Kellie Wallace
When did you first start writing? What made you want to be a writer? I've been writing since I was a child. My parents would read to me every night and they still are big readers. I didn't take writing seriously until high school and wrote a lot of fan fictions and my first fantasy novel where I opened up the phone book for name ideas! Writing is in my blood and even though I may take time off from it, I will always be a writer.
What inspired you to write your book? A YouTube channel! About eight years ago, I came across a video of a family living on a self-sustained island and I remember thinking to myself what a great idea it was for a book. I started writing Before I Let You Go on a whim with the island idea as a premise and the world unwound from there.
Are you a pantser or a plotter? A bit of both. Generally, I come up with the general plot of the story and I write from there. I often rely on my characters to lead the story where they want to.
Do you have any writing rituals or special processes you complete before sitting down to write? Not really. I've never been someone who can fill a notebook of ideas and characters. I should adopt something like that but I like to open the page and start writing.
What authors inspire you? Emily Rodda, R L Stein and Tami Hoag
If you could only write in one genre for the rest of your career, what genre would you choose? Why? I love romance and women's fiction. They are genres close to my heart and I'm a huge romance fan. I've always incorporated love and intimacy into my books as I believe it connects the reader. They are genres I read myself.
Which of the characters in your current release is your favorite? Why? Elsbeth from Before I Let You Go has a special place in my heart. She's a strong woman who's been dealt many cards in her life and struggles to find balance in the world. She's looking for love and validation after losing her boyfriend and father. Elsbeth overcomes many obstacles to seek what she's been looking for and proves to herself how strong she could be.
Are any of your characters modeled after real people? If so, which ones? My characters from Before I Let You Go are inspired by people in my life, like my grandfather who passed while I was writing the book. He inspired me to create Elsbeth’s father and I modelled a lot of his personality and character into Robert.
What music was on your playlist while writing your novel? The one song that comes to mind is The Night We Met by Lord Huron
Morning person or grumpy bear? Definitely a morning person.
Tell us one thing it would surprise us to know about you? I absolutely adore rainbows and waterfalls. They're so magical.
What is next for you? I am currently working on my next women's fiction book and I have another title being published in January 2025!
Do you have any unique skills or talents? If so, what? I used to be a pretty good drawer as a child/teen. It was my passion for a long time. My favourite thing to draw was horses. I really need to get back into it.
If I were to look in your closet right now, would I find frills and lace or denim and tees? Denim and tees.
What inspired you to write your book? A YouTube channel! About eight years ago, I came across a video of a family living on a self-sustained island and I remember thinking to myself what a great idea it was for a book. I started writing Before I Let You Go on a whim with the island idea as a premise and the world unwound from there.
Are you a pantser or a plotter? A bit of both. Generally, I come up with the general plot of the story and I write from there. I often rely on my characters to lead the story where they want to.
Do you have any writing rituals or special processes you complete before sitting down to write? Not really. I've never been someone who can fill a notebook of ideas and characters. I should adopt something like that but I like to open the page and start writing.
What authors inspire you? Emily Rodda, R L Stein and Tami Hoag
If you could only write in one genre for the rest of your career, what genre would you choose? Why? I love romance and women's fiction. They are genres close to my heart and I'm a huge romance fan. I've always incorporated love and intimacy into my books as I believe it connects the reader. They are genres I read myself.
Which of the characters in your current release is your favorite? Why? Elsbeth from Before I Let You Go has a special place in my heart. She's a strong woman who's been dealt many cards in her life and struggles to find balance in the world. She's looking for love and validation after losing her boyfriend and father. Elsbeth overcomes many obstacles to seek what she's been looking for and proves to herself how strong she could be.
Are any of your characters modeled after real people? If so, which ones? My characters from Before I Let You Go are inspired by people in my life, like my grandfather who passed while I was writing the book. He inspired me to create Elsbeth’s father and I modelled a lot of his personality and character into Robert.
What music was on your playlist while writing your novel? The one song that comes to mind is The Night We Met by Lord Huron
Morning person or grumpy bear? Definitely a morning person.
Tell us one thing it would surprise us to know about you? I absolutely adore rainbows and waterfalls. They're so magical.
What is next for you? I am currently working on my next women's fiction book and I have another title being published in January 2025!
Do you have any unique skills or talents? If so, what? I used to be a pretty good drawer as a child/teen. It was my passion for a long time. My favourite thing to draw was horses. I really need to get back into it.
If I were to look in your closet right now, would I find frills and lace or denim and tees? Denim and tees.
Buy Links:
AMAZON: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CPGYGV1L
KOBO: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/before-i-let-you-go-7
BN: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/before-i-let-you-go-kellie-wallace/1144448532
APPLE: https://books.apple.com/us/book/before-i-let-you-go/id6473753903
Blurb:
A remote island concealed the perfect murder, now one woman must help an Earthbound spirit solve the mystery before the killer comes for her.
