While most writers focus on one genre, Kay A. Oliver, MBA, is one of those rare authors who moves effortlessly across genres to keep readers surprised and inspired. An accomplished storyteller and former Hollywood professional, she has earned wide acclaim for her mystery, historical fiction, and action-adventure novels.
In 2025, Oliver was honored as Fiction Author of the Year by the International Association of Top Professionals, adding to a growing list of accolades that confirm her place among today’s most dynamic writers.
From Hollywood to the Page
Before launching her writing career, Oliver spent 30 years in the entertainment industry, working with Warner Bros., Universal Studios Hollywood, and DreamWorks Animation. She wrote, produced, and directed short films for the Short Film Festival and held senior management roles with Hyland’s Naturals, DreamWorks, S.K.G., and Saban Brands.
“My years in Hollywood gave me a strong foundation for storytelling,” Oliver says. That experience now fuels the cinematic pace and vivid imagery in her novels.
Literary Success and Critical Acclaim
Since debuting her first book in 2020, Oliver has released an impressive catalog, including “Disturbed Tombs,” “Grave Disturbances,” “Whispering Lessons,” “Ice Cream Moments,” “Love’s Calculated Risk,” “Road to Elysium,” “Sisters in Cold Blood,” and her upcoming release, “Fear-Struck.”
Oliver’s 2023 novel “Road to Elysium” achieved exceptional recognition, winning the Book of the Year Award from OnlineBookClub.org, first place in the Shelf Unbound Best Indie Book Competition, and a spot on the Top 100 Best Books list. “It’s thrilling to see readers connect with my characters and stories in such a meaningful way,” Oliver says. Several of her earlier works, including “Disturbed Tombs” and “Sisters in Cold Blood,” have also earned multiple BookFest awards and five-star reviews.
Educator, Mentor, and Honoree
Alongside her writing, Oliver teaches marketing at Stanton University, where she earned an online faculty certification in 2024. “I find great fulfillment in sharing my knowledge and helping the next generation,” she explains. An MBA from the University of Phoenix and a bachelor’s degree in communications from California State University, Fullerton complement her experience in Hollywood and the publishing industry. As a result, she has a unique perspective, being both a professor and an author.
Oliver’s professional journey has been marked by numerous honors, including the Distinguished Woman of the Year award from the City of Stanton in 2023 and the Woman of the Year award from the National Association of Professional Women. She’s also a valued member of the Women’s Fiction Writers Association, the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, and the Association of Publishers for Special Sales.
Looking Forward: Expanding Stories and Impact
Oliver remains focused on creating bold, engaging fiction while exploring new creative horizons. “I plan to keep writing and publishing, and I would love to turn one of my novels into a feature,” she says.
