326: Overcoming Stereotypes | Katie Otey

Katie Otey’s Mission for Authentic and Diverse Narratives

In this episode of “Authors Who Lead,” Katie Otey shares the depth of her experiences in the literary world. A humorist with a penchant for heartfelt narratives, Katie underscores the importance of writing from the heart.

“Understanding the craft and staying true to oneself,” she affirms, is crucial for long-term success. This is particularly evident in her first adult book published by Phoenix Publishing in August, where she combines her life experiences with her literary skills.

Katie’s fervent advice to writers is clear: authenticity. Authentic storytelling is powerful, relatable, and meaningful. Her recognition of Leah M. Johnson’s children’s book “Sister” highlights this philosophy, exemplifying narrative integrity that touches lives and wins awards.

Breaking Through Stereotypes

The episode delves deeply into the issue of stereotypes in media and literature, with Katie emphasizing the detrimental impact of pigeonholing marginalized authors. “The traditional publishing industry often wants marginalized authors to write about their struggles,” she explains. Katie’s mission, through her company Phoenix Media and Books, is to create a platform where diverse stories can flourish without the constraints of demographic expectations.

Steve and I share Katie’s sentiments, drawing from their personal experiences. Steve, reflecting on his Appalachian roots, relates the prejudice against West Virginians while I speak to the pressure on queer authors to focus exclusively on queer issues. We champion the right to creative freedom, urging the literary community to be more inclusive and supportive of genuine representation.

A Personal Narrative of Resilience

Katie’s own life experiences heavily influence her work, particularly her children’s book, “Every Other Christmas.” Post-divorce, she faced her first Christmas without her children, a situation that unexpectedly blossomed into moments of beauty and resilience. “The story serves as a message to parents to embrace inclusivity for their children,” Katie shares. Through her storytelling, she highlights the importance of finding joy amidst challenges and embracing the diversity within families.

Depicting Everyday Black Family Life

Katie’s book series, starting with “Izzy’s Almost Epic Day,” offers a refreshing portrayal of a black family living everyday life. “It’s based on fictionalized versions of my five children,” Katie laughs, aiming to infuse humor and imagination into the narrative, particularly focusing on the character Isaac, based on her son Isaiah. Her goal is to depict diverse experiences positively, ensuring children see themselves in fun, relatable stories.

Her works push against the expectation for marginalized authors to center their narratives around struggles, instead celebrating the daily joys and challenges of black families. This approach not only highlights the richness of diverse experiences but also provides young readers with relatable heroes.

The Challenge and Joy of Independent Publishing

Running a small press, Katie acknowledges, comes with its own set of hurdles. Financial constraints and the need to play multiple roles are demanding. “Online marketing is particularly challenging,” she admits, jokingly yearning for simpler times with lemonade stands. However, persistence and passion guide her through these challenges. She advocates for meticulous preparation and finding a supportive community, like the Independent Book Publishers Association, to navigate the often rocky path of independent publishing.

Katie’s meticulous nature and perfectionistic tendencies, although sometimes pressuring, ensure quality in her publications. Her commitment to authentic storytelling and positive representation drives her to continually refine her work.

Looking Forward

Katie’s excitement for the future is palpable as she mentions upcoming projects. Beyond her adult memoir and ongoing children’s series, Katie is keen on expanding the reach and impact of Phoenix Media and Books. Her vision encompasses a broader array of narratives, providing a platform where creative freedom is encouraged and diverse stories are celebrated.

Join us again next week for more captivating insights from influential authors and publishing experts. Remember to subscribe to Authors Who Lead and visit our website for more show notes and past interviews.

That’s all for this week. If you have a message inside of you that needs to be written, today is the day to start. Don’t delay—take action.