We were lucky to catch up with Natoshia Baer recently and have shared our conversation below.

Natoshia, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear how you think where to draw the line in terms of asking friends and family to support your business – what’s okay and what’s over the line?

To me, asking family and friends for support in my business adventure was crucial to get to where I am today. I didn’t ask with any expectations, and I only shared with those closest to me my plans of following my dream to become an author. All of my marketing I do myself, so asking them if they would be interested in following my social media pages, signing up for a newsletter and even sharing information on my books was a huge help. I don’t feel it’s appropriate to ask with high expectations, but it could differ for everyone depending on your relationship with those you’re asking. My mother helped me write our first book when I was only nine years old, and she taught me a lot of things as we sat at that computer screen for hours every day. She taught me that I can lean on those around me for help, and to share my joy and happiness with them but you have to create your own story. You can’t expect others to write it for you.

Natoshia, 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?

From the time I could read, I have always had a book in my hand. When I was a young girl, my grandparents always found me nestled in the branches of the tree in their front yard, my nose buried in a book and oblivious to the rest of the world. At nine years old, my mother helped me turn a wild idea I had, into a story. That story may have been lost over the years, but it helped me become who I am. I knew I wanted to be an author from a young age, and I was very lucky to have a wonderful English teacher in seventh grade who would read my little short stories. She told me that she couldn’t wait to read my books one day, and that stuck with me after all these years. Although I’m sure nobody expected my books to be what they are today, my Barone Brothers series for example. I write stories full of action, adventure and mix in a heavy topping of spice. My books always include a morally gray character, or two, that would turn their back on everyone for the one they love. Because I think we all need that, to escape to a world that we could only dream of with characters we feel a familiarity and comfort with. Even if it’s just for a few hours. When I started writing, I found myself second guessing every twist, every turn in my books. But with time, support from the incredible people in my life, especially my husband, and connecting with other authors, I found myself. I’m proud that I found the confidence to write how I want a story to unfold, as opposed to how I think others would want it. I’m always connecting and creating lasting friendships with readers, and love to hear their own stories of how a book helped them through the darkest days in their lives.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

One of the most rewarding aspects I have been faced with as an author, is hearing from readers. I will never forget the feeling of being told that my book helped somebody during a difficult time in their life. I’ve also formed friendships with a few readers, who have gone out of their way to be a shoulder for me to lean on. These types of connections are irreplaceable and will always be the most rewarding part of my entire author experience. I also get to be an example for my children, that their dreams are possible. I want everyone to be able to experience the joy, pride and thrill of sitting back and realizing that you’re on a path that you had dreamt of.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

There are a few moments along this journey where I’ve closed my laptop and been prepared to walk away. As someone who struggles with a list of mental and physical health difficulties, some days are harder than others. I’ve spent more time in the hospital than I’d like to admit in my twenty seven years. But when I lost my grandfather, my biggest fan, in June of 2023, I wanted to give up. He was a huge part of who I am and was always proud to talk about his granddaughter, the author. Losing him, drowning in grief and depression, and watching my sales tank was nearly my breaking point. On top of it, I was now facing another physical diagnosis and felt that maybe this was all more than I could handle. But my husband wouldn’t let me quit. He reminded me that our children were watching their mother chase her dreams and that papaw wouldn’t want me to give up so easily. So I kept trying, kept advertising my books and pushing forward. When Our Darling Isabelle released, I received an outpouring of support that I had never seen before. I never would have if I had given up.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://natoshiabaer.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natoshiabaer_author?igsh=dXc4bGl4dzZpbHVv
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/AAQB87N2k2exCCNQ/?mibextid=qi2Omg
• Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@natoshiabaer_author?_t=8nuSiM0qcCB&_r=1