For Kailey Holbrook ’25, storytelling has always been more than just a hobby; it’s a calling. This Mid-Pacific senior, now a published author, recently released “Return of the Keepers”, a science fiction fantasy novel she has been working on for the past two years. The novel, rich with mythology and futuristic worlds, explores life without human connection and the journey of four young gods fated to restore their worlds. But “Return of the Keepers” is just one piece of Kailey’s creative journey, one that spans award-winning films, assistant directing in theatre, and a rigorous International Baccalaureate (IB) schedule.
“Before I could read, I’d open picture books and make up stories of my own. Stories are a part of who I am,” Kailey reflects. Initially, her storytelling took the form of filmmaking, where she crafted narratives through scripts, cinematography, and editing. But the desire to write a novel persisted. After years of nurturing an idea that began in middle school, she finally brought it to life. “I always wanted to try to be an author, and this idea started sparking. I just wanted to try and it turned out well.”
Kailey’s passion for storytelling extends beyond writing. Her films have earned recognition, showcasing her versatility in visual storytelling. Despite her busy schedule, which includes full-time IB coursework, Kailey finds that her different creative outlets fuel each other. “I have a pretty large capacity when it comes to creative energy,” she shares. “I’d go to a film shoot, give all my energy there, and then recharge through writing the book. It’s like a balance—one creative process powers the other.”
Balancing academics and creativity is no easy task, especially with the demands of the IB program. But Kailey finds that her studies enrich her creative pursuits. Courses like Theory of Knowledge and IB English have deepened her critical thinking skills, which in turn has shaped her writing. “IB classes explore topics that are so meaningful to our society, and it works its way into my books and filmmaking,” she explains. “They make me a better writer and storyteller.”
Kailey’s achievements are not just a testament to her talent, but also to the unwavering support she receives from her family and friends. Her mother, also a published author, played a pivotal role in guiding her through the process of writing and publishing. “She’s my ‘momager,’ my mom-manager,” Kailey laughs. “She showed me that it’s possible and that I could do it.” Friends also pitched in, helping with character costume designs and edits.”
Looking ahead, Kailey hopes to continue her storytelling journey with her sights set on a career in filmmaking. She sees film as a powerful medium for connecting with audiences, though she remains open to exploring both writing and filmmaking. “If it works out as an author, I’d love to keep writing, but I hope to balance both.”
Storytelling isn’t just about the words or images for Kailey, it’s about making connections, exploring new worlds, and offering a fresh perspective on life’s biggest questions. And whether through the pages of a novel or the lens of a camera, Kailey is ready to keep creating stories that inspire and resonate.