The story centres on best friends Sam and Daisy, who go down different roads when they hit their 30s. As their lives, priorities and expectations diverge, the novel explores how their once-solid friendship begins to unravel. “The book is a very personal project,” Kerry shared. “I’m proud to finally see Daisy and Sam come to life in print.”

Originally from East Yorkshire, Kerry now lives in Brighton and works as an NHS audiology lead. Her path into writing began during the Covid pandemic in 2020. “I got onto a selective Curtis Brown novel writing course during lockdown and everything went from there,” she explained.

Now balancing her audiology career with her growing reputation as a writer, Kerry is currently editing her second novel, due for release in 2027. She’s also actively involved in promoting the first novel, writing features for The Guardian and Stylist, and appearing at author events and bookshop talks, including at Waterstones.

Pocklington School was delighted to welcome Kerry back to her alma mater for the Summer Reunion on Sunday 22 June 2025. Kerry was attending the event with her contemporaries to mark 20 years since the Class of 2005 left school. A copy of That Time Everything Was on Fire has now been added to the collection of published books written by OPs.

Doc Dyson, volunteer archivist and former staff 88-18, said: “It’s always inspiring to see our former pupils pursuing their passions and achieving success. Thank you to Kerry for donating a copy of her debut novel to the school library – we’re thrilled to include it in our OP authors’ collection.”

Further information about Kerry’s novel can be found on the HarperCollins website here, and copies or downloads can be purchased from all good bookshops.