Featured Interview With Kathleen Driver
Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I am an entrepreneur, consultant and business coach also pursuing my dream as a novelist. My passion is reaching the human being inside of the busy women in power whether they are a business owner, executive or stay-at-home mom. I write “fiction with a message”, featuring characters and real life situations that every woman can relate to.
I write fiction under my real name and also under a penname (Elle Nora). I’m often questioned about why I write my novels using a penname. Initially, I did it because readers thought my novel “Better Choices” was an autobiography although it is totally fiction. So, I felt like I should separate my real persona as a technology/business consultant from my author persona. As I created that persona, I discovered that I actually do become a different person when I’m writing fiction and it’s a persona that I enjoy! I actually have the opportunity to escape into my own stories that I’m writing!
I was raised in a small town in rural Virginia. I attended Virginia State University in Petersburg, Virginia and currently live in Prince George’s County, Maryland. I am a committed and active volunteer in my community.
At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I started my love for reading before I could even read. At age 5, I would memorize the Sunday School lesson read to us by our teacher and ‘read’ it back to my grandmother when I returned home. From elementary school through college, English and Writing were my favorite subjects. I had a passion for writing poetry and short stories. A storyteller by nature, I love creating stories and characters that are relatable, that readers will love (and sometimes not love!).
My recent books are designed to entertain but to also convey a message. The characters will remind you of components of yourself and/or others that you know. Reading my books are like having a conversation with your best girlfriend!
Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
My favorite authors are Alice Walker, James Patterson, John Grisham, Iyanla Vanzant, Terri McMillan, Mary Higgans Clark, Dan McMillan, William Paul Young. I enjoy suspense, self-help, inspiration, intrigue and just plain old good writing that allows me to escape my world.
Tell us a little about your latest book?
“Stepping Stones” is a parable of two successful corporate executives, Kitt and April who share candid exchanges of feelings, desires and aspirations along their personal and professional journeys. They reveal the internal and external dialogue that can culminate into self-doubt, allowing the delay of dreams, growth, expression and progression. This tale symbolically portrays the very real conversations that we have with ourselves, but don’t always share with others for concern of being judged. Kitt and April draw upon those conversations to navigate the triumph of faith, trust and surrender above and beyond the obstacles of fear, doubt and failure.
“Stepping Stones” is an excellent read for anyone with a DREAM, anyone who has ever DOUBTED THEMSELVES and EVERYONE who can appreciate how our internal dialogue can CAUSE A DELAY or SPRINGBOARD US TO ACTION!
Readers will find the dialogue relatable, appreciate the message of each phase of the journey and will be encouraged!
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