Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie M. Reid.
Hi Katie M. , can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Had I known I would be a small business owner, I would have taken a few business classes in high school and college. Trained in education, I didn’t anticipate that my bucket list item of “writing a book” would accidentally turn into a career.
I grew up the oldest of four children. We didn’t have cable TV, so we spent most of our time using our imaginations. I wrote and directed neighborhood plays, hosted living room fashion shows, and made mixed tapes from the Top 40 radio hits. From a young age I enjoyed dabbling in various creative projects.
I have always liked to write, but it wasn’t until 2017 that I started Katie M. Reid LLC and signed my first book deal with a major publisher for my debut non-fiction trade book, Made Like Martha: Good News for the Woman Who Gets Things Done.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Becoming a multi-book author, national speaker, and podcast host has been fulfilling, but it has not been easy. It takes a lot of tenacity to not give up when you face closed doors. A colleague once told me this and it helps me keep going, “A ‘no’ to your project is not a ‘no’ to you.” In other words, your work has value but it does not determine your value.
One of my biggest career disappointments came when I started pitching my second non-fiction book. None of the publishers were interested in it, so instead of calling it quits, I decided to try my hand at writing fiction instead. Many people thought it was unwise for me to switch genres, but I had a fun idea for a holiday rom com novel so I went for it.
Sometimes life’s disappointments lead to surprising breakthroughs! This novel, A Very Bavarian Christmas, got picked up by a publisher, has a musical album to go along with it, and the movie rights have been purchased for it. Don’t give up on a great idea even when others don’t get it.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My goal with each book I write is to inspire readers and help them make life-giving decisions they won’t regret. To date, I have four published books on the shelves: Made Like Martha, God, What Do I Do?, A Very Bavarian Christmas, and A Very Bavarian Summer. I also send out a monthly Substack newsletter called, “In the Company of Bees” based on heartfelt letters I wrote my oldest daughter when she graduated from high school.
For five years I co-hosted the Martha + Mary Show podcast, and I had the opportunity to interview fascinating guests: from actors, to authors, to ordinary moms with miraculous stories. You can access the 200+ episodes on your favorite podcasting platform.
One of my favorite things to do, besides spending time with my wonderful husband and five amazing kids, is to encourage audiences around the country at various events. I also find it deeply fulfilling to hold the ladder for other creatives, so they can climb higher. Through training videos on my website, coaching calls, and writing retreats, I help others find the courage to walk out their unique purpose and finish their creative projects.
In a “me first” world I think it’s important to open the door for others and encourage them to offer their unique voice and talents. I’m so grateful for the speakers and authors who held the door open for me, for more opportunities. Maybe one of our greatest contributions in life won’t be what we offered, but how we supported others along the way?
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I’m a firstborn girl through and though. I’ve always enjoyed to-do lists and rallying people together to accomplish tasks.
When my siblings were young, I set up a school area in our basement and I was their self-appointed teacher. While other kids were playing outside, I was drilling my siblings on history lessons and making up catchy jingles to teach them about the explorers. Sheesh!
As a kid, I enjoyed reading boos like: Nancy Drew, The Baby-sitters Club, and Sweet Valley Twins. I sang in a local kids’ choir, school choir, and performed in numerous musicals. English and Choir were my favorite classes in school.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.katiemreid.com/books/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katie_m_reid/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KatieMReidWriter
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-m-reid-2397aba0/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@KatieMReid
- Substack: https://katiemreid.substack.com/subscribe
- Other: https://katiemreid.myshopify.com/
