Meet KJ Fieler

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful KJ Fieler. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with KJ below.

KJ , so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
You’d think, with seven literary awards under my belt, I’d be comfortable calling myself an author. The truth is, I have yet to overcome imposter syndrome. I blush when a reader leaves me a glowing review or takes the time to email me. Like most authors, my characters are all some version of me, especially Ada. Their stories are a retelling of some happening in my own life. I’m surprised when people identify, but they do, and it’s humbling.

In-person events are especially awkward for me. I never know what to say when someone praises my work. To be fair, it’s a larger problem. I don’t know how to take a compliment. Case in point: I love wearing dresses, not because I look good in them, but because they’re comfortable. But, when someone compliments my dress, I’m compelled to say I got it on sale with a coupon… in fact it was practically free. I literally make things up to diminish the compliment.

I’m working on it.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
My true love is PR and, recently, I went back to that. My expertise lies in building connections. I thrive on creating bridges with fellow authors and finding opportunities to support others on their literary journeys. It brings me great joy to brag about author-friends and to promote the books I adore. Getting paid to do that is like having double frosting on cake.

With this passion in mind, I recently launched a YouTube channel called Writer 2 Writer, dedicated to shining a spotlight on authors. Unlike most author-focused programs, W2W is designed for readers rather than aspiring writers. We steer clear of discussions about art and the muse, and instead treat each interview as a 30-minute advertisement for the author’s books. Viewers are primarily readers who wish they could meet their favorite authors, but haven’t had the opportunity to attend a book signing. Through this platform, I delve into the lives and works of fellow authors, shedding light on their creative processes and showcasing their latest literary masterpieces.

In addition to my YouTube channel, I am proud to be a member of such esteemed organizations as the Florida Writers Association, North Florida Writers, Women’s Fiction Writers Association, Henderson Group, the Amelia Island Book Festival, and the Atlanta Writers Club. My dedication to nurturing young writers is evident through my role as a teen fiction judge on various platforms; most recently as a Royal Palm Literary Award Judge for Teen and Young Adult Fiction.

This year, I’m proud to say, my influence extended beyond the boundaries of Earth. My very first fiction byline, Loyalty, was sent into space as part of the Lunar Codex project on January 7, 2024.

I was thrilled to discover that my debut novel, SHADOW RUNNER, won an impressive number of awards. That wasn’t my focus, but the accolades help with imposter syndrome. I had a lot of fun writing this first installment in a three-book Victorian Adventure series that immerses readers in a world of mystery and intrigue. Book two, SHADOW HUNTER, is due to be released in December of 2024.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I believe my best qualities are determination, empathy, and a wild imagination. My skills as a writer were honed through practice and with support from fellow authors, but expressing myself with words was important in nurturing my inate abilities.

I think most authors possess similar traits, and it matters greatly to me that I help others whenever I can: most especially teens. Young writers face all the normal hurdles, but with the added burden of thinking age holds them back. That’s not true, but sometimes we adults dismiss youth even if unconsciously, and thus we contribute to the stereotype. I can never thank my mentors, but I remember what their help meant to me and I try to honor the debt.

To young writers, my advice is this: never allow imposter syndrome to overpower you. Remember, even acclaimed authors like Stephen King face their fair share of one-star reviews. As far as I can tell, he doesn’t lose sleep over that. And always remember, the things you write are your stories, whether they get published or not. Stories have the power to shape your life in bold and unique ways. I know my stories have shaped my life. So don’t give up.

What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
In the beginning, I naively believe that writing a book was a straightforward process: write, find an agent or publisher, sign a contract, and move on to the next book. Boy, was I mistaken!

The reality is far from that. Writing a book was no easy task, but believe it or not, that is the simple part. Once your work is in print, you must find a balance between promoting your current masterpiece and creating your next one. Oh, and did I mention you have a job, and relationships with family and friends to maintain?

It’s a juggling act of epic proportions. For me, the passion is Writer 2 Writer, and the possibility is very real that it will run itself at some point soon. Interviews don’t take that long and content is my wheelhouse. So, my solution is the channel. My focus is to double the content in the next 6 months and grow my subscriber base to 1000. Meanwhile, I have a Victorian Adventure series to finish.

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