T.J. Kelly writes YA, Fantasy, Paranormal, and Sci-fi novels. She also moonlights as a digital artist. Destiny called on her thirteenth birthday when her mother asked the local bookstore owner to choose thirteen books a girl her age might like. The resulting pile of sci-fi and fantasy novels was her first love. When she can tear herself away from reading and writing, T.J. watches movies and shows, asks countless questions, and bakes treats. She’s originally from California and a lifelong Star Trek fan.

You can check out T.J. Kelly’s books at www.tjkellybooks.com

Writers on the Moon is such an exciting, dream-fulfilling opportunity!

Watching the space shuttle Discovery land was as close as I have ever come to space. It was STS-26, landing after a four-day mission in 1988 when I was thirteen, and the first mission after the Challenger disaster, which has haunted my memories for most my life. A shuttle landing may not look as exciting as a launch, but it was something that eased my concerns over the future of space flight. Sending a copy of my magic-is-real, hope-in-the-darkness series to the moon is even better. A piece of me will be there, and that’s definitely something that makes me proud.

The complete series provided in the capsule is my first published series and while none of the characters are based on who I am, the entirety of the series will give a reader a glimpse of my personality, sense of humor, and lifelong theme of hope. The main character Lia is a teen growing and learning about her world and how persistence can get a person through anything. Persistence, hope, and love. She also happens to work magic and fight the darkness too.

Much like Lia, my family has influenced me greatly in life. I have included a few examples of the creative work by my family members. Paintings by my grandmother who passed away when I wasn’t yet three but who was so beloved by her family I grew up feeling her presence. Black and white photos, some hand painted, by my grandfather, a quiet and earnest man, who I spent a summer with when I was sixteen and took me everywhere in the mountains that are my heart’s true home. The photos my parents have taken in the mountains and Pacific Ocean. My husband, an Army veteran, is a professional artist and a musician, and I have included the lyrics to most of his songs. Many read like poetry. His artwork is shown in the design of my book covers, which are in the series document. My daughter also happens to be the cover model. I have also included a sample of the work my children have done as they were growing up. 

Family, hope, love, and creativity are my additions to the Writers on the Moon capsule. I hope you check out my Armageddon’s Ward series and receive my sincere wishes for a wonderful life filled with joy and peace.

T.J. Kelly