Kelly Utt was born in Youngstown, Ohio in 1976. She grew up with a dad who would read a book on a weighty topic, ask her to read it, too, and then insist they discuss it together, igniting her passion for life's big questions.

Prior to writing fiction, Kelly told the stories of small businesses and their founders so the most positive and authentic parts could shine through. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and she studied graduate level Interactive Media at Quinnipiac University.

She lives in the Nashville suburb of Franklin, Tennessee with her husband and sons.