“I’d never been a writer. I laughed because the idea was so foreign to me.”
For thirty years, my world was defined by retail management—schedules, inventory, and the fast-paced hum of the floor. If you had told me a decade ago that I would eventually be waking up at 4:00 AM, not for a morning shift, but to document the adventures of a pirate-assassin and aer adopted crew, I wouldn’t have believed you.
I recently had the pleasure of interviewing with IndieReader for an Author Spotlight to discuss my debut novel, Catching Qat. I told them about the shift from managing a library to writing the books that fill its shelves. The transition wasn’t immediate; it began with a simple realization: my Dungeons & Dragons characters weren’t going to leave me alone until I gave them a life on the page.
One of the most frequent questions I get is about the “why” and the “when.” Why start now? When do I find the time? The truth is, my 4 AM writing sessions became my sanctuary. It’s the time when the world is quiet, and the realm of Oram feels most real. ⚔️✨
If you’ve ever felt like it’s “too late” to start something new or that your professional history defines your creative future, I hope my journey shows you otherwise. Moving from a thirty-year career to receiving a Starred Review and the “IR Approved” badge has been a whirlwind, but it proves that “late bloomers” often bring the most soil to the garden.
In the full interview, I go behind the scenes of my writing process, the evolution of the Drakkaen Nakkla series, and why diverse teams are at the heart of everything I write.
Are you working on a “later in life” project? I’d love to hear about your journey in the comments!
Until tomorrow… or tomorrow!
Want to get updates straight to your inbox? Get behind-the-scenes lore, exclusive character secrets, and first access to pre-order deals by subscribing to The Genre Jumper: One author, many worlds. Get updates on my epic fantasy series, general fiction, and mystery tales, plus my personal writing journey, tips, and tricks from both K.T. Pike (Fantasy) and Kimberly Theo (Women’s Fiction).
If you prefer to only receive one genre, customizing your settings is easy!
See what readers have to say about Catching Qat!
October 6, 2025 5.0 out of 5 stars Action, adventure, character development! Format: Paperback This book is whimsical. The world comes to life through the characters. There is adventure, friendship, mistrust, and relatable dialogue. It’s like if LOTR was sassy instead of serious. Read it. You’ll know what I mean. For the first book in the… Continue reading Alyssa
December 13, 2025 I really enjoyed this one. The twin dynamic was emotional and compelling, and I was quickly invested in both Qrodin and Qat despite how different their lives turned out. The found-family vibe of the traveling party was a highlight for me, each character felt distinct and fun, with just enough mystery to… Continue reading Nora Bennett
December 14, 2025 If you love D&D you cannot help thinking that you would like play a game featuring K.T.Pike as game master.I love the storytelling and loved this story of friendship, qattitude, strong characters, and intriguing plot.Cannot wait for the next novelHighly recommended. –for Catching Qat (Drakkaen Nakkla, Book 1)