Soft launch

a brief story about how i became an author

It was finally happening. My longtime dream of becoming an author was finally coming true. It’s a big moment!

But first. I want to disclose to you the kind of writer I was before the book launch. Writing didn’t come naturally for me, it felt clunky. For years I rarely shared my writing projects with anyone.

My writer’s voice seemed distant and muddled—the blank page intimidating. Let’s just say, my writing journey was a long and winding one.

Writing is getting to the bottom of what you care about and what matters to you that gets you in the writer’s chair. But to do this, one must encounter their true essence, the substance that makes them come alive.

For me this involved tapping into my imagination, the big imagination I had as a girl—energetic and curious—she loved to swim. She spent her summers at the lake immersed in water and sunshine.

She held the key to unlocking my writer’s voice. So I got to work writing and exploring the realm of water—lakes, ponds, and the vast ocean. A vivid mermaid transformation unified my entire poetry collection.

I wanted a book cover that captured the beauty and mystery of water. I found a designer who came up with six book cover concepts. The top three are my favorite.

I chose the book cover with mermaid scales. The designer minimized the font and added in poems. A common trim size for poetry books is 5 x 8 inches.

One of the biggest lessons I learned…

When I launched my debut poetry book into the world before it was about anything else, it was about the transformation I went through, crossing over from writer to author. Often with a book launch we’re focused on all the things—the marketing, advertising, selling the book—it’s all a part of the process, but the most important part is the unique way your writing journey changes you.

Hi, I’m Kassi!

I’m passionate about books and artistic expression. As an indie author I taught myself how to self-publish my poetry books in a competitive industry. In the process of becoming an author I realized my dreams, overcame obstacles, and developed a passion for self-publishing.

Introducing…indie poetry collective

A vibrant space for indie authors with big dreams. Join the collective—and gain support, inspiration, and strategies to publish like a pro.

Turn your writing dreams into a published reality. This community exists to empower you in your publishing ambitions. If this sounds exciting. Let’s go!

Learn more here!