After rejecting her boyfriend’s proposal, Elsbeth heals her broken heart by accepting an inheritance from a long-lost relative off the coast of Guernsey.
She embraces the chance to start over, living in a remote cottage surrounded by gray seals and crystal waters. But this new idyll may not be what it seems when mysterious stranger Bishop threatens to upturn her new life. He is handsome, mystical, and claims to be an angel searching for his bones.
As Elsbeth and Bishop grow closer, she discovers her island escape is marked by darkness, a double murder haunts the halls. She embarks on a journey to uncover her property’s dark secrets, unravelling a history that may hold the key to Bishop’s fractured past. Will Elsbeth sacrifice everything she’s built to unearth the truth? She must confront her own demons and make a heartbreaking decision that will change her life forever.
Readers of The Ghosts of Rue Dumaine by Alexandrea Weis and Winter Cottage by Mary Ellen Taylor will enjoy this tale of redemption and new beginnings.
EXCERPT
As a bottle of vintage Moet was brought to the table, Jeff got out of his chair and knelt beside Elsbeth, capturing her hand with trembling fingers.
“Oh, Jesus,” Elsbeth muttered.
She felt the heat of a thousand eyes on her as she glanced down at Jeff, his face full of fearful optimism. Around her, it appeared as though the entire restaurant had stilled. Even the music had softened.
“Baby, I know I haven't been the best boyfriend. I've forgotten anniversaries and birthdays. I spend too much time at work. But I want to be better for you.” He produced a black velvet box from his inner breast pocket and opened it.
The diamond ring almost blinded Elsbeth. The single princess-cut stone was clear and breathtaking, and the size of a marble. She touched the ring delicately, checking if it was real. Her chest ached, and she realized she'd been holding her breath. When she exhaled, he let out a breath too. A week ago, this would have been the best night of her life. Tonight, it was a poor attempt to cover up his cheating.
“What do you say?” he asked.
She glanced from the ring to his anxious eyes, Tilly's texts echoing in her memory. “No.”
Jeff's eyebrows snapped together. “What?”
Elsbeth gathered her purse from the table and pushed her chair back. Whispers settled upon the restaurant. Jeff was still on one knee, humiliation simmering behind his eyes.
“What do you mean no?” he hissed.
“I know about Tilly.” She glared at him.
AMAZON: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CPGYGV1L
KOBO: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/before-i-let-you-go-7
BN: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/before-i-let-you-go-kellie-wallace/1144448532
APPLE: https://books.apple.com/us/book/before-i-let-you-go/id6473753903
Blurb:
A remote island concealed the perfect murder, now one woman must help an Earthbound spirit solve the mystery before the killer comes for her.
After rejecting her boyfriend’s proposal, Elsbeth heals her broken heart by accepting an inheritance from a long-lost relative off the coast of Guernsey.
She embraces the chance to start over, living in a remote cottage surrounded by gray seals and crystal waters. But this new idyll may not be what it seems when mysterious stranger Bishop threatens to upturn her new life. He is handsome, mystical, and claims to be an angel searching for his bones.
As Elsbeth and Bishop grow closer, she discovers her island escape is marked by darkness, a double murder haunts the halls. She embarks on a journey to uncover her property’s dark secrets, unravelling a history that may hold the key to Bishop’s fractured past. Will Elsbeth sacrifice everything she’s built to unearth the truth? She must confront her own demons and make a heartbreaking decision that will change her life forever.
Readers of The Ghosts of Rue Dumaine by Alexandrea Weis and Winter Cottage by Mary Ellen Taylor will enjoy this tale of redemption and new beginnings.
EXCERPT
As a bottle of vintage Moet was brought to the table, Jeff got out of his chair and knelt beside Elsbeth, capturing her hand with trembling fingers.
“Oh, Jesus,” Elsbeth muttered.
She felt the heat of a thousand eyes on her as she glanced down at Jeff, his face full of fearful optimism. Around her, it appeared as though the entire restaurant had stilled. Even the music had softened.
“Baby, I know I haven't been the best boyfriend. I've forgotten anniversaries and birthdays. I spend too much time at work. But I want to be better for you.” He produced a black velvet box from his inner breast pocket and opened it.
The diamond ring almost blinded Elsbeth. The single princess-cut stone was clear and breathtaking, and the size of a marble. She touched the ring delicately, checking if it was real. Her chest ached, and she realized she'd been holding her breath. When she exhaled, he let out a breath too. A week ago, this would have been the best night of her life. Tonight, it was a poor attempt to cover up his cheating.
“What do you say?” he asked.
She glanced from the ring to his anxious eyes, Tilly's texts echoing in her memory. “No.”
Jeff's eyebrows snapped together. “What?”
Elsbeth gathered her purse from the table and pushed her chair back. Whispers settled upon the restaurant. Jeff was still on one knee, humiliation simmering behind his eyes.
“What do you mean no?” he hissed.
“I know about Tilly.” She glared at him.
