Edward Kelsey

Moore

Bestselling Novelist

Award-Winning Author

Travels from: Chicago, IL

“Edward Kelsey Moore knows how to write a terrific, complex, believable, and always intriguing story.” — The New York Journal of Books

Edward Kelsey Moore is the author of the New York Times and international bestselling novel The Supremes At Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat and a second Supremes novel, The Supremes Sing the Happy Heartache Blues. The Supremes At Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat was chosen as a Barnes and Noble Discover Great New Writers selection and was also named an Illinois Reads book by the Illinois Reading Council. Edward was awarded the First Novelist Award by the Black Caucus of the American Library Association and received an Illinois Arts Council award.

A film adaptation of The Supremes At Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat was released by Searchlight Pictures in 2024.

Edward’s essays and short fiction have appeared in the New York Times and a number of literary magazines, including Inkwell, African American Review, Ninth Letter, and Indiana Review. His work has also appeared on Chicago Public Radio and Minnesota Public Radio.

In addition to writing and storytelling, Edward maintains a career as a professional cellist. His playing has been featured on multiple classical, pop, and jazz recordings and he has toured nationally and internationally. For many years, he has also worked as a teacher, preparing the next generation of musicians and writers.

Edward Kelsey's Featured Titles

The Supremes Sing the Happy Heartache Blues

Henry Holt and Co |

June 20, 2017

Literary Fiction

“Moore, besides being laugh out loud hilarious, has a profound understanding of human nature . . . A truly remarkable writer. This book is a joy to read.” ―Fannie Flagg, author of The Whole Town’s Talking and Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe

“The arrival of [Moore’s] new novel had me singing anything but the blues.”―Julia Glass, National Book Award-winning author of A House Among the Trees and Three Junes

From the author of the bestselling The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat, The Supremes Sing the Happy Heartache Blues, an exuberant and poignant new novel of passions, family, and forgiveness

When a late life love affair blooms between Mr. Forrest Payne, the owner of the Pink Slipper Gentleman’s Club, and Miss Beatrice Jordan, famous for stationing herself at the edge of the club’s parking lot and yelling warnings of eternal damnation at the departing patrons, their wedding summons a legend to town. Mr. El Walker, the great guitar bluesman, comes home to give a command performance in Plainview, Indiana, a place he’d sworn―and for good reason―he’d never set foot in again.

But El is not the only Plainview native with a hurdle to overcome. A wildly philandering husband struggles at last to prove his faithfulness to the wife he’s always loved. And among those in this tightly knit community who show up every Sunday after church for lunch at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat, are the lifelong friends, known locally as “The Supremes” ―Clarice, facing down her longing for, chance at and fear of a great career; Barbara Jean, grappling at last with the loss of a mother whose life humiliated both of them, and Odette, reaching toward her husband through an anger of his that she does not understand.

Edward Kelsey Moore’s lively cast of characters, each of whom have surmounted serious trouble and come into love, need not learn how to survive but how, fully, to live. And they do, every one of them, serenaded by the bittersweet and unforgettable blues song El Walker plays, born of his own great loss and love.

BIPOC Representation, Black Voices, Fiction, Friendship & Community

The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat

Vintage |

March 12, 2013

Literary Fiction

SOON TO BE A MAJOR MOTION PICTURE STREAMING ON HULU • A warmhearted, “complex, believable, and always intriguing story” (The New York Journal of Books) that celebrates female friendship and second chances

This diner in Plainview, Indiana is home away from home for Odette, Clarice, and Barbara Jean. Dubbed “The Supremes” by high school pals in the tumultuous 1960s, they’ve weathered life’s storms for over four decades and counseled one another through marriage and children, happiness and the blues

Now, however, they’re about to face their most challenging year yet. Proud, talented Clarice is struggling to keep up appearances as she deals with her husband’s humiliating infidelities; beautiful Barbara Jean is rocked by the tragic reverberations of a youthful love affair; and fearless Odette is about to embark on the most terrifying battle of her life.

With wit, style and sublime talent, Edward Kelsey Moore brings together three devoted allies in a warmhearted novel that celebrates female friendship and second chances.

Bestseller, BIPOC Representation, Black Voices, Film & TV Adaptations, Friendship & Community

Writing as a second act in life

Using my own story of becoming a writer in middle age, I discuss approaching writing in later years. I focus on the advantages of life experience and the challenges of making room for writing in a busy life.

Writing about race

In sensitive times, it can be difficult to write honestly about race. In this talk, I suggest ways of writing characters of different backgrounds without perpetuating stereotypes while acknowledging the realities of our society.

Humor in serious literature

I see myself as a writer of sad stories that are also funny. Writing humor and taking it seriously can seem to be at odds. In a combination storytelling performance, creative writing exercise, and craft lecture I talk about how writers can free themselves to allow their senses of humor to shine.

Turning real life into fiction

When I began writing fiction, I thought I would base my writing in true stories from my own life. My idea was the I would transcribe interesting events from past experience and change the names. That approach made for very bad and unbelievable fiction. In this discussion, I describe how I’ve used—and not used—stories from my personal life and why some great true stories do and don’t work in fiction.

Music and Writing

Musical forms are helpful to me in structuring my work. Rhythm guides my dialog choices. I trust my ears to inform me about my writing more than I trust my eyes. Being a professional musician influences and aids my non-musical life. I think we can all find ways for music to enrich our lives in ways beyond simple listening enjoyment.

“Hilarious, heartwarming and poignant. . . . A rich and complicated yarn.” — The Chicago Tribune

“Moore shows a seasoned ease with his funny, damaged subjects. . . . You’ll be casting the movie by the second chapter.” — Entertainment Weekly

“Moore has conjured up the story of an entire community and, at its sparkling center, a trio of memorable heroines.” — Julia Glass, author of Three Junes

“Comparisons to The Help and Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe are inevitable, but Moore’s take on this rowdy troupe of outspoken, lovable women has its own distinctive pluck.” — Publishers Weekly

“A novel of strong women, evocative memories and deep friendship.” — Kirkus Reviews

“Edward Kelsey Moore’s The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat had me nodding in recognition and laughing out loud when I wasn’t crying. His delightful voice really rings true, bringing the unforgettable Odette, Clarice and Barbara Jean to vivid life on every page.” — Connie Briscoe, author of Money Can’t Buy Me Love

About Kelsey’s Podcast

Edward’s Events Page

Honors, Awards & Recognition

Film adaptation of THE SUPREMES AT EARL’S ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT —Release date August 23, 2024
New York Times Bestseller —THE SUPREMES AT EARL’S ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT
Black Caucus of the American Library Association First Novelist Award —THE SUPREMES AT EARL’S ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT
Indiana Authors Award Finalist —THE SUPREMES AT EARL’S ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT
Illinois Arts Council Award —Essay, Piaf and Roadkill 2013
Barnes and Noble Discover Great New Writers selection —THE SUPREMES AT EARL’S ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT