Welcome to The RV Book Fair! Kalee, tell us about your latest book and what inspired you to write it?
My latest work is a non-fiction book titled “Make Money Your Thing: Ditch the Shame and Design Your Dream Life.” I wrote this book with the aim of empowering women to feel confident about their finances. With over 15 years of experience in the financial industry, I was always passionate about supporting women in their financial journey. However, I encountered discouraging messages from my male colleagues, suggesting that women weren’t interested in financial matters or investing. This made me sad, especially considering the financial struggles my single mother faced. But my perspective changed when, returning from maternity leave after the birth of my daughter, I decided to challenge these notions by organizing events focused on money and investing exclusively for women. The response was overwhelming, with women attending in increasing numbers each month. This inspired me, confirming that women indeed desired financial literacy presented in a non-intimidating, welcoming, and safe manner. Recognizing this need, I wrote my book, which encompasses everything I believe women should know about money, including lessons I wish to impart to my daughter, Ivy.
How do you approach the process of writing? Do you have a specific routine or ritual?
The process of writing is not exactly natural for me. My daily career revolves around analytical and numbers-oriented tasks. I’ve found that the best time for me to write is in the morning, before immersing myself in the world of numbers. My writing routine often begins with meditation, either guided sessions from YouTube or simply calming music. I don’t set a specific duration for meditation; I go with the flow. I also prefer to write sitting on my bed, which is probably terrible for my back. But I always have plenty of story-like dreams so I figure what better place to get the create juices flowing.
What themes or messages do you hope readers will take away from your work?
The central message of my books revolves around financial literacy. I want readers to understand that money matters can be learned; one doesn’t need to be an expert from the outset. If you’re open to learning, you can transform your relationship with money. Our formal education systems often neglect financial literacy, so feeling overwhelmed when learning these concepts is entirely normal. Confidence comes with learning, and my goal is to make these financial concepts approachable and enjoyable. That’s why I also wrote a children’s book, “MoneyWise Mabel’s Bursting Bank,” to make money topics comfortable and fun for kids.
What challenges have you faced as a writer and how have you overcome them?
My most significant challenge was granting myself the permission to be a writer. Early experiences with writing led me to believe that I wasn’t good at it, and then couldn’t be a writer. This self-doubt, coupled with hundreds of manuscript rejections when seeking literary agents, fueled imposter syndrome. My determination ultimately saw me through these challenges. I’m very persistent, and once I set my mind on something, I don’t give up easily. This determination helped me overcome my insecurities. I came up with a new mantra for myself which was to just keep showing up. There are so many elements that are outside of your control on the writing journey, so focus on what you can control. And for me that meant just continuing to show up no matter what.
What advice do you have for aspiring authors who are looking to get their first book published?
Don’t give up! EVER! During my manuscript querying phase, I faced a multitude of rejections, numbering in the hundreds. Having a background in a sales-oriented career, I understood the importance of perseverance. Rejections are part of the journey, especially when seeking traditional publishing deals. Agents receive a high volume of queries, and your proposal might not receive more than a passing glance. Remember that rejection doesn’t reflect the quality of your work; it may simply not align with what a particular agent is seeking. If you have an idea for a book and take it from concept to execution, believe that it deserves to be shared with the world. Even if traditional publishing routes prove challenging, self-publishing is a viable option in today’s world. Your book is valuable, so never give up—the world needs your story!
How do you handle writer’s block or periods of low motivation?
When I first started writing, I felt like I was perpetually in a state of writer’s block, as writing didn’t come naturally to me. I approached it as a mathematical problem: I calculated how many words I needed to write daily to achieve my desired book length within a specific timeframe. Breaking it down into manageable daily goals satisfied my analytical mindset. Many days, I had no clue what I’d write until I sat in front of the computer. I released the pressure and simply sat there. Surprisingly, the words often flowed once I started typing. While this approach might not work for everyone, I encourage aspiring writers to give it a try. Even if you believe you have nothing to write, sitting in front of the computer gets you one step closer to completing your book.
Do you have any upcoming projects or future writing plans that you’d like to share with your readers?
Yes I sure do! I’ve recently embarked on a new project focusing on money (of course!), tailored specifically for teenagers and young adults. This age group is crucial for establishing good money habits as they begin earning income from their jobs. Supporting young individuals during this pivotal stage can have a profound impact on their financial future. As a mother to two young children, I’m dedicated to balancing the desire to provide for them with the understanding that they need to learn independently. I firmly believe that the next generation has incredible potential, and I’m cheering them on every step of the way!
What are your thoughts on the future of publishing and the role of technology in storytelling?
The evolution of technology, including tools like ChatGPT, fascinates me. I often wish I had access to such resources when writing research reports during my school years. The pace at which AI and technology are advancing makes it challenging to predict their future role in storytelling. While technology is a valuable tool to support various writing projects, I believe that the essence of storytelling, rooted in lived experiences and authenticity, can never be fully replaced by technology. I sincerely hope that technology will complement, rather than supplant, the art of storytelling.
Find out more about Kalee at: https://kaleeboisvert.com/
For additional information about the RV Book Fair and our featured guests, please visit:www.relatable-media.com