We had the good fortune of connecting with Kaitlan C. Farrior and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kaitlan C., what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I didn’t exactly pursue a creative career—it pursued me. It chased me down, showing up everywhere in my life, with signs that I couldn’t ignore. Eventually, I gave in, and that surrender transformed me. Once I allowed myself to embrace it, life became easier, and my perspective shifted to one that was more insightful and open. Writing became a way to vent, protest, resist, and be accountable—my writing allows me to express things I couldn’t otherwise voice. As an author, I have the incredible freedom to create my own worlds and bring diverse characters and experiences to life. The impact I have on readers is beyond amazing, and I’m grateful that my intentions align with the effect my work has on others.

The joy I find in creating something new and watching it resonate with others keeps me going, even through the ups and downs. Nothing happens overnight, but I have no excuses—I’m just doing it. And it’s the pursuit itself that continues to inspire me.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art is deeply rooted in vulnerability, reflection, and authenticity. What sets me apart is the way I intertwine my personal experiences and emotional journeys with universal themes of love, healing, and identity. It’s not always about having everything figured out; it’s about trusting the process and allowing the story to unfold. What excites me most is knowing that my words have the power to reach people across the globe. As an international best-selling author who has sold over 20,000 copies in over 10 countries, I’ve been fortunate to see my work resonate with readers from diverse backgrounds, which is a constant source of motivation.

Professionally, it hasn’t been easy. Being an independent author means I do everything myself—writing, marketing, and the behind-the-scenes work that goes into creating and promoting my books. I don’t always have the answers, but I’ve learned not to overthink things. I’ve found that once I get out of my head and just start writing, whether it’s on paper or in a Google doc, I’m already in the zone. The biggest challenge is less about creating the ideas and more about how to structure them—building character development, suspense, and plot. To overcome that, I take breaks, step away from it for a bit, and come back with a fresh perspective. Sometimes, I even nap to reset my mind.

I’m self-taught in every aspect of my craft, including scriptwriting and theatre. I never took a class or attended a workshop; instead, I studied movies, books, and short films. I paid attention to trends, figured out what I liked and didn’t like, and honed my own style. I’m no longer a perfectionist; I do my best, and that’s enough. I’ve learned that I can’t please everyone, and that’s okay. The key is to not worry about how my work is received, but to focus on what I can control and continue to grow.

The most important lesson I’ve learned along the way is that it’s okay to take breaks, to procrastinate, or even to quit temporarily. But I don’t quit for good. The key is always coming back, and I do. My journey has been about trusting myself, letting go of fear, and simply showing up to create. And that’s what I want the world to know about me: I am here, I am creating, and I am doing it for the love of the craft and the impact it can have.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
This is such an interesting question because, honestly, I’m not someone who’s big on going out. I’m more of a homebody, and I value my space. So, if my best friend came to visit, they’d probably be hanging out in my cozy space with me—cuddled up with blankets, working on a book or a play, and just enjoying some quiet time together. We’d order in from one of my favorite local spots or maybe cook a meal together. It’s all about comfort and connection in my world.

I’m not big on sightseeing or strolling around unless there’s a specific, intentional reason to do so. I don’t typically socialize unless it serves a meaningful purpose. My focus right now is on doing what I need to do so I can later do what I want to do. So, I’d probably tell my friend, “Let’s get comfortable, put on a good movie, grab some snacks, and let’s get some writing done.” We’d create our own little world together, surrounded by my favorite pillows, my music playing on my Echo Dot, and the peaceful rhythm of working on something we love.

In my view, the most exciting and interesting places are the ones where you feel truly at home—where your space is sacred and your identity is reflected in the environment. For me, the best time is spent in a place where I can focus, create, and unwind without distractions. The ultimate fun is in creating my own space and being with people who understand and appreciate that.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Absolutely. I owe so much of my creative journey to the trailblazers who came before me—especially the literary giants like Nikki Giovanni, Ernest Gaines, Richard Wright, James Baldwin, and Gwendolyn Brooks. Their words have shaped not only my writing but also my understanding of identity, resistance, and the power of storytelling. I also draw immense inspiration from the Harlem Renaissance era, which is a testament to how art can transcend time and speak to the human experience.

When it comes to music, Nina Simone’s artistry and activism have been a profound influence on me. Her ability to fuse music with social justice has shown me the importance of using one’s platform to speak truth to power. These figures, along with the broader cultural movements they were a part of, have deeply impacted the way I approach my own work and the world around me. They’ve taught me the power of resilience, authenticity, and the necessity of art in times of struggle.

Website: https://lettilady.wordpress.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letti.lady.love

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaitlancfarrior

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Peaced_out

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kaitlan.farrior.9

Other: my amazon author page
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B098M55QL3

Image Credits
Credits to my mother, Denise Graham for taking some of these photos and myself (Kaitlan C. Farrior)

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