Daily Inspiration: Meet Kate Kauffman

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kate Kauffman.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’m a Metro Atlanta native, born and raised in Gwinnett County, in a competitive, sports-driven family. Basketball was a huge part of my upbringing — my dad played professionally, and all four of my sisters and I earned full basketball scholarships to college. I attended Clayton State University, where I majored in marketing.

Like many people fresh out of school, my early career was a bit of a journey. I stayed at Clayton State for a year as a coach, worked trade shows, spent time with a jewelry importing company, and eventually found my way into financial services. What started as a banking role turned into a long-term career path, and for the past 15 years I’ve worked in credit union marketing. I’ve always loved the creative side of that work — storytelling, and connecting with people in meaningful ways.

But long before marketing became my career, writing was my refuge. I’ve been writing since I was a little girl, filling pages with poems, stories, and imagined worlds. It was how I processed emotions, escaped stress, and made sense of life. For years, it was something I did quietly, never really considering that it could become something bigger.

About a year ago, after finalizing my divorce and leaving an abusive marriage, I made a decision to do something purely for myself: I became a published author. Writing had helped me survive some of the hardest chapters of my life, and I realized I wanted to use my voice not just to heal, but to help others.

That’s how my first children’s book, Real Monsters, was born. The story starts by describing the kind of monsters kids imagine — beady eyes, spiky tails, scaly skin, and long sharp nails — and then gently shifts to an important truth: real “monsters” don’t look scary. They look like people, and it’s their words and actions that matter. Told in playful rhyme, the book opens the door for parents, teachers, and counselors to have age-appropriate conversations with children about behavior, boundaries, and emotional safety.

I grew up on fairy tales and Disney movies, and I still believe in magic and positivity. But I also believe kids deserve tools that help them recognize unhealthy behavior early, in ways that don’t take away their innocence. Real Monsters blends my love of storytelling with my passion for prevention and empowerment.

Publishing my book was years in the making. I had other manuscripts and considered many routes, including overseas illustrators and even experimenting with AI. In the end, it was important to me to work with a Black illustrator here in the U.S. The reason why I was intentional and specific about partnership is because representation matters, especially in children’s media. As a mother of biracial children, I understand how powerful it is for kids to see themselves in the stories they read — not just in the characters, but in the creators behind them.

I reconnected with Tyrus Goshay of TGO Sketch Illustration, whose work I had admired for years. Tyrus is an extremely talented illustrator, who has produced hundreds of books alongside his dedicated creative team. Waiting until I could invest in the right creative partner was one of the best decisions I made. The vibrant illustrations brought the story to life in ways I couldn’t have imagined, and we later expanded the idea with an activity and coloring book so kids could continue engaging with the characters in a fun, hands-on way.

For me, this journey isn’t just about healing myself — it’s about breaking generational cycles of trauma so my children, and others, grow up with healthier examples of love, boundaries, and self-worth.

Today, my work lives at the intersection of creativity and advocacy. I speak openly about my experiences as a survivor, but my focus is forward: helping children, families, and young people build awareness, confidence, and the ability to recognize red flags early. Writing is no longer just my escape — it’s my purpose.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. For a long time, I wasn’t sure I would ever get to the point of publishing a children’s book. The illustration side alone felt overwhelming. There were moments when I was tempted to rush the process — to hire an overseas illustrator or try to piece it together with AI — just to get it done. But deep down, I knew I wanted to do it the right way, even if that meant waiting.

At the same time, I was navigating a very difficult season in my personal life. Creativity thrives in safe, stable environments, and for many years, that wasn’t my reality. I would start projects with excitement and intention, but survival always had to come first. I was working full-time, raising three young children, and living in a relationship that was unhealthy and increasingly abusive. Finishing something purely creative felt like a luxury I didn’t always have the emotional space for.

Even after leaving, the challenges didn’t just disappear. Like many survivors, I experienced post-separation abuse — ongoing conflict, false allegations, and repeated legal actions that required time, energy, and emotional resilience. I had hoped that leaving would mean the end of the turmoil, but instead, I had to learn how to live two parallel lives: one where I was rebuilding, healing, and creating a better future for my children and myself, and another where I remained vigilant and continued advocating for our safety and well-being.

That balancing act was exhausting at times, but it also strengthened my resolve. It clarified why telling stories that empower children and families matters so much to me.

Once I committed to working with Tyrus Goshay on Real Monsters, the publishing process itself became much smoother. Partnering with an experienced illustrator who had worked with many new and seasoned self-published authors gave me confidence and guidance I truly needed. Having the right creative partner turned what once felt overwhelming into something collaborative, exciting, and ultimately achievable.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At the heart of everything I do is storytelling with purpose. Professionally, I’ve spent over 15 years in credit union marketing, where I specialize in connecting complex financial topics to real people in ways that feel clear, human, and relatable. I’m known for blending strategy with empathy and a true understanding of the consumer — making sure the message isn’t just heard, but felt.

Creatively, I’m a children’s author and advocate. My debut book, Real Monsters, reflects the space where my creativity and my advocacy meet. I specialize in writing stories that open the door to important conversations in age-appropriate, approachable ways — especially around emotional safety, behavior, and self-awareness. My work is rooted in the belief that storytelling can help children build confidence, language, and instincts that protect children as they grow.

I’m also deeply committed to survivor advocacy and breaking generational cycles of trauma. That perspective shapes not only what I write about, but how I create — from the themes I explore to the intentional choices I make about representation and collaboration.

What I’m most proud of is turning pain into purpose. I didn’t just publish a book — I created something that helps families have conversations that can truly make a difference in a child’s life. Knowing that my words might help a child recognize their worth, trust their instincts, or speak up about something that doesn’t feel right means everything to me.

What sets me apart is that my work isn’t theoretical — it’s lived. Whether I’m writing marketing copy, a poem, or a children’s story, it comes from real experience, deep empathy, and a genuine desire to help people feel seen, informed, and empowered. I don’t just tell stories. I create work that helps people recognize their worth, trust their instincts, and make informed choices.

What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
Over the next 5–10 years, I see the publishing and creative storytelling space becoming more purpose-driven, diverse, and socially conscious. Readers — both young and old — aren’t just looking for entertainment anymore; they’re looking for work that reflects their experiences, teaches empathy, and helps them navigate real life.

In children’s publishing especially, there’s a growing emphasis on representation and inclusion — not just in characters, but in the minds behind the work. Books that help children explore emotional intelligence, boundaries, identity, and resilience are increasingly valued, and I believe that trend will continue to expand. Educators, parents, and advocates are recognizing that early conversations about feelings, relationships, and self-worth are just as important as traditional early learning topics.

At the same time, the tools and platforms available to authors — from independent publishing resources to online communities and digital marketing — are leveling the playing field. More diverse voices are finding audiences without going through traditional gatekeepers, and I think that shift will only strengthen. The industry will continue to balance the best of traditional publishing craftsmanship with the accessibility and innovation that self-publishing and creator-powered platforms bring.

Another trend is intentional storytelling that intersects with advocacy. More authors, illustrators, and creators are using their work to support causes — whether that’s mental health, social justice, or emotional safety. I believe this reflects a broader cultural shift toward valuing art that does something in the world — art that educates, empowers, and connects.

Ultimately, I see the industry becoming richer, more inclusive, and more purposeful — and I’m excited to be part of that evolution, especially in the space where children’s literature meets emotional awareness and real-world skill building.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://k8writes.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-kauffman-9521215
• Other: https://a.co/d/0a5ESBKO