Kimberly holds a Bachelor of Science degree in early childhood development and family studies from the University of Maine and a Master of Science degree in early childhood education from Wheelock College. She is a certified Early Childhood Education Teacher and certified Sexual Abuse Prevention Facilitator.

Kimberly is a dedicated mom to three children ages 22, 20, and 15, and they give her daily inspiration to write, be a better mom, and help others.

She spends her time training adults and children on prevention strategies and sharing her expertise as a consultant, advisor, and media source. Her work has been featured in various magazines and blogs including; The Chicago Tribune,  Social Work Now, The Health Journal, Modern Mom, PopSugar and is highly recommended as a resource by national prevention organizations.

Norm: Good day Kimberly and thanks for participating in our interview.

What do you consider to be your greatest success (or successes) so far in your career?

Kimberly: The greatest success in my career has been the response to my first book; I Said No! A kid-to-kid guide to keeping private parts private.

Every few days, I get an email or phone call about the book and how it has helped or saved someone's life.

Last week, I received an email from a woman from Australia who said she read my book with her 7-year-old daughter, and during the reading, her daughter stopped mum and said, "I had a red flag, this is happening to me. But- I didn't want to tell you because I thought it was my fault".

The stories from parents and the knowledge that this book is saving kids from sexual abuse is a powerful and humbling experience. While it is incredible to be a number one bestseller on Amazon, I feel successful by helping others. We wrote this book with the small goal of helping at least one child. It is overwhelming to know we have helped so many more!

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

Kimberly: Working from home is my biggest challenge. As a mom with three kids, it is hard to balance my time. There are always interruptions, laundry, grocery shopping, driving duties, and daily mom duties. 

Norm: How long have you been writing children's books and how did you get started? How did you become involved with the subject or theme of your books?

Kimberly: I  started writing children's books when I lived in Sicily back in 1995. These beginning stories were never published. But, it seemed that the focus of my writing was consistently centered around helping children get through difficult topics with less fear and more support. 

I got involved in sexual abuse prevention for several reasons. I was a victim of a sexual assault in college. Following that event, I became a Peer Educator during my college years and a human sexuality teaching assistant for Dr. Sandra Caron. The teaching theme carried forward to Graduate school, where I became a certified teacher.

I came across many young children with lots of problems. I used writing and journaling in my classrooms as a way for kids to express themselves. I helped my little ones publish their own stories and become authors. 

Together with my son, we decided to write I Said No! My son had an unwanted touch at a sleepover party. As we talked about the event and shared stories, my son and I realized that more kids needed to know about this type of thing. We created many "what if" scenarios that kids might encounter at school, on a playdate, or with a babysitter. I Said No! was born and published in 2008 by Boulden Publishing.

All of my books address real-life kid problems.

Norm: What did you find most useful in learning to write? What was least useful or most destructive?

Kimberly: The most useful way to learn about writing is to collaborate and pay attention in class! I learned so much from my professors at the University of Maine.

To become a better writer, you need to learn how to take constructive criticism. You have to be able to share your work without fear.

Writing in a journal every single day is the best habit for developing your writing ideas and style. Writers have to write! Without the actual process of writing, you lose the connection with yourself and your craft.

I think many writers can get stuck at the beginning because they don't know where to start. And often negative thoughts and self-doubt can get in the way of action. 

Once you push yourself through and take action, it is essential to spend your time wisely.

Norm: What are common mistakes writers make?

Kimberly: Many authors think that there is only one way to publish a book; with a traditional publisher. Today, this is just not true! I have published books in three ways! I have found that there are positives and negatives to consider for every method. But, you should not accept a NO from a traditional publisher. You have to keep going!

Norm: What were your goals and intentions in your books, and how well do you feel you achieved them?

Kimberly: The goal for all three of my books is to help parents talk with children about difficult topics in a kid-friendly way that encourages positive communication. All three books are preventative as they define issues and problems and provide strategies and ideas to help alleviate particular difficulties families may encounter. 

