Community and Clarity through Writing
Kathleen Carozza, a first-time and self-publishing author, joined Val Cervarich of Writing Help KC for an author interview. They discussed Kate’s book, Life’s Purpose: The Underlying Ingredients for Peace, Purpose, and Prosperity, and the writing and self-publishing journey.
This is a recap of our interview on August 25, 2021 on Instagram Live. If you missed out, please check out the video here, or continue reading the recap below.
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Kate is nearing her 1st year anniversary of publishing.
She shared that there was a lot of fear and doubt in the process, but it was worth it.
It took her 30 days to write the first draft. She submitted the manuscript to Val in October 2020 and then published in January 2021.
If you don't put a timeframe on your writing you will keep procrastinating. A timeline is essential, but it doesn’t have to be perfect.
Val emphasized accountability, explaining that a person, school, or program helps with progress and gives you regular reports to your peers.
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Kate agrees with having accountability is key or else you will come up with many excuses.
Her book title is Life’s Purpose: The Underlying Ingredients for Peace, Purpose, and Prosperity.
Since publishing in January, Kate has had a phenomenal and unexpected ride. She has “found her people” during marketing and interviews. Others have had the same experiences and have a similar philosophy.
Kate wrote the book on topics of faith and has found that other people had similar experiences. She has even made a friend in Europe.
She has participated in a co-authored book and has another one in the works, in addition to utilizing a coaching company.
Val observed the positive energy and manifestation of the book is happening in real life given the connections Kate has made.
Kate is more eager to keep going based on this positive experience, and she has started a second book that Val, her “life saver”, will edit it.
Val learned a lot while editing this nonfiction book.
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Val added that Kate’s practice of writing in a different way, through her recent experiences, can provide a unique perspective and motivation for personal work.
Kate shared that the feedback on Life’s Purpose also motivates her next publication.
This time Kate will not hold herself to the same 30-day writing standard. She does not want to feel rushed because the content needs time to grow. She isn’t worried about what’s coming next week, and she wants to write more organically.
Kate is also keeping in mind her self-edit and preparation to collaborate with Val a second time.
Kate’s accountability will be with herself now that she is more aware about the entire process.
Val just led meetings for Craft Chat Book Club. The first selection was Elizabeth Gilbert’s, Big Magic, and they covered how ideas in the universe come to you and if you don’t grab them, they go to someone else. Val linked this to Kate’s process of writing when the ideas come to her, not functioning based on an arbitrary date.
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Kate could tell when chapters resonated with her the most, they also resonated with the reader the most. This is something she will consider with her second book. Kate will be aware of when the content is based on ego or on something to be explored.
People connected with the negative self-talk chapter [of Life’s Purpose] the most. Kate believes the topic needs to be covered many times for the information to stick.
Val agrees that negative self-talk is a challenge and needs to be addressed habitually. She suggests celebrating the small accomplishments and reviewing the wins during the week.
Kate expanded that her emotions were impacting her environment, and she now works on gaining control of the situation before it escalates.
The second book will have more of a spiritual theme. She was hesitant to do so in her first publication, but this time she is going for it.
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Kate wants to show how positive thinking can change your life.
Val acknowledged the empowerment that publishing and feedback can have for a future in writing.
Kate agreed that seeing the value of her work was a positive experience.
Val shared that Kate did the hardest part of getting all her ideas down on paper and then the editing process, which includes Val’s perspective as a reader, organizes the content to present the clearest message to the audience.
Kate said she was okay even if someone criticizes her book in the future because it was an honest message she put out at a particular time in her life.
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Life’s Purpose can be purchased on Amazon.
Advice for other writers: don’t let a lack of confidence and fear hold you back. Imagine what publishing will feel like at the end because the process is worth it. She also recommends Val as an editor because she was so supportive.
If you’re feeling inspired by Kate’s author and self-publishing journey, please reach out to Val for details on collaborating!