Anna Kay Kennedy is an accomplished educator, business strategist, and author with a passion for both professional development and storytelling.
She spent over a decade in the UK as a mathematics, computer science, and business educator before transitioning into professional services leadership in the US. During the .com boom, she played a pivotal role in bringing major brands online and running a highly profitable operation.
In 2009, she founded RainMakers (US), a business development firm that she successfully led until selling it in 2017. She is also the author of Business Development for Dummies and a sought-after CEO Coach, Consultant, and Ghostwriter, helping business leaders refine their strategies and tell their stories.
Anna’s love for storytelling extends beyond the boardroom. In 2024, she launched her first Granny book, bringing heartwarming adventures to children, parents, and grandparents. She is excited to continue crafting stories that inspire, educate, and entertain.
Outside of work, Anna treasures her family, home, and the memory of her beloved dog, Chester. Her passions include lifelong learning, creativity, and connecting with people in meaningful ways.
Book Title: Granny Goes to Egypt – Whirling Dervishes
Genre: Children’s Book, Family Life, Multigenerational
Website: grannygoesto.com
What inspired you to bring this story to life, and why was now the perfect time to write it?
My love for travel, history, and culture has always fueled my curiosity. I’ve been fortunate to explore different parts of the world, and I wanted to find a way to share those experiences with children in a fun and engaging way.
The idea for my first Granny book sparked during a trip to Egypt. I carried a notebook with me, jotting down observations and stories. When I looked through it upon my return, I realized that those notes held the makings of a wonderful children’s book—one that could bring history and culture to life with humor and adventure.
Now felt like the perfect time to bring this vision to life. I want to inspire young readers to embrace curiosity, appreciate different cultures, and see the world through a lens of wonder and excitement.
What key lessons or insights can readers take away from Granny Goes to Egypt?
My book introduces young readers to the wonders of Egypt, showcasing its rich history that spans over 4,000 years. Through fun and engaging storytelling, it highlights how visiting historical sites can be an exciting adventure rather than just a lesson in the past.
Beyond the monuments and ancient treasures, the story also emphasizes the warmth and hospitality of the Egyptian people. I want children to see that exploring new cultures isn’t just about the places they visit—it’s about the people they meet and the connections they make along the way.
What did your process look like for this book?
After returning from Egypt, it took me a couple of months before I revisited my notebook filled with experiences from the trip. That moment reignited my deep fascination with both ancient and modern Egypt. Seeing in real life what I had only admired in books—temples, tombs, obelisks, chariots, weaponry, makeup, games, food, and drink—was truly awe-inspiring.
Despite the September heat, my husband and I embraced every moment of our journey. Our expert tour guides not only enriched our understanding of Egypt’s ancient history but also introduced us to local shops and restaurants, offering a glimpse into the daily life of modern Egyptians. It was this blend of past and present that truly captivated me.
Beyond the monuments, it was the people of Egypt who left a lasting impression. Merchants, chefs, servers, and even their children welcomed us with warmth and humor. Their fearless, mischievous nature was so endearing that it sparked the creation of my character, Granny. I imagined her as someone who could travel independently yet embrace the joy and curiosity of a child—a reflection of the spirited people I had met.
As I continued my research back home, I realized that many people perceive ancient Egyptians as being preoccupied with death. In truth, they loved life and sought to carry it into the afterlife. They built pyramids and tombs for the wealthy, while common people created small graves filled with their most treasured possessions. Between 400 BCE and 500 CE, pyramids were built not by slaves but by paid workers. Egyptian society thrived on farming, with the Nile’s annual floods providing the fertile land they depended on. Their government, largely led by priests, shaped religious and political life, while pharaohs—both men and women—ruled with power and vision.
How did all this research lead to Granny’s story? It started with a simple observation—some children I met didn’t have shoes. That moment sparked a desire to give back to this incredible country. I wanted to channel my adventurous spirit into a character who embraced life fully, without fear or hesitation. Like the Egyptians I encountered, Granny is proud, kind, and endlessly curious. She is also mischievous, childlike, and full of warmth—someone who sees the world with wonder and isn’t afraid to embrace every experience with open arms.
What other challenges did you face during the writing process?
My first challenge was making sure I wasn’t telling what should be shown in pictures. I had to visualize the drawings, make notes about what was in my head, and write only the words essential for the story to be read.
The dynamic between the author and illustrator is what makes the greatest picture books truly exceptional—writing only what’s necessary and letting the illustrations tell most of the story.
Another challenge was making a mistake in choosing the wrong illustrator. I was terrified. With my first children’s picture book, my writing fairy was watching over me, holding me back from sending the manuscript out to illustrators. I realized I was afraid of sending my book to people all over the world without knowing how to protect my “baby.”
Instead of leaving it to chance, I took a proactive approach—researching the best websites where top illustrators showcased their work, and comparing both affordable and high-end options to find the perfect match for my story. And I found him! Together, we make magic.
Now for the fun part—what did you enjoy most about the process of writing your book?
The fun part was learning so much about what it takes to publish a book through Amazon/Kindle. As an author, there’s a lot to do—working with new software, coordinating with different companies, and navigating the entire process. There was a steep learning curve, and I made mistakes along the way, but I stayed persistent. Eventually, I reached the point where everything was just right, and I could finally publish. That sense of accomplishment made all the challenges worth it!
What’s next on the horizon for you and your book?
My plan is to write seven more books in the series, with the next adventure, Granny Goes to London, set to release in June 2025. I’m excited to continue Granny’s journey, bringing more fun, history, and culture to young readers!
What final message would you like to share with your readers? Also, inspire fellow authors by sharing your experience and results with selfpublishing.com!
One of my favorite moments as an author was reading a review from someone who bought my book:
“This book sure put a smile on my face, and kids will surely giggle at the antics of this outrageous and impish Granny as she embarks on one silly sightseeing adventure after another. The illustrations are quite whimsical, and the little notes in each picture contain interesting facts about Egypt that I never knew. It’s not often that I recommend reading the front and back matter of a book, but in this case, I do. It will give readers a deeper insight into the author and her character in a way that actually adds to the story. I hope Granny will have many more adventures because I have become a fan who hopes to travel vicariously along for the ride.”
For an author, there’s no better feeling than knowing your book has brought joy to someone—it brought a broad grin to my face!
I would never have made it across the finish line without the incredible support from selfpublishing.com, especially the Children’s Book Room group. Being able to share our stories, get feedback, and push ourselves to write better than we ever thought possible was invaluable.
Selfpublishing.com provided everything I needed, from learning how to create my book to preparing it for publication and marketing it so readers around the world could find it.
Another review that made me smile from ear to ear was:
“Granny is the fun adventurer that we would all like to be! Great story for children of all ages. Knowing nothing of Granny when I began the book, I made the foolish presumption that she would be traveling with children or grandchildren. I LOVE it that she’s alone on these adventures… and always finding people with whom she connects. I also love the note cards with interesting facts and information—both about Granny and about Egypt (sneakily getting education into a fun read—sounds just like the kind of thing Granny would do!). Can’t wait for more Granny adventures!”
This journey has been amazing, and I’m so excited for what’s next. On to the next adventure!
Interested in Anna’s story? Follow her on Facebook, Pinterest, and LinkedIn or visit grannygoesto.com to join Granny on her exciting adventures around the world.
Inspired by Anna’s journey into storytelling? Explore the book writing support, editing services, and coaching that helped bring Granny Goes to Egypt to life through the Author Advantage Accelerator Elite Program. Schedule a consultation today or take the quiz above to find the perfect program for you and your book!
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