Meet K.B. Draper of Overland Park

Today we’d like to introduce you to K.B. Draper.

Hi K.B., thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Unlike many of my author friends, I didn’t grow up wanting to be a writer. More accurately, I never considered it possible as I was a mediocre student. I later realized this likely stemmed from ADHD and dyslexia challenges. However, it never stopped me from wanting to tell stories that would make people laugh. As a child, even though I wasn’t sitting down writing stories, I was always on an adventure. I was Wonder Woman jumping off the wellhouse. I was the Lone Ranger taking my horse racing through the woods after bad guys. I was a Pirate looking for lost treasures. I was Evel Knievel jumping my dirt bike across the creek before my fans. Fast forward to adulthood. These stories became movies in my head that wouldn’t leave, and with the encouragement of friends (and great editors), I decided to take on a new adventure, this time as an author.

Would it have been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has been challenging, especially at first, learning to get the stories out of my head and onto paper. I elected to go the self-publishing route because I didn’t know if I could do it, and I didn’t want to let anyone down outside of myself. In doing this, it added a whole new level of learning, including how to find book cover designers, editors, finding my audience, marketing, and the process of publishing. But the biggest challenge was finding the courage to put my first book out there and being vulnerable to criticism and rejection. Come to find out, it was one of my life’s most validating and prideful experiences.

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?
I am a self-published author of nine books, two of which were finalists in the Lambda Literary and the Golden Crown Literary Society. My writing expands over various genres but always focuses on humorous stories of reluctant sheroes who find themselves in multiple situations.

Networking and finding a mentor can positively impact one’s life and career. Any advice?
Yes! I honestly don’t believe I would have succeeded as an author without having such an incredible support team around me, including a best friend who is my biggest cheerleader. I have amazing friends and a partner that have always been and continue to be invaluable in my writing journey. I also found other writers, some of whom have become excellent friends (special shout out to local Kansas City author Kris Bryant), who help offer support, valuable perspectives, and advice. Another game changer was joining organizations that allow for opportunities for learning, assistance, and expanding my network of people on the same path, just at different points in their journeys.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.kbdraper.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kbdraperbooks/
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/kbdraperauthor
• Other: https://www.amazon.com/stores/K.B.-Draper/author/B00LOCD5QY?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true