Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kat Fieler. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Kat, thanks for joining us today. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your creative career sooner or later?

I have been writing stories for as long as I can remember. While I’m not entirely sure what inspired me to start, I suspect it was my way of exploring possibilities and “what-ifs.”

In junior high, I had a dream. In this dream, I was not myself. I was someone else living in a strange city. I had different parents and eight siblings. What fascinated me was that I was completely unaware I wasn’t this other person until I woke up. This tickled me no end and led me to obsess over the idea that perhaps we all live multiple lives simultaneously, where each night we become different versions of ourselves, existing in other realities.

I wrote about this concept and other outrageous ideas for various essay contests and English classes, earning several awards. Two professors encouraged me to pursue writing professionally. Although I appreciated their praise, I struggled to understand how one could make a living telling stories. Unfortunately, my parents were not supportive, telling me they weren’t willing to pay for classes in subjects they considered hobbies—such as music, photography, art, and creative writing—and they posed the discouraging question: how do any of these pursuits put a roof over your head? As a result, my stories remained a personal creative outlet, something I kept to myself.

Early in my marriage, my husband, Ric, recognized my passion for writing and encouraged me to join a writers’ group and take classes. I did, and once again, mentors urged me to submit my work for publication. However, by then, I felt I was too old to start. But Ric persisted, and four years ago, he sent me to a writers’ retreat, during which I wrote the first six chapters of my debut novel. He redoubled his efforts to get me to submit something. On my first attempt, I secured a fiction byline, and since then, he has been my unwavering motivator.

If I could go back in time and speak to my younger self, I would remind myself that positive feedback had far outweighed the negative and that there are more than eight hours in a day. I’d tell myself to work to eat but live to dream and create. I would encourage myself to embrace uncertainty because playing it safe held me back from pursuing my true passion.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My first paid bylines were as a freelance writer. My work appeared in newspapers and magazines in Northern Florida. Eugene, Oregon, and Rockwall, Texas. I was often assigned pieces for the Lifestyles sections. These articles were not merely about ink and paper; they centered on truth-seeking and advocating for the voiceless. As I shifted from journalism to fiction, one thing remained: my love for writing about women and marginalized groups.

Each article provided an opportunity to engage with the world around me and shed light on important matters. From covering local events to interviewing community leaders, those early experiences shaped my voice as a writer.

In today’s digital age, journalism plays a vital role in holding power accountable. It raises awareness of pressing social issues, such as women’s rights and class disparities. My time spent in newsrooms taught me the importance of research, empathy, and the responsibility that comes with being a storyteller. It remains my passion, even in my works of fiction.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

In recent years, as global challenges have escalated and societal divisions have deepened, the need for storytelling has become more critical than ever. Artists possess a unique ability to craft narratives that resonate, inspire, and provoke thought.
Through their work, authors help maintain and celebrate the richness of our cultures. They preserve history and traditions while also pushing boundaries and exploring new ideas.

Increasingly, the burden to keep the arts alive has moved from government funding to support from private citizens, and support doesn’t always translate into dollars. Volunteers, crowdfunding, and even activism have never been more important. I urge people to get involved in whatever way they can.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

As a fiction writer, I feel it’s crucial to channel my creativity into narratives that educate, empower, and inspire change. Women’s issues have been at the forefront of social justice movements for decades, yet they remain underrepresented in mainstream media. By creating stories that spotlight women’s experiences—whether through historical fiction or fantasy worlds—I hope to transcend barriers, allowing readers to step into the shoes of characters who may have experiences vastly different from their own.

When readers connect with female protagonists, they develop a deeper understanding of the challenges women encounter, fostering empathy and compassion. My work will always seek to motivate readers to become advocates for change in their own communities.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kjfieler.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katfieler/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kat.fieler/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@KatFieler

Image Credits

Kai Smith,
Photographer
Filmmaker

eikonik images
PO Box 91
Lawrenceville, GA 30046
Office: 678.825.5410