Today we’d like to introduce you to Katrina L. Cooper.
Hi Katrina L., we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hmm! It’s hard to say exactly when I started writing. As a child, I loved creating short stories, but somewhere along the way, that passion evolved into poetry.
I was fascinated by the way poetry could capture every emotion imaginable—love, anger, frustration, joy, heartbreak—and transform those feelings into beautiful verse. When you really think about it, it’s astonishing what talented poets can express with just a few carefully chosen words.
Sorry, I got a little off track there!
For me, writing began as a way to express my own thoughts and emotions. I continued writing for years, never once imagining that my work would become a book. Sadly, my own low self-esteem led me to believe that I had nothing worthwhile to offer as a writer.
Then, in 2022, I published “I Have a Dream, Too, Mr. King and Other Things” sold on Amazon. Holding that book in my hands was an incredible accomplishment. My children and friends stood beside me with unwavering support, and I was deeply touched by everyone who chose to purchase and read it. Their encouragement helped me realize that perhaps my words did have value after all.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Oh, no, there has been no smooth road in my life. As I mentioned earlier, I struggled with low self-esteem for many years. Learning to look beyond those feelings of not being enough and finding the courage to do what seemed impossible takes a tremendous amount of work.
At one point, I took several writing classes at Lansing Community College while pursuing an Associate’s degree in Writing. Although I didn’t complete the degree, the experience gave me a solid foundation in the craft of writing and helped me develop my skills.
I wrote whenever inspiration struck—at work, at church, and at home, often late into the night. Writing became a constant companion through every season of my life.
In 2015, I lost my grandmother, and eight years later, in 2023, I lost my mother. Those were two of the hardest losses I’ve ever experienced. Thankfully, my mother was able to attend my book release before she passed away. She was incredibly proud of what I had accomplished, and that memory is something I will always cherish.
Those losses, along with other challenges, made it difficult for me to write again. Grief has a way of silencing your voice. But what I discovered is that no matter what you’re facing—whether it’s physical challenges, emotional pain, or mental struggles—writing has a way of bringing peace. It restores a little bit of hope, a little bit of clarity, and yes… maybe even a little bit of sanity! (LOL)
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My life isn’t glamorous, and that’s okay. I’m a regular employee at a Clerk’s office in Michigan, a mother of five, and a proud grandmother of three. When I’m not working, I enjoy singing, writing, and studying God’s Word. Most days, you’ll find me doing one of two things—at church or at home. I’m definitely a homebody. I love the peace and quiet of curling up with a good book and discovering new authors.
Now, I do have one guilty pleasure—paranormal romance! Give me stories about werewolves, vampires, witches, or even aliens, and I’m hooked. (LOL)
Beyond writing, I’m most proud of my ministry. I love teaching and encouraging others through God’s Word, whether it’s in person or through my Facebook posts. Seeing someone encouraged or inspired by something I’ve shared is incredibly rewarding.
As for what sets me apart, that’s a difficult question for me to answer. I’ve spent much of my life battling low self-esteem, and if I dwell on that question too long, my thoughts tend to wander down a path of self-doubt. So instead of asking what makes me special, I try to focus on why I write.
If there is one thing that sets me apart, my desire is to reach the person who feels alone. I want my writing to remind readers that no matter how difficult life becomes—no matter how many times it feels like you’ve been put through the wringer—you can survive it. You can come out on the other side stronger, still standing, and okay. If my words help even one person believe that, then I’ve accomplished exactly what I set out to do.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
My prayer is that, by reading my book, you will feel encouraged to begin your own journey of self-discovery. Take the time to discover your purpose and find the niche that is uniquely yours. It doesn’t matter how long it takes—you are never too old to pursue your dreams.
Keep fighting to become the person you know you can be. As long as you have breath in your body, you have the opportunity to grow, to learn, and to become the best version of yourself. Do it not to gain the approval of others, but because you are worth the effort.
Never stop believing that your story matters. Your journey, your struggles, and your victories can inspire someone else to keep going. My hope is that when you finish reading my book, you’ll walk away knowing that you are stronger than you think, your dreams are still within reach, and it’s never too late to become who God created you to be.
Pricing:
- $13.99 paperback on Amazon
- $0.00 if you have an Amazon Kindle account
- $9.99 for purchase directly to your Amazon Kindle
Contact Info:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katcoop2011
