Today I have with me Kersten Kelly, author of ec·o·nom·ics: a simple twist on normalcy, here with some information about her book. While I haven’t read the book, it does look interesting in its use of pop culture and social media, among other things, to explain economics.

TK: What is the book about?

KK: The book is a unique compilation of examples of pop culture, history, social media, business, sports, and education all explained through an economic lens. It uses current market trends and examples that can be applicable and enjoyable for anyone. It is written in a narrative non-fiction format so it flows easily and does not read similarly to a textbook. Economics is part of daily life, and this book challenges readers to question how and why people make decisions by adding a simple twist on normalcy.

TK: Why did you decide to write it?

KK: I love economics, and I majored in it during my undergraduate work at Indiana University. As a student, many of the examples in my textbooks were irrelevant and made the subject one that many students did not enjoy. I wanted to change the negative connotations associated with the topic. I wanted to make it something that people understood and relished learning about.

TK: What is the tone of the book? Satire? Humor? Informative?

KK: The tone is informative, but it is more narrative. Although it delivers a lot of useful information, it is dissimilar to a textbook.

TK: How can the book help the reader to make better choices?

KK: Making a better choice is the absolute essence of economics. Economists strive to be better off in their choices. One of the best examples of this in the book is when I discuss how earning an education can triple an average person’s lifetime income. By making better economic decisions (such as earning a higher education), a reader can learn how to exponentially increase their purchasing power (or financial earnings to buy the things they need). I also discuss how the housing market can either hurt or help individuals in a neighborhood.

TK: What is the toughest part about being a writer and how do you get past it?

KK: Like all writers, I get writer’s block where I just cannot think of the next words to fit the page. When this happens, I know that it is time for me to take a break and indulge in some of my other favorite hobbies. It helps if I go for a run, hang out with my friends and family, or go to a sporting event. It helps me to come back to my writing and make it better. It’s always good to take breaks and brainstorm off the paper.

TK: Any tips for new writers hoping to write non-fiction?

KK: 1. Never give up.
2. Challenge yourself.
3. Edit, edit, edit, and edit again.
4. Reach out to other non-fiction authors and ask questions. People are willing to help.
5. Write about a subject you enjoy and that you are passionate about.

TK: Where can people stalk you?

KK: They can follow me on Twitter @KerstenLKelly, the books website (www.theeconomicsbook.com), or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/KerstenLKelly.

TK: Don’t forget book links! Where can we get it?

KK: The book can be bought on Amazon.com (paperback and Kindle), CreateSpace.com (paperback only), BarnesandNoble.com (eBook only), Smashwords.com (all eBook formats), and through the book’s website theeconomicsbook.com.

Thanks so much for stopping by Kersten! It’s very interesting to see the way a non-fiction writer approaches the writing of a book as opposed to a fiction writer. Looks like there’s some good advice mixed in with some real-life applications.