My goal for all of my books is to help kids; one book at a time.

Sexual abuse prevention has been my focus. With the #metoo movement, it seems like the most important book. I need to focus my attention equally on all three books. My goal for 2020 is to work on finding a happy balance for all of my books. That is a work in progress.

Norm: Who comprises your readership and has a reader ever told you something about your books that surprised you?

Kimberly:The majority of my readers are young children and parents. However, many educators, counselors, and therapists purchase my books for their schools or practice.

Something that has surprised me is the way that parents and kids reach out to me and share their very personal stories. I am honored to be included in these conversations and consider each email or call sacred. I am humbled to know that my books help children and make a positive difference in their lives.

Norm: What do you think most characterizes your writing?

Kimberly: Biblio-therapy, self-help books for kids, pro-active parenting, kid-to-kid guides) My children have played an essential role in the motivation and creation of all three of my books. The books are comforting to children and parents because they are in a child's voice with kid-friendly language.

Norm: What was the most difficult part of writing your books?

Kimberly: The challenge for me is how to delicately word something to be direct and clear for the reader, without being too scary or alarming. I feel that I have accomplished those goals in my books. We are talking about tough topics, and there is a delicate balance to maintain.

Norm: What did you enjoy most about writing your books?

Kimberly: I enjoy the process of getting my words in the manuscript and then watching it come alive. I have been fortunate to work with some fantastic illustrators who bring my stories to life.

Sue Rama is my illustrator, for I Said No! We have just completed a total revision of the book, and the editing, rewriting, design, illustration all come together - magic happens. It is the creative process that is so enjoyable. The sharing of ideas!

Norm: Many people have the skills and drive to write a book, but failure to market and sell the book the right way is probably what keep a lot of people from finding success. Can you give us 2-3 strategies that have been effective for you in promoting your books?

Kimberly:

TRAINING

Take an author-specific marketing class. I highly recommend Business Academy for Authors. This course is affordable, comprehensive, personal, interactive, and dynamic. You will learn so much here and save yourself time and money. I wish that I could have taken this course ten years ago. You have to invest a little bit of money on yourself. Business Academy has been essential in helping me figure out marketing in the children's book space. http://bit.ly/authortrainingkking

GIVING

I stepped into book marketing with a give. I ran several free giveaways on GOODREADS. Giveaways are a great area to create a buzz and interact directly with readers. Offer your books in the form of donations to various groups that work within your topic. Share your knowledge and expertise as a guest on a podcast. Find blogs where you can give and share as a guest blogger. Your giving will pay off as you establish yourself as an expert who helps others.

COLLABORATING

Find the authors in your area of expertise and connect. I work with many wonderful women in the sexual abuse prevention space. We collaborate, write, share, promote, and help each other. Our books all help children. We frequently work together to be more productive and gain a more significant reach. Together we have a much stronger presence as we educate children and families on sexual abuse prevention.

Norm: Where can our readers find out more about you and your children's books?

Kimberly: Please come visit me at MY WEBSITE

Stop by, read an article, buy a signed copy direct from me!

Norm: What is next for Kimberly King?

Kimberly: I recently launched a free, basic 1-hour introductory course for parents called Simply Safe Kids. I plan to focus on educating parents and caregivers online and in-person with more workshops and training sessions. My next kid-to-kid guide will cover the topic of ANXIETY.

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

Kimberly: Do you miss teaching? 

That is one of the questions nobody asks.

I was a kindergarten teacher for many years and found so much joy, laughter, and inspiration from my students. I recently got a Facebook message from one of my former students. My former student John, let me know that I had made an enormous impact on his life. He was reaching out 20 years later to connect with me and say thank you. John's message brought me to tears.

I miss the profession of teaching because I feel that it is a truly noble profession. I am hoping to spend more time in the classroom this year.

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