We were lucky to catch up with Kim Poovey recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Kim, thanks for joining us today. What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?

Attitude and mindset are the most important factors for success, in my opinion. As a writer, it’s easy to get bogged down by self-doubt. My inner critic is constantly whispering that my work isn’t any good and that no one will like it. A dear friend suggested I name my inner critic so I could dismiss him when he got too loud. It may sound crazy, but it worked. When Mr. Creakle (I’m a huge fan of Dickens so I named him after the cruel headmaster in David Copperfield) starts saying I’m not good enough, I tell him to be quiet and leave me alone!

Another hindrance to creativity is comparing yourself to others. It’s easy to feel forlorn when fellow writers are winning awards or making the bestseller list and you’re struggling to finish a chapter. Instead of focusing on the accomplishments of others, I started concentrating on my current progress in relation to where I began. I also set a long-term goal with smaller more attainable goals. Each day, I keep a list of the things I’ve accomplished (writing a set number of words, posting on social media, etc.). There’s a sense of success when you see all of the things you’ve done in one day. I no longer compare myself to others and can easily quiet my inner critic. Altering my mindset has helped me improve my productivity as well as my creative output.

Kim, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

As a professional storyteller for more than twenty years it was only natural that I’d transition to writing. My stories usually involve a ghost and/or an historic setting. In 2012, my first novel made its debut and three years later another followed. In 2017, my publisher closed its doors (because of felonious activities) a week before my third novel was due for release. I was devastated and unable to trust another publishing company. So, I went Indie.

I established my imprint, Dickens Ghost Publishing, LLC, hired a writing coach/editor, and a cover designer. In 2022, The Haunting of Monroe Manse made its debut. Since that time, I’ve written and published six more books.

The beauty of being an Indie author is that you have control over your genres, release dates, and cover design. Currently, I’m editing book five in the Dreamist series, The Haunting of Hayden Place, and just released my first non-fiction book, Recipe for Writing. Three of my books have made the best seller lists in their categories on Amazon which fulfilled one of my long-term goals. I’ve also given workshops about Indie publishing to various writing groups.

My writing career has gone through a host of revisions from traditional to Indie publishing, writing in different genres, and sharing my experiences and knowledge with other writers. Hard work, faith, and keeping a positive mindset have helped me get this far. I hope to help other writers achieve their dreams so they can entertain the world with their stories.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

My first two novels were traditionally published. I’d been with my publisher for six years and loved them. Then it happened. They filed bankruptcy. No warning, no email, nothing. My third book’s release date was one week away. The bankruptcy was bad enough but learning the company was being charged with forty-four felony counts left me bereft. I didn’t know what to do. After the shock wore off, I started investigating other avenues. I couldn’t let this stop me from getting my stories into the world. It wasn’t easy or quick but five years after my publisher shut its doors, my first novel as an Indie publisher was released. As much as I liked being traditionally published, I love being an Indie author even more. I wouldn’t be where I am today if the scandal with my publisher hadn’t occurred. It ended up being a blessing in disguise. I have readers who love my books, I’ve made the best seller lists on Amazon, and I continue to progress and grow. Even better, I’m encouraging other authors to pursue their dreams.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

There are so many it’s difficult to list them all. First and foremost, hiring a writing coach was one of the best things I ever did. Charlotte Rains-Dixon has helped me take my writing to the next level, cheered me on when I was hopeless and wanted to quit, and guided me in my writing journey. My fellow writers in my writing groups have also been a boon to my success.

Some of my favorite books about writing include: On Writing by Stephen King, Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott, Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg, The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron, and DIY MFA by Gabriela Pereira. I’ve attended several webinars on writing through Jane Friedman’s website, the Pat Conroy Literary Center, and many freebies online. I’ve also received valuable advice and information about writing and publishing through newsletters. All of these things have helped me improve my craft, create a consistent writing routine, develop a publishing plan, and strengthen my mindset so I could survive the difficult times that all writers encounter.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://kimpoovey.com
• Instagram: @kimpooveyauthor
• Facebook: kimpooveyauthor
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-poovey-b29035142/
• Youtube: @kimpoovey3G
• Other: Substack @kpoovey

Image Credits

Author photo by Jasmina Kimova.