Episode 201: Interview With Jordan S. Keller

Jordan S. Keller is part of a new generation of authors who are not just writing stories—they’re building worlds, brands, and deeply personal creative identities. Based in Cincinnati, Keller has steadily grown her presence as a novelist while balancing a career in property management, proving that passion and persistence can coexist with everyday life.

Her journey into storytelling didn’t begin with a formal plan to become an author. Instead, it started in a much more organic and nostalgic way—around bonfires, surrounded by family, listening to stories. Growing up in Kentucky, Keller was immersed in a culture where storytelling was a shared experience, something passed down through conversation and imagination.

“Stories have always been a really big part of my life,” she explains. That early exposure planted a seed, one that would later grow into a full creative pursuit.

One defining moment came during a simple school assignment. In third grade, Keller was asked to write a short three-paragraph folklore piece. What she turned in, however, was far more than expected. “My three-paragraph turned into six pages,” she recalls. That moment revealed something important—storytelling wasn’t just an assignment for her, it was something she naturally expanded, explored, and embraced.

Like many creatives, Keller’s path wasn’t perfectly linear. During high school, she temporarily set aside writing, believing it might not lead to a viable future. It wasn’t until college, where she pursued a degree in journalism at Morehead State University, that her connection to storytelling was reignited. Her time working at a local radio station and serving as managing editor for the school newspaper further strengthened her appreciation for narratives and the people behind them.

After graduation, life took a practical turn. Keller entered the world of property management, a role far removed from fantasy worlds and fictional characters. But the creative spark never disappeared—it simply waited for the right moment to return.

That moment came through an unexpected outlet: Dungeons & Dragons. Participating in weekly games, Keller began writing recaps of the adventures she and her fellow players experienced. What started as a fun way to document gameplay quickly evolved into something more meaningful. “After that game ended, I still kept writing,” she says. That continuation marked her true return to creative writing.

From there, Keller’s work began to take shape in more structured ways. Her series Ashes Over Avalon became a major milestone, beginning with the book Wildfire. Originally intended as a standalone project, the story gained enough traction to earn her a three-book deal with a publisher—a moment she still describes as surreal.

The road to that deal, however, was anything but easy. Keller faced months of rejection while querying agents and publishers. Instead of giving up, she doubled down. She revised her manuscript, worked with editors, and refined her story before trying again. Her persistence paid off when, in what she describes as a “Cinderella moment,” she secured representation just before her self-imposed deadline.

“It really does take just the one yes,” she says, reflecting on the experience. That mindset—pushing through rejection and continuing to improve—has become a defining trait of her career.

Keller’s creativity is fueled by a wide range of influences, but one stands out above the rest: music. Rather than relying solely on structured outlines or traditional inspiration, she often builds stories from sound, emotion, and atmosphere.

“Music inspires almost everything I do,” she explains. A single lyric, tone, or mood can spark an entire narrative. She often creates multiple documents based on songs or ideas, allowing them to evolve organically into full stories over time. This approach gives her work a unique rhythm—one that blends literary storytelling with musical influence.

Her writing process reflects that same flexibility. Keller does not confine herself to rigid environments or routines. She can write anywhere, whether on paper or a laptop, as long as music is present. In fact, she credits music with helping her stay focused and grounded while writing. Each project even develops its own playlist, tailored to the characters, settings, and emotional tone of the story.

“I definitely have to have music going,” she says, noting that silence can make her mind wander too far.

Her storytelling is also shaped by real-life observations. While her characters are not direct representations of people she knows, she often incorporates small, personal details—quirks, habits, or behaviors—to make them feel authentic. These subtle touches bring her characters to life, making them more relatable and engaging for readers.

One of Keller’s most personal and impactful works is Failing Gravity, a cyberpunk-inspired novel that she describes as her favorite. The story was born during a difficult period in her life following the loss of her stepfather. Writing became both an escape and a form of healing, with the main character evolving alongside her own emotional journey.

“Throughout the book, I started healing. Roman started healing,” she shares. This parallel growth between author and character adds depth to the narrative, turning the book into more than just a story—it becomes a reflection of personal transformation.

Her latest release, Of Ships and Souls, takes readers in a different direction, offering a lighter, adventure-driven fantasy aimed at a younger audience. The story follows Jace, a young aspiring sailor who dreams of adventure despite his humble beginnings. When he encounters a sea sprite seeking a hero to save the Ocean Queen, he seizes the opportunity—even if it means pretending to be more capable than he truly is.

The book blends classic fantasy elements—pirates, magic, and ocean adventures—with humor and heart. “It’s the two of them trying to pretend that they’re much bigger and much more heroic than they really are,” Keller explains.

Interestingly, the inspiration for the novel came from something as simple as the weather. Writing during a cold Cincinnati winter, Keller found herself craving warmth and adventure, which ultimately shaped the oceanic setting of the story.

Despite initial concerns about pacing, early feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Readers have connected with the world-building, the emotional undertones, and the playful dynamics between characters. Keller’s decision to make the ocean feel like a character itself adds another layer of depth, drawing readers further into the story.

Behind all of her work is a consistent theme: growth. Whether it’s through perseverance in publishing, emotional healing through storytelling, or building immersive worlds from music and imagination, Keller continues to evolve as both a writer and a creative thinker.

Her journey serves as a reminder that success in creative fields is rarely immediate. It is built through persistence, adaptability, and a willingness to keep going even when the path is uncertain.

For Jordan S. Keller, storytelling isn’t just about writing books—it’s about capturing moments, emotions, and ideas, and turning them into something others can experience.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_Cv3GBkBdg

🎧 To hear the full conversation with Jordan Keller, tune in to her episode on The Savoir Faire Audio Experience, streaming now.