Kelli Bolton is a compassionate young woman with a desire to see the Word of God set the lives of his people free.
She earned an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Development in 1998 from Columbus State Community College and a B.A. in Cross-Disciplinary Studies from Ohio Dominican University in 2004. It is at this time that Kelli acknowledged the call of a teacher on her life. She has spent the past ten years helping at risk youth and families through various programs such as; Conflict Resolution, Independent Living Mentor, Community Support Provider and ABLE/GED Instructor.
She is currently employed with Job and Family Services as an Employment Counselor.
Kelli is a faithful member of Agape Family Worship Center under the leadership of Pastor Yolanda Tolliver where she is actively involved in ministry as; Administrative Support Staff, Deaconess in Training, Helps & Hospitality Ministry, Intercessor, and Youth Sunday School teacher . She enjoys fellowship with family, friends and the body of Christ. She is also a member of the Columbus Christian Writer’s Association founded by Barbara Taylor Sanders. She has had two articles published in the online magazine First Lady Magazine and is credited as a contributing author.
She and her husband Vernon have three children whom are deeply committed to training up the way that they should go.
Camille Kleidysz:Welcome to Artist Diaries! give us a brief synopsis of “You Said You Loved Me".
Kelli Bolton: "You Said You Loved Me" addresses the issue of teen dating and domestic violence. I use the church as my foundation,
as this issue is a growing problem and more so now in the church. Kayla Michaels is a fun, feisty and pretty girl entering her freshman year in high school. She has had some changes within the past six months and Mark Parks is one of them, until they have a fight and she is required to attend domestic violence and anger management classes.
Camille: Describe the main characters of your book, and which one of the characters are your favorite and why?
Kelli Bolton: Kayla Michaels and Mark Parks are the teenage couple everyone is talking about. Their fighting and lack of "love" or respect for one another has friends, family and the school principal concerned. Valerie Michaels (Kayla's mother) is one you have to see for yourself (I don't want to give the story away). The staff at Virtue Christian Academy are caring Christian people that take the time to mold character, integrity and respect in the students. Mr. Chase-school principal, Ms.Simmons-9th grade school counselor, Mrs.Grace-Bible Class teacher and Mrs. Rivers the school secretary. Mr. Anderson of the community center is very supportive and helpful with the youth as well.
Camille: The young adult genre is truly near and dear to my heart. It takes a lot of time and effort to write a book and I can tell you, I would not write if it were not for the youth of this country. The youth in this country are in a battle for their very lives, and they desperately need positive and inspirational entertainment. Why did you choose the genre of young adult as an author, and what is the message that you would like to convey to your reading audience?
Kelli Bolton: I chose this genre because there is so much information (media) targeted to them from books, clothes, music, technology- T.V.
I wanted to show that love does not hurt and just because a person says that they love you doesn't give them the right to put their hands on you or vice versa. God gives a perfect example of love in 1 Cor. 13:4-8 what love should and should not be. To walk in love is a process and no "reality show" can perfect it in 30 minutes.
Camille: When did you consider yourself a writer?
Kelli Bolton: I considered myself a writer when completing this writing project. I was overwhelmed with the other duties of my life, that I simply put my writing aside for one week to take care of the things that needed my immediate attention. When I went back to my writing it was like I never missed a beat. More of the story came together and flowed so smoothly I had to make myself take a break, it took two and half months to complete and I am excited.
Camille: What inspired you to write your book?
Kelli Bolton: The thing that inspired me to write my book was the recent events Chris Brown and Rhianna among other well known Christian men and women involved domestic violent situations. There was so much to be said about the young couple, but sadly this issue is rarely addressed in the church. I didn't want young people hearing about these stories to think that if someone says that "I love you" that it is okay for them to put their hands on them.
As I researched organizations that provided support to survivors of domestic violence, there were very few view supported by the Christian Church and those that are, don't have enough support to let people know the church does care and want to help them.
Camille: What are you reading now?
Kelli Bolton: I just finished a book by Sharon Draper titled "Double Dutch" I absolutely loved it. The story involves some eight grade kids who are on a double Dutch team. Two of the members have secrets that could cause them trouble if anyone finds out. It deals with trust, learning difficulties and prejudices that youth believe about one another.
Camille: When did your interest in writing begin?
Kelli Bolton: I would have to say my interest in writing started in eighth grade when some friends and I wrote a story. We shared our thoughts with one another and then just wrote whatever came to us. I had fun letting my mind run wild. As a teen and young adult I kept a journal to tell about my life and the interesting and not so interesting things going on. Since 2003 I have received three prophesies regarding writing. So I just write whatever the Lord puts on my heart to share with others.
Camille: Thank you for sharing with us today, tell us where we can purchase “You Said You Loved Me"?
Kelli Bolton: Due to some medical issues with my publisher my release date has been put on hold. If you would like to read my book
please log onto worthyofpublishing.com - click on spiritual or young adult and look for the title. I have the first four chapters available to readers to read and rate. I will keep you updated with the release date and where you may purchase it.
Camille: Complete this sentence, I am blessed because….
Kelli Bolton: I am blessed because God has chosen me to touch the lives of many who have ever questioned their walk with God or if God even cares about them. He has allowed me to encourage and help those who are hurting through my writing. It blesses me to see others receive from God what they were seeking.
Camille: I would like to thank author Kelli Bolton for sharing with us today. Her book addresses the ever increasing problem of physical abuse among our youth. Until our next Artist Diaries……..
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