Stephanie Kilpatrick
Author Editor
I have a degree in English, a Book Editing Certificate, and I’m a published author (see my publications). I’ve got a few framed writing awards and am part of professional organizations including LDSPMA, the American Night Writers Association, and SCBWI, where I’ve served in leadership.
I believe reading is essential.
I live in Idaho, but hope to visit every continent someday---two left!
I love good food, The Lord of the Rings, and funny shows.
I’m the wife of an engineer, a mom of boys, a lifelong book lover, and someone who believes laughter is healing.
I once cut myself on a bagel. True story.
Follow me on social media @Story_Steph
My Story
I used to be a Registered Nurse. When I was pregnant with our third son, I left that to stay home full time. Being Mom is the most important job and title to me, and it was my kids that inspired my first story idea. I decided to start creating it and found I really enjoyed this writing thing! But, I needed a LOT of work. I found a writing community at ANWA where I joined a critique group. I started going to writer's conferences and reading books on the craft, and gaining experience with writing critique. And I went back to school and got a bachelors in English.
Years later, after lots of growth, I published my first short story. I've since published more things and won some awards, but I'm still working on getting a novel finished. There's always room to keep growing and achieving new things.
Wherever you are on that journey, don't quit. Give yourself grace and time. It really does take a LOT of time. And READ. If you want to be a better writer, read a lot. Even if you're not a writer, read. I think reading is so important to growing our empathy and creative thinking skills, and it needs to start with kids.