Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Kizer.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I started off doing social justice work in high school and college, mostly through progressive political campaigns. I had always wanted to go to law school, so to law school, I went. There, I excelled in all my writing classes. I also worked in the death penalty clinic, where I realized I wanted to be a criminal defense attorney and represent underprivileged folks who’d gotten caught up in the criminal justice system. Part of my work in the death penalty clinic and in my other classes was to write and publish about social justice issues, so I continued honing my writing practice. But I still had the criminal defense bug, so a good friend and I opened our own two-person firm upon graduating. We had a few major victories early on, which was incredibly gratifying.
After a few years of practice, though, I decided to switch careers and become a writer full-time. It was a difficult decision, but it was also one of the best I’ve ever made. As a writer, I get to use my voice in an even more creative way. I started off small, writing nonfiction pieces and publishing a few online. Then one day, I had an idea. I was looking at myself in the mirror that morning when the words “be big” came to me and just wouldn’t leave me alone. I kept thinking about my twin nieces, who were five years old at the time, and how I wanted them to take up as much space in the world as they want to. To be their own unique selves – to “be big.” It sounded like it could make a cool children’s book, so I started working on the manuscript. Eventually, I found a writing coach, who helped me polish and submit it to potential agents and publishers. After a couple months of submissions, a publisher offered me a book deal! It’s been an amazing experience so far and I look forward to where it takes me next!
Please tell us about your art.
I am a writer. I am also a children’s book author and an attorney, but “writer” feels like the truest identity I carry. I love words, stringing them together in ways that sound delicious to my heart and mind. I wrote “Be Big: Beatrice’s First Day of First Grade,” a children’s picture book, which has been my primary focus since its release in early 2018. But I am also a writing coach, committed to helping other writers develop their own words. I also continue to write and publish other types of writing.
Given everything that is going on in the world today, do you think the role of artists has changed? How do local, national or international events and issues affect your art?
A mentor of mine points out that historically when oppressive regimes take over, they often jail the writers first. Because our voices, amplified through words on the page, are the most powerful tools at our disposal. And using our voices to dissent makes us unstoppable. I believe in never silencing ourselves because of fear of judgment or disagreement. Unpopular opinions are often the catalyst for change. We have to keep speaking out, whether it’s through a megaphone or a pen.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
Website: thebebigbook.com
Instagram: @thebebigbook @katie_kizer_writer
Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/thebebigbook
Contact Info:
- Website: thebebigbook.com
- Email: katie@thebebigbook.com
- Instagram: @thebebigbook; @katie_kizer_writer
- Facebook: facebook.com/kkizer; facebook.com/thebebigbook
Image Credit:
Storybook Genius Publishing, Yip Jar Design (photo of book cover)
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
