Keia K. Holt

Pre-Interview: Hello, Ena, thank you for this opportunity. My name is Keia Holt, and I live in the Columbus, Ohio area. I just published my first book, Dealing with Grief and How to Move Beyond It, in July.  It is my story of the grief that I experienced, beginning with losing my mother to cancer at 18. I share other grief events and how the Lord helped me to deal with my grief and move beyond it. The genre is non-fiction Christian. I am also the founding pastor of Covenant Believers Community Church. 

Author Interview:

1.What inspires you most to write?

I feel inspired to write when I have something to say. I’m also a pastor, so I have post-it notes all over the house. Sometimes the inspiring note is for a message and sometimes it’s for my book. When I’m doing mindless tasks, like washing dishes or folding clothes, my mind is always thinking. And I sneak in whatever time I have to spend on my computer typing. 

2. What is your favorite genre?

Mysteries. I love when an author surprises me with a killer that I wasn’t anticipating. 

3. Who is one author you admire if any and why?

I don’t have one author because I’ve been reading since I was 9 and my favorite genre has changed a couple of times. What I look for in authors is the ability to tell a good story, whether it’s fiction or non-fiction, I want someone who can keep my attention. 

4. How do you overcome blank writing spells?

I do research. I don’t always use the information that I find, but I’m still learning about my topic. And it usually gets my creative juices flowing again. 

5. What legal publishing advice can you give?

Spend your money wisely. You will need an editor and to pay for copyright. This is your intellectual property, protect it! 

6. How many books have you written, are any a bestseller yet?

One; not yet. 

7. If you had the opportunity to rewrite one movie script which would it be, why?

I would re-write “Heaven is Real.” I only watched it once decades ago, but I didn’t care for the depiction of the Holy Spirit. And there were a few other things that should have been comforting about heaven, but I didn’t think it was written in the best way to convey that.

8. What are some difficulties you've experienced in your writing career; how do you handle book critiques/criticism?

Sending Advanced Reader Copies that were never read was disappointing. Everyone was so excited to be an ARC, but they didn’t follow through. I had to get over that. I haven’t received my first critique yet. But I have as a pastor, and I promise that you don’t die from it. I learn to sift through to get constructive criticism and leave the negativity behind. 

9. What are your best experiences in your writing career?

When someone tells me that they felt like I was right there with them telling the story. Or when they say that my words evoked emotions. That’s like the best compliment ever. 

10. Do you prefer to write in silence and or have some sort sound in the background?

When I write from home, it’s in silence. I turn my phone on “do not disturb” when I’m really in the zone. But I can be in a noisy coffee shop, outside or in an airport, and block everyone out to write.  

11. What are some encouraging words you'd give to another author/writer?

Tell your story! I always felt like my story wasn’t that unique, but each time I told someone about it, they wanted to hear more. Another writer asked if I had been helped by other people’s story. Well of course. “And that’s why you must tell yours,” she said. Great advice and I say the same to everyone else. Your story does matter, it will help someone else, so write it. 

12. How did you decide the pricing of your material; how did you go about promotion/advertising and distribution of your work?

I looked at other books in my genre. I factored in the amount of time that I spent doing research for the book. I never used social media every day like I do now. I have my book launch on September 13, 2025. I’m trying to get book signings scheduled. I keep books in my car in case I run into someone who wants a book. I just started an ad on KDP, hopefully that bring in some consistent sales. 

13. Why should anyone read your book?

They should read my book because grief doesn’t play favorites, it will eventually affect us all. I share my story of an expected death (my mother with cancer when I was 18), as well as an unexpected death (my father). And the death of a relationship. I felt sucker-punched and angry by my grandmother’s death. I tell my story about dealing with grief and learning to cope without my loved one’s while finding God in the process. I learned to deal with grief and move beyond it, and I believe others can, too. 

14. Did you have a book coach?

No, but I listened to so many podcasts, YouTube videos and webinars. I bought some of their resources and took a lot of notes. I am grateful for all of their help. 

15. What was your favorite subject in school?

English. I have always loved words. 

16. Are you self-published or have an established publishing contract elsewhere?

I am self-published. 

For more: Keia K. Holt

Author, Pastor & Friend

www.keiaholt.com