Bookpleasures.com welcomes as our guest, Katia R.V. Reed. Katia is a highly creative multi-artist with a diverse ability and background in the arts. She has just released her first novel, The Foretold Story Book 1: Part 1 of a 4 part trilogy. Katia informs us that it was 19 years in the making which came to her when she was ten years old.

Norm: Good day Katia and thank for participating in our interview.

 You describe yourself as a multi-artist with a diverse ability and background in the arts. Please tell our readers a little bit about your personal and professional background.

Katia: Art has always been a part of me engraved in my DNA. I would draw lots of pictures, write stories and keep a diary of how my day went as I grew up. Life was not easy growing up and Art was my way of expressing my soul and healing.

I have over 16 years of dance which includes jazz, tap, modern, hip hop, and a splash of ballroom with a main focus in classical ballet. I played percussion and studied music and sing. I most recently began exploring more into my musical side composing. 

My first poem was published in fourth grade by my teacher. Aside regular high school, I attended a vocational school with a Graphic Design major, graduating at top of the class. I went on to attend Lesley University graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Animation.

While I was in school, I did various fashion internships where I really learned about the fashion industry and acquired basic sewing skills. Fashion has always been another interest of mine. I have a large portfolio of designs for a future endeavor down the road. I also interned for an indie film studio. I later attended the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts and an acting studio. 

With lack of diversity for a woman of color and unwilling to compromise my morals and values in the arts and entertainment industry, made my path much more difficult, if not impossible to break into.

Very few to little opportunities were found. Having to have worked many different what I call, ‘Survival Jobs’ because they are unrelated to the field I wish to pursue, has helped me to develop a very well rounded resume. It has also given me the ability to relate to people and adapt quickly. In the midst of this, I continued perfecting my craft and making industry standard art in all forms on pennies. This includes many projects that I will unveil in time further down the road.

And despite many doors being closed in my face, I resolved myself to build my own path. I continued to build my dream wearing all caps, from pre and post-production to directing, developing the art and concepts of the story I wish to create including building the larger story tied into this book series. There are many exciting finished products coming from me, starting with this book series.  

Norm: What do you consider to be your greatest success (or successes) so far in your various careers?

Katia: My greatest success? Well, my work. The continuing manifestations of birthing my dreams into a physical reality is my success. Holding my book in my hands. And continuing to stand the test of time despite how many times I’ve been knocked down. 

Norm: What has been your greatest challenge (professionally) that you’ve overcome in getting to where you’re at today?

Katia: Getting the book published. 

Norm: What would you like to tell us about your recent book The Foretold Story Book 1: Part 1? As a follow up, how did you become involved with the subject or theme of your book?

Katia: My book is a refreshing read that will leave the reader on edge. It’s full of many plot twist and turns. The characters are diversified and well developed. And it takes place in a future world New York City! And, might I add, there will be many times the reader will be able to say, “Hey that’s me!”

I want everyone to know there is a reason and purpose as to why you are here. As to how I became involved with the theme of my book… LIFE. Life is what inspired me along with dreams, visions and life’s very unique encounters.  

Norm: What do you think most characterizes your writing and how has your environment/upbringing colored your writing?

Katia: I would say honesty. I was raised with morals and values. And I was always taught, integrity. My family has deep spiritual roots.

Norm: Why did you write the book? Do you have a theme, message, or goal for the book? As a follow up, what were your goals and intentions in this book, and how well do you feel you achieved them?

Katia: My goal is to enlighten the reader and make them ask questions of themselves and the world around them. My intention with the book... Well, I will reiterate again, we all have a purpose and no matter what, don’t give up. I think I achieved this very well. The fact that the first book is out and the next one is on its way out by Christmas.  

Norm: What do you hope will be the everlasting thoughts for readers who finish your book?

Katia: That this is actually a good book and will pass it on to the next generation of readers because a lot of the content is relatable to what one experiences in life. 

Norm: For your writing, did the story come first, or the world it operates in?

Katia: Both. The story and world came in parts at different times in my life. Of course as I grew into a lady, my creation took on a life of its own. The rest is history. 

Norm: What has your other creative work in the arts taught you that you have been able to apply to your book?

Katia: I can say reading and writing were part of my everyday life. I also enjoyed English class and Art classes which further enhanced it. I’ve read many books since I was a little girl. I listened to all kind of music from classical to modern, studying the art of rhythm and words. I’ve read poetry, studied the bible, Old King James Version and Shakesphere’s works.

Playing video games enhanced my story telling. Cartoons and animation. I also watch movies with subtitles on so I can read the actual dialogue of what the characters say alongside studying it frame by frame.

I watched old movies too from the Hollywood Golden Ages studying the films. I read newspapers and advertisements’, also listen to interesting dialogue around me in everyday life. Spent a lot of time in different kinds of museums.  I draw from everything. But mainly it was my college writing professor who really taught me the tools I would need to pull my book together for two semesters. It was a joy. I am constantly and still am absorbing information around me like a sponge especially from nature itself.

Norm: What was the most difficult part of writing this book and what did you enjoy most about writing this book?

Katia: Struggling with confidence to finish it. That was the most difficult part for me. What I enjoyed most was translating the scenes playing in my mind like a movie into words. Capturing the moods. I enjoyed that very much.  

Norm: Do you feel that writers, regardless of genre owe something to readers, if not, why not, if so, why and what would that be?

Katia: Yes, they most absolutely do. Create responsibly with integrity. Not just for the money. You owe it to God who put the story inside of you to share with the world. What comes after that, is up to whoever is destined to read that book. They will receive the gift of the story and the deeper message that will resonate with them, that speaks to them. 

Norm: Where can our readers find out more about you and The Foretold Story Book 1: Part 1?

Katia: My website.

It has all contact information and social media links.

 

Norm: What is next for Katia R.V. Reed?

Katia: As I said before the second book The Foretold Story Book 1: Part 2 will be out around Christmas followed by Book 2 and Book 3 the following year 2021.

I also have completed and written the first full length feature motion picture script of the 4 movie trilogy the larger story of the book series titled Gordon’s Quest.

Norm: As this interview comes to an end, what question do you wish that someone would ask about your book, but nobody has?

Katia: What is the meaning behind the title of your book, The Foretold Story?

Norm: Thanks once again and good luck with all of your future endeavors