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

Alright, Katherine A thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Alright – so having the idea is one thing, but going from idea to execution is where countless people drop the ball. Can you talk to us about your journey from idea to execution?

When a woman is pregnant, there are a plethora of emotions felt throughout the journey. From joy, to an array of questions peeling back layers of curiosity, anxiety, excitement, and even tears: this special journey gives space to it all. I remember my husband and I being very intentional when I carried both of my children to immerse ourselves in as much love, hope, joy, peace, and positive support we could stand. But of course, you still had your naysayers. Some women thought it “wise” to share unnecessary superstitions and rude comments plinking in the air that our offspring would be “spoiled brats” or that I would not enjoy happy pregnancies. I let those unnecessary words disintegrate as the lies that they were. Not only were the statements untrue, I was blessed to have two pregnancies full of love, joy, peace, and special moments, and furthermore, both experiences also allowed me to birth not only children but also a book.

From 6 AM prayer and praise with a close Sister circle in Carbondale, Illinois, at Praise Outreach Ministries, to quiet closet prayer moments while carrying my daughter, I was intentional about speaking life over each bundle of joy. And while each pregnancy was adversely different, the key components of prayer, praise, and positivity linked together created two experiences that helped give birth to two beautiful offspring, but also a book of power, sharing life with other women who would be encouraged to pray and praise while pregnant.

In 2012, Praise While You’re Pregnant: Connecting with God Through the Womb was published after ten years (2002-2012) of writing, praying, and pulling together the right words to uplift the reader to know that whatever they were purposed with, they could be strong in accomplishing their goal coupled with prayer and praise. Physically and figuratively, being pregnant with purpose is no small feat. It is important for you to be intentional with your words, thoughts, and beliefs about yourself as well as what you are carrying. You must believe in success before it has arrived. You must believe and have faith that you are worthy of blessings even if your current circumstances do not look like it.

Self-publishing Praise While You’re Pregnant gave me a sense of newly discovered confidence in finding my ground as a new author. Much research went into account comparing traditional publishing to self-publishing. In the end, I decided self-publishing was best because I wanted full creative control over every decision. It felt good to know that I could stand by what I created because my life’s experiences helped shape my words. Words that are weapons to help strengthen people. Having been an urban English educator for 18+ years, I always knew from a little girl that I would be an author. I always knew I would share my words with the world. Being brave to publish my first book also paved an adventurous path for me as an eagle eye freelance book editor with Write It Out Publishing and to touch lives by empowering people to take risks in their lives most recently with my second book Shoot Your Shot!: You Have What it Takes to Win!

Activate the greatness within you by pressing onward even when others have negative words to spew. Take the risks that can help you and also empower others to be their best selves. Writing is one of my superpowers that helps me to uplift others, positively empowering them to be better individually with a collective growth intent. We all have something to offer, so do not give up on your dreams. Carry them and when it is time, birth them so that purpose is fulfilled.

Katherine A, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am a positive philanthropist who loves to see lives changed for the better. I positively empower people using my gifts to grow in life through self-development. An alumna of Southern Illinois University Carbondale, I have been an urban educator for at least 20 years, touching at least 2,000 young people at the middle and high school levels.

Writing and educating in various forms are natural gifts. I have been blessed to be a freelance editor and contributor to The Traveler Weekly, one of the oldest Black newspapers in Peoria, IL and so far, I have authored two books, Praise While You’re Pregnant: Connecting with God Through the Womb and Shoot Your Shot: You Have What It Takes to Win! In addition, I was a very successful freelance book publishing editor for six years, and I still share information to help new authors.

Connect with me at www.katherineayoung.com or stan.store/katherineayoung. You may also connect with me online on Instagram at @katherineayoung.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

I am a firm believer that being true to myself is the best way to be in life, business, and overall as an individual. Authenticity allows you to show the good, bad, and the ugly because clients want to witness it all besides the pretty highlight reel. Networking in the community and online helped me grow my clientele. I am a big supporter of small business and positively supporting others , so when I am a part of different cohorts, courses, or participating in various events, I am mindful to speak to a variety of people and show myself friendly. Being genuine does wonders to connecting with the right people.

Have you ever had to pivot?

In 2017, I discovered my eagle eye talents in editing and began freelance editing on my own as well as with Kiyanni Bryant’s company, Write It Out Publishing. I learned so much about book publishing and honed my editing skills to help new authors publish their books. The experience was invaluable.

One day, an associate asked me if I had published any other books since 2012. All I could think was “Ouch!” I had not published anything new during this time due to spending so much time helping others. I did not have the focus or energy to fully concentrate on my own work. After much prayer and reflection, I stopped editing and in 2022, I published my second book. I am currently writing and working on more books. The greatest lesson learned in this experience was that although I am skilled at a craft, if it is not the sincere path for my life, I need to focus on what is truly meant for me. And what is meant for me is to be a pen for the Lord, a pen to encourage, uplift, and educate.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.katherineayoung.com
• Instagram: @katherineayoung
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/katherineayoung18
• Other: Stan Store: https://stan.store/katherineayoung

Image Credits
Image credits: Images with Jacket: Michelle Thames Family photos by Kelsie Ann Photography Praise While You’re Pregnant cover: LaColis Ashby Shoot Your Shot cover: Luis Trochez