In this captivating interview, we dive into the world of Kaitlyn Webb, a passionate poet and emerging writer whose journey is as inspiring as her work. From penning her first picture book in third grade to crafting heartfelt poetry that resonates deeply with readers, Kaitlyn’s path to becoming a published author is a testament to the power of perseverance and creativity. Her debut collection, My World My Everything, is a beautiful reflection of her personal experiences, blending family memories, romance, and the challenges of navigating the publishing world. Join us as Kaitlyn shares her story, offering insights and encouragement to fellow writers and dreamers.
1. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind your poetry book, My World My Everything?
A: The inspiration for the book is based off of my own life experiences.
2. How did you start your journey in writing, and what motivated you to pursue it professionally?
A: I started writing short stories in school in third grade if you knew me then you would always see me with a notebook i wrote my first picture book for a class assignment that same year in 2006 after writing the book i loved writing ever since just ask my mom and twin sister Melissa,
What kept me motivated to write is i admire how you have freedom to be creative just like how a bookstore makes you feel you can go anywhere in the world without having to leave your home.
3. What personal experiences influenced the themes and emotions in your poetry?
A: The family section of my poetry in the book is influenced from being family oriented and simply to show my love and appreciation of the memories the red canoe poem is close to me because my mom’s parents owned a lake home in Alexandria Minnesota a long time ago my sisters and i used to canoe together there while learning how to fish using hot dogs as bate then my grandma taught my twin sister and i how to use water color paints my mom, sister Melissa and i spent hours painting together and celebrated our golden birthday at the lake house.
Another section is the romance one that is personal to me being a hopeless romantic at heart.
4. Could you share a bit about the challenges you faced while writing and publishing your book?
A: learning how to publish a e book for the first time while trying to find the right way to publish.
5. How did you stay motivated and encouraged during the three-year journey of creating My World My Everything?
A: My family and friends made sure i didn’t quit during the process of writing book and watching how Amanda Gorman performs her poetry on tv feeling the inspiration to write my own book.
6. What were some of the biggest hurdles you encountered in making a name for yourself within the industry?
A: I have done a lot of research I’m completely new to the writing industry as a professional now i also do not have representation of any kind trying to make a name for myself by promoting my own book on social media.
7. How do you manage to maintain your mental health and well-being while pursuing a career in writing?
A: I write my feelings down almost daily then turn those thoughts into poetry while listening to music.
8. Are there any particular moments or stories from your writing process that stand out to you?
A: I wrote a poem titled life is like fog on the way to Woodbury Minnesota while my mom was driving i saw a cloud of fog in the mid morning.
9. How did you navigate the lack of professional management representation during your journey?
A: Having the support of family and friends especially my mom and twin sister has done countless amounts of research to make sure my world my everything would be happening.
10. What advice would you give to other aspiring writers who are just starting out?
A: Have a really good support system behind you, do lots of research and find a method that works for you the best such as if a device works to write ideas or writing with a pen and paper also don’t feel the need and pressure to publish in a rush writing takes time, most of all be proud of yourself and never give up.
11. How do you balance writing with other aspects of your life and career?
A: I write ideas in my head i always have some sort of way to feel inspired to make poetry like when i hear my favorite song, even when i eat my favorite foods during the day i take breaks from other life things i step aside and write when i feel inspired i make time to write.
12. Can you talk about any support systems or communities that helped you along the way?
A: My mom, My sisters, hometown Stillwater Minnesota some congratulated me around town about my book, and close friends have been there to make sure i never gave up as well.
13. How has your perception of writing and the publishing industry changed since you began your journey?
A: I wasn’t aware of the long process on creating a book which overwhelmed me not knowing where start now that i have the knowledge of creating a book i will continue to know what to do for in the future of my next book projects.
14. What message do you hope readers take away from your book?
A: I hope readers would be inspired to write their own story of any kind from poetry to nonfiction, fiction, biography, etc.
15. What are your future plans or projects, and how do you envision your growth as a writer?
A: My current project is writing another poetry book about holidays and a way to showcase appreciation for teachers and more.
For future plans my world my everything will be eventually going to print copy while i grow as a writer would i will be expanding my music career as well as a singer / songwriter while continuing writing books.
IG: @kaitlyn_tck
TikTok: @kaitlyntck
@kaitlyntck
