Meet Kathy Sparrow | Literary Midwife, Ghostwriter, and Bestselling Author

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kathy Sparrow and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kathy, other than deciding to work for yourself, what else do you think played a pivotal role in your story?

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
As a Literary Midwife, I help people fulfill their dreams of writing books. I assist them in creating a solid author profile and a marketing plan that adds visibility to their creations. I find great joy in supporting aspiring writers make a positive difference in the world.

My approach is built upon the foundation of experience I’ve had in the traditional publishing world with both books and magazines as a writer and a developmental editor. Plus, with my teaching experience, I know the process of writing, and this dissolves the confusion and overwhelm that most aspiring writers feel when they think about writing a book.

Through the process of ghostwriting, which I term collaborative writing, I take the load off the author and create their book––in their voice––and by doing so, they achieve their goal of writing a book as well.

I’ve been a writing coach for over 20 years, and the most difficult part of it has been watching people lose faith in their call to write. And I know that myself. There have been times when my own projects have been put on the back burner. It takes courage to write and believe in one’s message. But because I know all the ways we can self-sabotage, I provide not only technical support for writing but also emotional and spiritual support.

I truly believe that when we feel the urge to write a book, the Universe has tapped us on the shoulder and said, “I have a mission for you.” Our job is to put away the distractions, sit down, and listen to what wants to come through us.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I love hiking, eating fine food, and tasting fine wines. Heading to Sedona would top my list – visiting the vortexes and enjoying the vistas, rock formations, and the rich history in the area. Some of the places on my list for dining would be Cress on Oak Creek, Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill, and Creekside American Bistro.

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?
It would be impossible for me to name just one person whose love, support, and mentorship contributed to my success. In my childhood, my Aunt Veen encouraged me to honor my intelligence and wisdom and “to make something of myself.” This was in a time and place where no one else recognized my potential.

During my early college years, there was Pam Schmonsky, who encouraged me to keep writing after reading my essay about my Aunt Veen teaching me to knit with pink knitting needles when I was just five years old. This was particularly important since my high school guidance counselor told me I’d never be a writer.

Lael Locke, editor of The Paper in Chatham, New York, gave me my first assignment. I wrote personality profiles of artists, dancers, authors, and other creatives for over six years. That gig ended only because I moved away.

Joe Dunn was one of my first bosses who recognized my gift of being able to write and edit in my client’s voice. He said, “I can’t tell where the author’s writing has been edited.” I’ve learned to strengthen that gift throughout the years.

There were also professors and colleagues who supported me in my teaching pursuits at the University of Texas-Pan American (now Rio Grande Valley), Dr. Pamela Anderson Mejias, Dr. Colin Carlton, Dr. Jonika Carlton, Lee Hamilton, and Emmy Perez. Then, at Pikes Peak Community College, Gary Walker, and at National University, Dr. Ramie Tateishi.

Of course, the individuals I named above – Jack Canfield, Dr. Deb Sandella, and Laurie Seymour.

My children and grandchildren are my “why.” I believe I am a model for them on how to pursue a calling with courage, resilience, and commitment.

My partner also supports me in so many ways – making sure I eat well and take breaks. He also sings my praises to his friends and colleagues.

A successful business and a rich, meaningful life require a team of love and support. Being a lone wolf takes too much effort.

Website: www.awritablelife.com and www.kathysparrow.com and www.stankyandcece.com

Instagram: @kathysparrow23, stankyceceadventures

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

Twitter: @kathy_sparrow

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AWritableLife/ and https://www.facebook.com/stankyandcece

Youtube: @KathySparrow

Other: Please note that I have three websites, A Writable Life with Kathy Sparrow, www.awritablelife.com My author site: www.kathysparrow.com Stanky & Cece Adventures: www.stankyandcece.com Stanky & Cece Adventures Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stankyandcece Stanky & Cece Adventures Instagram: stankyceceadventures