I grew up on the edge of Melbourne, Australia, lived in Sydney for a while, and later on Waiheke Island in the Hauraki Gulf of New Zealand.
Now I live in Melbourne, and in a beach shack on Waiheke for some of the year.
I taught writing at La Trobe University for many years and now write full-time. I run writing workshops at schools, libraries, community organisations and festivals.
Here’s my official-sounding biography.
I have a BA in Professional Writing and Editing, a Master of Arts (Literature) and a PhD in English (Creative Writing).
In my spare time I read, walk, sit about staring at nothing, and do an awful lot of gardening and cooking. Not necessarily in that order.
Contacts & resources
Book a talk, school visit or appearance (via Booked Out)
Contact my agent (Jacinta Di Mase)
Read my answers to some questions people often ask me
Read some recent interviews and media.
Header photo: Joel Dietle (stock.xchng)
Kelly Gardiner 
I have just finished reading your book.. Thoroughly enjoyed it. LIke the history and intrigue.
Thank you for a good read, Maggie Bessen, Mypolonga SAust.
Hi Maggie,
Thanks so much for your comment – glad you liked Act of Faith.
Cheers,
Kelly
hey my name is chaeanne knight and I’m a sixteen year old girl and I loved your book act of faith it really inspired and I was just wanna ask you some question for a task I’m doing at school
Hi Chaeanne,
Thanks so much for your lovely message. I’m so happy to hear you liked Act of Faith. You can ask me anything you like about the books. If you want, you can get in touch with me directly on this page here: https://kellygardiner.com/about/contact-me/ Just put your question in the form and I’ll get back to you by email.
Cheers,
Kelly
Opera buff from beautiful downtown Albany … home alone, except for a wee dog (who loves being read to) … Goddess in two days (intervals for dog walking, of course, and I DID need to sleep, eat, sing etc) … and I have decided that without any effort whatsoever, on my part, this book is going to be remembered … even when I’m old and grey. Added to which … you have a cottage called Thelma. 🌺
Oh how gorgeous! I’m very happy you loved the book and that you took the time to tell me. Thank you so much. Kelly
What travel experiences inspired
You and your
Writing?
Hi – that’s a big question. I am constantly inspired by travel experiences. A trip many years ago to Venice inspired the book Act of Faith, and Istanbul inspired its sequel, The Sultan’s Eyes. Everywhere I go, I seem to gather story ideas – places far and near. Last month I was in Berlin and Prague and now have a notebook filled with jottings and the beginnings of new stories. I am equally inspired by tiny gold rush towns in my home state, or the high country rivers, or crumbling city buildings. The world is so fascinating.