Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Katie Andrews Potter. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Katie, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
The idea of purpose can be so nebulous and difficult to define, but for me, it’s become quite simple over time.
For most of my life, I felt invisible. I so often felt dismissed, overlooked, and rejected. It has been a long road to discovering my purpose, and it’s only been in the last two years that things have fallen into place for me.
The catalyst came in May 2022. At the age of 36, married and a mother of four, I came to the realization that I was autistic. So many in my generation have made such a discovery later in life, as understanding of autism grows along with the neurodiversity movement. Later that year I would also be diagnosed with ADHD. Now it all made sense: why I had always felt out of place in life, and why I had always felt uncomfortable in my own skin… I hardly knew myself. I had been masking so much of my life.
Still, there was so much of my true self that had always persisted, and I began my journey toward real self-worth and self-acceptance, even self-love. I realized that I could not feel truly accepted by anyone else if I did not first accept myself. I had to learn I was worthy, and that my work– especially my creative work– was worthwhile. That I had true worth.
For me, my purpose comes down to this: shining a light on the worth inherent in everything, in everyone. To show others they are worthy and beautiful and loved. I first had to see this in myself. And now, I can share this gift with the world.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I have been a writer since I could hold a pencil in my hand. And I was a storyteller long before that! I wrote my first book when I was in Kindergarten, and I never stopped writing.
I am now an independent author, writing for children and teens. I love writing for young readers (and the young at heart). I believe that children’s stories are simply the most beautiful and moving of all– and they can be enjoyed by everyone! I hold to what C.S. Lewis said, “A children’s story that can only be enjoyed by children is not a good children’s story in the slightest.” Anyone who’s ever read his Narnia series would likely agree. As a mother of four children, and a longtime teacher, I have always believed in the wonders of children and childhood. I am perhaps a bit of an enteral optimist, but it’s what keeps me going.
All of my books are steeped in history, particularly family history. I wrote my first novel, Going over Home, when I was in college and student teaching, and released it in 2012. Its sequel, Going over Jordan, released in 2015. Both are young adult historical fiction novels. My first picture book was When Mother Read Aloud, released in 2017. Illustrated by five local artists, it tells the life story of my great-great-great grandmother, an Indiana pioneer woman in her own words.
My two latest books are both told in free verse. Wildflowers in Watercolor, a young adult coming-of-age fantasy, released last September. My newest book, Little Bird Woman, is a historical fiction about a young Gene Stratton-Porter, the Indiana author and naturalist.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
One thing I try to remember, especially when I find myself struggling or needing to make a big decision, is the big picture. The story. I remember this best when I am grounded, when I take the space to listen within: to zoom out and see how it all works together. As an author and storyteller, I know I can continue onward when I remember my part in the STORY.
To illustrate, I can use two of my favorite movies.
There’s a beautiful scene at the end of the 2002 film, The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers. Sam reminds Frodo of this truth about “the great stories,” when Frodo feels like he just can’t go on any longer. Sam ends with this line, “Folk in those stories had lots of chances of turning back, only they didn’t. They kept going, because they were holding on to something. That there is some good in this world, and it’s worth fighting for.”
The other movie is the 1989 film Dead Poets Society, starring Robin Williams. As an English teacher, his character encourages his students with a line from a Walt Whitman poem: “… the powerful play goes on, and you may contribute a verse.”
I am at my best when I remember the big picture story, and my verse. I am at my best when I remember what I’m holding on to, when I remember why I am here. This is how I keep going on my journey.
I suppose my advice is then, to Remember– you may contribute a verse. Ask yourself, as Robin Williams’ character asked his students, “What will your verse be?”
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
I can get overwhelmed easily. I used to think there was something really wrong with me when I would have severe anxiety attacks. Knowing now that I am autistic and have sensory processing differences, I have developed more self-compassion in this overwhelm.
I have learned to ask myself about what my body is experiencing and what kinds of things led to my overwhelm and anxiety. Sometimes it’s minor, such as turning up the heat or turning off music. Other times, it requires a massive lifestyle adjustmentment, such as leaving a stressful job that’s taking a toll on my health.
I have learned to take better care of myself and to live at my own pace. It can be difficult, especially because my life is so countercultural and doesn’t align with many people’s standards or expectations. But I know that to be at my best, this is what how it needs to be. Letting go of unnecessary guilt and shame is key. Easier said than done, but remember, it’s a process. Learn what is best for you, put those things into place, and you can be at your best for yourself and others.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.katieandrewspotter.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katieandrewspotter
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorkatieandrewspotter
Image Credits
Going over Home cover art by Kristin Mary Going over Jordan cover art by LorieLee Andrews Wildflowers in Watercolor cover art by Laura Reilly Calligraphy Little Bird Woman cover art by Shelley Wallace When Mother Read Aloud cover image provided by Katie Andrews Potter family collection
