Do you ever feel like you don’t have time to chase your dreams? Does that thought keep you stuck? In this podcast episode, we talk about why waiting for more time doesn’t work. How doing a little, when you can, actually changes everything!

Katherine Walters shares her journey as an author, discussing her early writing experiences, the challenges of publishing, and the creative process behind her Arydian series. She emphasizes the importance of perseverance, support from loved ones, and the value of feedback in writing.

We also get a little behind the scenes with Katherine, as she delves into her writing techniques, character development, and the significance of research in creating realistic settings.

She inspires aspiring authors! She also offers valuable advice and insights into the world of writing and publishing.

Listen below or in your favorite podcast app!

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Show Notes:

Where you can find Katherine:

@authorkwalters

https://www.katherinearmstrongwalters.com

Order Katherine’s Books:

Aqua, Aftershock & Abyss

So many Great Takeaways!!!

Katherine has been writing since childhood, illustrating her first book at age seven.
The publishing process is often more challenging than writing itself.
Support from friends and family is crucial in an author's journey.
Katherine's writing is influenced by her personal experiences and those around her.
Editing is a vital part of the writing process and should be embraced.
Katherine's characters often reflect real people and their experiences.
Researching settings and details enhances the realism of her stories.
Writing can be a journey of discovery for both the author and the characters.
Katherine emphasizes the importance of finishing what you start in writing.
Persistence and hard work are key to achieving publishing success.

Promo for Aqua (Book One):

Promo for Aftershock (book two)

Promo for Abyss (Book three):

Episode Summary

The Journey of an Author: Katherine Walters’ Inspiring Story - Introduction:

In the world of literature, every author has a unique journey filled with challenges, triumphs, and a profound love for storytelling. In this blog post, we dive into the inspiring story of Katherine Walters, author of the Iridian series, as she shares her experiences and insights from her writing journey. Join us as we explore her path from a young storyteller to a published author, revealing the lessons learned along the way.

Section 1: Early Beginnings and the Love for Writing

Katherine Walters’ passion for writing began at a remarkably young age. She fondly recalls creating her first book at just seven years old, despite the harsh critique from her father, who advised against killing off the main character too soon. This early setback didn’t deter her; instead, it ignited a lifelong passion for storytelling. Katherine states, "I’ve been making up stories since I was old enough to talk." This innate love for narrative became a guiding force throughout her life.

Section 2: The Dream of Becoming a Writer

For Katherine, the desire to be a writer was intertwined with her aspirations of motherhood. She and her best friend, Karen, often spent hours on the phone crafting stories together, envisioning a future where they could balance writing with raising their families. However, the path to publication proved to be more challenging than she anticipated. Despite writing a series for middle readers titled "Tree Sharks," which was initially picked up by a publisher, Katherine faced heartbreak when the project was eventually dropped. This setback led her to step away from writing for several years.

Section 3: Rediscovering the Passion

Katherine’s return to writing was sparked by a dream about an underwater civilization, which she shared with her friend Karen. Encouraged by Karen, she began writing again, producing a 500-page manuscript that she later read to her father during a hospital visit. His enthusiastic response motivated her to continue. Through persistence and encouragement from friends, she refined her manuscript and began exploring the publishing landscape, facing numerous rejections along the way.

Section 4: The Breakthrough

After years of hard work, Katherine’s breakthrough came unexpectedly. She met a neighbor who was a published author and shared her manuscript with her. The neighbor’s positive feedback and suggestion to self-publish reignited Katherine’s determination. After multiple edits, she published her book on Amazon, but struggled with visibility. A chance encounter at a local bookstore led to a pivotal moment when the store owner expressed interest in selling her book, ultimately leading her to connect with a new publisher who recognized her talent.

Section 5: The Success of the Arydian Series

Katherine’s hard work paid off when her book was selected as one of the flagship titles for a new publishing branch. This success allowed her to participate in events like Comic-Con and engage with her readers. As she wrote subsequent books in the Iridian series, she faced the challenge of maintaining the story’s integrity while exploring new narrative avenues. Katherine learned the importance of giving herself permission to write freely, acknowledging that the first draft doesn’t have to be perfect.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

Katherine Walters’ journey from a young girl with a passion for storytelling to a successful author is a testament to perseverance and the power of community support. Her story highlights the importance of embracing creativity, learning from setbacks, and the value of persistence in the face of rejection. For aspiring writers, her journey serves as a reminder that the path to success is rarely linear and that passion, encouragement, and resilience are key components in achieving one’s dreams.