Kelly O’Hearn is the author of the acclaimed Arcanum series of novels, a sweeping, time-bending multi-book saga channeled through tarot cards. Inspired by her own past-life readings, O’Hearn weaves together multiple storylines of a powerful woman persevering across lifetimes in the quest for love, destiny, and self-discovery.
O’Hearn believes the tarot is not about fortune-telling but rather a language of energy—a narrative tool that reveals deeper truths. Known for elevating people’s frequency and vibration, she helps them unlock their potential and align their current life with their desired one through reinvention, intuition, and personal transformation.
Born in New York City, O’Hearn first put her intuitive skills to work as a professional wine taster, instructor, and sommelier. After raising two children and overcoming a personal health crisis, she discovered the tarot, building a global clientele spanning every continent except Antarctica. Follow O’Hearn’s popular tarot readings on Instagram and TikTok and learn more at ArcanumTheSeries.com.
Why do you write in the genre that you do?
I write in my genre because this is the story that was revealed to me by my tarot cards. I did not choose the genre. It chose me.
Do you keep a notebook of ideas?
No. I do not have a notebook of ideas. It all lives inside of me. But if I ever need to expand on the story I simply pull out my cards and ask for more.
Do you have a muse?
This sounds out there, but my own soul is my muse. It is what inspired me to create Arcanum.
Are you more of a fan of plot-driven stories or character-driven stories?
This is a tough question! I am a huge fan of series, so I have to say I am a character-driven fan more than a plot-driven.
Fill in the blank: “People will like your book if they like stories about…”
If you like stories about with beautiful settings, historical eras, romance, intrigue, betrayal, deception, sex, soul mates, self-discovery…then you will love Arcanum.
What are your thoughts on typewriters?
What a funny question! I haven’t thought about typewriters in years. But as a 58 year old, I have fond memories of the typewriter. I learned to use a typewriter at 12 years old and have never stopped typing.
Would you rather own a bookstore or run a library?
I am a huge people person and love to chat so I would have to choose a bookstore. While I love libraires, the no talking rule has always been a challenge for me!
How do you name your characters?
Since my characters are the five same souls but all in different timelines, I decided to use the same first letter in the name of each soul. For instance, the soul mate male soul always has a name that starts with ‘H’. I then research the names from the culture and era I am writing about and find the one that resonates the most.
If Hollywood bought the rights to your book, would you want it to be turned into a movie or series?
Definitely a series! I have thought of this often and can truly envisage Arcanum as a sweeping saga set throughout human history in the most gorgeous countries and settings. It would make such a great multi-season series.
Who is your dream audiobook narrator?
What a great question! There are so many gorgeous and powerful voices in the world, but I have to choose Meryl Streep as my dream narrator.
How many words or pages do you typically write in one writing session?
You know I have never ever bothered to check! I simply write until the inspiration is all on the page and then stop. But I have never counted the words or checked the number of pages. Is that a typical writing technique?
Do you have any writing rituals?
No, I do not have any writing rituals. Although I do always need a quiet space where I can get and stay in my zone. No music. No hustle bustle around me. Just clean, quiet space.
What are your passions/obsessions outside of writing?
My biggest passion is spending time with my family and loved ones. Plus, I love food. But as far as a hobby or interest then the tarot is hands down my favorite passion.
Have you made any public appearances to promote your book?
Yes, I have had successful book tour events throughout the US with great success. My next stop is Denver, CO in July. I have also appeared at a few events as a speaker where I also have sold my book.
Who would you most want to read your book?
Arcanum is for everyone but the key demographic are women 35 and above. On Book 1, the story opens on the heroine’s 40th birthday so those of us who have lived through that chapter of life will very much relate.
Are you a big reader? Do you own a large collection of books, or are you more of a borrower?
I used to be a very big reader but that has tapered off as I have gotten older. Not due to disinterest but because I have become busier and busier at this stage of life. So, while I was once a huge book collector, I am now firmly a book borrower.
Have you ever gone away to work on a piece of writing? If not, where would you go if you could?
Yes! One of the greatest joys about writing Arcanum is the research into the myriad of destinations and cultures accessed through the past lives. So I was in Grasse, France and Provence to research Book 2. And then I went to Rome this past winter to do research for Book 3 which takes place in the Vatican in the late 1400s- early 1500s.
How do you measure the success of your writing career?
I am already a huge success because I have completed and published two novels! That accomplishment alone is my measure of success. The rest is just gravy.
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