We had the good fortune of connecting with Kym Summers and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kym, what are you inspired by?
Nothing inspires me more than great writing! On any given day, you’ll find me reading on my kindle, picking up a book from the library, and listening to an audio book.

The number one advice I give to anyone who wants to write a book is to start reading books in the genre you’re interested in. If you aren’t a reader, you’ll never be a great writer.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Since I was a teenager, I dreamed of writing a novel. I got a degree in communications, but didn’t know what to do with it. I fell into a marketing position, and learned how to tell compelling stories. For over twenty years, I worked in corporate marketing. At the beginning of 2023, I decided it was time for me to finally bring my dream of writing a book to life. I quit my job and started my “midlife gap year.” It’s been amazing (and terrifying!) to hit the reset button and figure out what I want to do with the rest of my life.

In 2023, I immersed myself in the craft and business of writing a book. I listened to hundreds of hours of podcasts, read countless books and articles, attended webinars and workshops, and went to two writing retreats. My book is now finished–a speculative suspense fiction novel that explores the reasons we choose to have children. I’m in the process of trying to find a literary agent and sell my book to a publisher.

Along the way, I realized I wanted to help other aspiring authors get their books written! I’d spent my entire adult life convincing myself that writing a book was a near impossible feat. I discovered that it’s actually not that hard to write the first draft of a book. In fact, it was one of the most fun things I’ve ever done. I’m now working as a book coach to help people plot, write, and stay accountable to their goals. I’m also hosting writing retreats in Fairplay, Colorado!

It’s an empowering experience to have allowed myself to change career paths in my 40s. To anyone who has a dream to do something different, please figure out a way to bring it to life. Don’t wait until you’re retired to do the thing you long to do.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
When my friends visit, I revolve the itinerary around food! I’m not fancy, I just love great flavors and unique restaurants. My favorite spots in Boulder County are The Roost, West Side Tavern, 1914 House, Caprese Trattoria, Verde, Hapa Sushi, Bar Taco, and Roadhouse Boulder Depot.

I always take out-of-towners to Chautauqua for a hike and iconic picture taking. I love strolling down Pearl Street, watching the street performers, and stopping for a slice at Pizza Colore or a gyro at Falafel King.

In the summer, I’ll bring my buds paddle boarding on Union Reservoir or a gorgeous walk around Lake McIntosh.

Some of my other favorite adventures are the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Carousel of Happiness in Nederland, shopping in Estes Park, and tubing in Lyons.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
From the first day I told my family that I wanted to quit my job to write a book, they were enthusiastically supportive. I’m grateful to have such a beautiful community of friends and family who’ve encouraged me to follow my dreams.

Once I started my writing journey, I was able to connect with other aspiring authors through the public library, on social media, and at retreats/workshops. Surrounding myself with other likeminded creatives has allowed me to learn and grow in unexpected ways.

There are so many free resources available to help you learn how to write a book! A couple I’d recommend are the Sh*t No One Tells You About Writing podcast and The Manuscript Academy.

Website: www.kymsummers.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kymsummerswrites

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kymsummers/

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@kymmersfullofsunshine

Image Credits
All images taken by Amber Sovorsky

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.