? Baby Boomers are redefining what retirement looks like. Most are working longer because of economics or desire. Jobs also are disappearing for those in mid-life, so reinvention is becoming a necessity for many. Yet one thing has changed: A mid-life career reevaluation for many means having the moxie to go after our dreams by thinking outside of the box. My story is about reinvention in the most unlikely of ways and how many skills that we develop over a lifetime can parlay themselves into careers that are dramatically different from our present circumstances. What genre is your book, and why were you drawn to it? My book is a memoir. I feel my story is important to tell for two reasons. One, because it is about the power of change and how it can transform our life, and two, because people are getting more concerned about where their food comes from. Because of this desire, it is important for the American rancher to be understood in the right way. Many times the public gets its information from the Internet, and it is not always accurate. Being part of the 1 percent of the population who now feeds the other 99 percent, I believe ranchers need to become the loudest voice for our industry, because it is important for people to understand what we go through to put beef on the tables of the American consumer. Who is the intended audience? The story has a broad appeal because it has many facets. It isn’t just about the beef industry. It is about change, tough choices and triumph. Why is this story important to you? The story is important to me not just because it
Kelly Gray (Granger) Williams
is my story but because it shows the real power of hard work, difficult choices and survival against many odds. How long did it take you to write? What was your process? ‘The Princess Rancher’ took me about six months to write. The idea came one day as I was cleaning horse stalls. Once I started writing, the story flowed easily, but my biggest challenge was finding the time to write. I am a morning person, so I wrote in the morning before our working day started so that I could stay on track. What did you enjoy most about writing this book? What was the hardest part? The most enjoyable part of writing this book was reliving the story of how my husband and I picked ourselves up after his industry and career evaporated into thin air and the faith it took to start a new, dramatically different business and succeed. The hardest part was the insecurity and doubt that comes with telling your own personal story. How are you publishing this book and why (traditional/indie/self-publishing)? My book is published by a traditional publisher, and I am so fortunate for their belief in me, my story and their dedication to helping me make my story the best that it could be. It was an amazing journey for me as a writer, and I have learned a lot about the story-telling process and writing in general. What is your education/background? I have a BS degree in advertising from Northern Illinois University with a strong emphasis in business and psychology. Later, I studied herbal medicine for two years and became a certified massage therapist about nine years ago. How/why did you decide to write a book? I have been writing most of my life. It is a very relaxing process for me, and I love the entire process. With the release of ‘The Princess Rancher,’ I have been blessed with the opportunity to tell my story,
one that is very important to me and at the same time have a publisher that believed in me and my story enough to take a chance. Bringing the story to life has been an exciting journey. Who are your favorite authors? John Grisham, Ernest Hemingway, Ayn Rand, the list goes on and on. I am a passionate reader. Pick one: Danielle Steel or John Grisham? John Grisham Pick one: Stephen King or Nicholas Sparks? Stephen King Pick one: Ebooks or hard/paperbacks? Ebooks are great and convenient. but I will always desire the feel of a book in my hands. What’s next for you? I have a book in process that is fiction about a less than stellar cowboy. I also am working on a nonfiction book about change and reinvention that looks at the process in more detail with a step-by-step guide to evaluate our own personal skill base and turn it upside down for an out-of-the-box look at career possibilities.
“THE PRINCESS RANCER RELEASE: November 2015 ABOUT: Kelly Gray (Granger) Williams, formerly of Fox River Grove and a 1979 graduate of Cary-Grove High School, details her life as she went from traveling the world through a divorce and eventual marriage to a rancher and her new life raising horses and cattle. INFO: Available at Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Cost: $15. For information, visit www. princessrancher.com or Painted Horse Ranch on Facebook.
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