Podcast Summary

Living The Next Chapter: Candid Conversations with Authors and Writers for Readers Searching for a New Read
Host: Dave Campbell
Episode: E303 - KT Carlisle - From the Bucolic Vermont, From Her First Pen to Her Murder Mystery Trilogy
Date: February 10, 2026

Overview

In this engaging episode, host Dave Campbell is joined by Vermont-based author KT (Katie) Carlile. They dive deep into Carlile's journey from receiving her very first pen as a child to the publication of her self-published murder mystery trilogy. The episode explores the personal and professional milestones that shaped her writing, the inspiration behind her characters and stories, and practical advice for aspiring writers—covering everything from managing rejections to building a writer’s online presence. KT openly discusses the emotional terrain of loss, resilience, and channeling real-life struggles into compelling fiction, making for a heartfelt and inspiring conversation.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

KT Carlile’s Early Love for Writing

• The Gift That Started It All:
  • KT shares the origin story of her writing journey, rooted in a touching moment with her grandmother.
  • Quote: "She just reached into her bag and gave me a pen, and I threw my arms around her and I kissed her. And the rest, as they say, is history." (03:36)
• Writing as a Lifelong Constant:
  • Since the age of three, writing was a constant part of her identity (04:41).

Turning Point: Grief and Motivation

• Losing Her Father:
  • KT’s drive to finish her debut novel was deeply connected to her father's encouragement and loss.
  • Quote: "He was a big supporter of me... and he always told me, you know, don't give up. Keep writing. I can't wait to read that first novel. And unfortunately, he passed away before I could do that for him." (05:25)
• Channeling Grief into Creativity:
  • The decision to "throw everything to the wind" and write her novel became a tribute to him, rapidly completing her first draft in under 100 days. (05:25)

Navigating Early Success and the Writing Community

• Unexpected Support and Connections:
  • Despite self-publishing, KT found a vibrant and supportive community, especially through Twitter, connecting with fellow writers and readers (08:59).
  • Quote: "You'd be surprised. You know, a lot of people with big, big followings have gotten back to me immediately, and I'm like, wow, this is crazy...they're just normal people like you and me trying to make it in an industry that is so highly competitive." (08:59-10:41)
• Becoming a Role Model:
  • KT reflects on the shift as new authors now look up to her, a position she finds surreal and humbling (12:15).

The Prestige of Kirkus Reviews

• What is a Kirkus Review?
  • KT explains the significance of earning a positive review from Kirkus, noting the honest, critical nature of their feedback and its validation for writers (14:15).
  • Quote: "Kirkus is a very prestigious organization...it's almost a little terrifying when you submit to them because they have this disclaimer—we get very honest reviews." (14:15)

Inside the "Reasonable" Trilogy

• Genesis of the Story:
  • Inspired by true crime (e.g., Idaho college murders, Jeffrey Dahmer), KT explores themes of obsession, addiction, and the "addict" nature of serial killers (16:06).
  • Quote: "A lot of what is discussed in the book has to do with this idea of obsession and addiction in all forms...at the end of the day, a serial killer really is an addict and is obsessed with their target." (16:06-18:35)
• Character & Plot Overview:
  • Main character: Catherine Clark, arrested for her best friend’s murder while intoxicated and suffering memory blackouts. The story weaves the mystery of her guilt or innocence with past traumas and unresolved suicides.
  • Plot complexity ensures room for twists, turns, and cliffhangers—leading to the decision to split the story into a trilogy (20:54).
  • Quote: "I really thought this was going to be one book. And I got about halfway done and I realized, oh, man, there's way more to this story..." (20:54)

Crafting a Series (and Avoiding Plot Holes)

• Writing Process:
  • KT prefers to focus on one book at a time but maintains extensive notes, spreadsheets, and outlines for continuity (23:40).
  • Uses multiple points of view as a narrative device to expand perspective and avoid "writing into a corner" (24:00-25:41).

Literary Influences and “Delicious Words”

• Recipe of Influences:
  • Draws inspiration from authors like Nikki Shearsby, Robert Galbraith (Cormoran Strike series), Morgan Shami, and Jamie Day (26:28).
  • Advocates reading widely, from traditional and self-published authors alike.
• Celebrating Vocabulary:
  • Keeps a list of “delicious words” to savor and reuse in her writing; favorite example: "bucolic" (30:04).
  • Quote: "Since we're in the food arena, my delicious words...I came across that word...Vermont is bucolic. You might describe Vermont as bucolic..." (30:04-30:46)

Facing and Understanding Rejection

• On Both Sides of the Table:
  • KT’s unique perspective comes from being both an agency intern (sending rejections) and a querying writer (receiving them) (32:23).
  • Emphasizes that rejections are not always a judgment on quality—often a matter of fit, timing, or practical issues like word count (her debut was 133,000 words).
  • Quote: "A rejection doesn't mean that you aren't good. It doesn't mean that others won't enjoy your work...it could be so many different reasons." (35:06)
• Coping with Disappointment:
  • KT admits to the emotional toll but stresses resilience and the necessity of believing in one’s work (37:16).

Tips on Character Development

• Flawed, Realistic Characters:
  • Encourages writers to model characters after real, imperfect people for authenticity.
  • Quote: "A character should be like a real person, and a real person isn't perfect...they should be flawed to some degree." (38:16)
• Vivid Introductions:
  • Importance of providing quick, strong visuals for characters to anchor reader imagination, noting her editor’s feedback on her first draft (39:55).

Infusing Personal Experience

• Authorial Presence in Fiction:
  • Kat (the protagonist) is a “version of me that I would be if I didn’t have the support system that I do have.” KT describes pouring lived struggles into the narrative—including her father’s suicide attempt and broader mental health themes (40:46).
  • Quote: "I almost imagine her to be the version of me that I would be if I didn't have the support system that I do have..." (40:46)

Mental Health and the Power of Writing

• Writing as Healing:
  • KT voices the cathartic role of writing, especially for processing trauma and promoting mental health, encouraging openness about struggles (43:53).

Author Platform: The Power of a Website

• Practical Advice for Authors:
  • KT, also a web designer, shares tips for an effective author website:
    • Strong homepage, quality photos, dedicated book/press/blog pages.
    • Maintain a blog for SEO & regular updates (46:21).
    • Mind metadata: titles, descriptions, alt tags.
    • Recommendations: WordPress (for the skilled), Squarespace, Wix (user friendly).
    • Own your domain: "ktcarlile.com" secures a stable digital presence (49:40).
  • Quote: "You'll always want to invest in that domain name...it's your piece of the Internet." (50:00)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "I knocked that first draft out in less than 100 days, and it just kind of fell out of me. And now...the ideas are not stopping." (05:25)
• "If you can still say, I believe in my work, then it's worth it to keep going." (37:16)
• "A character should be like a real person, and a real person isn't perfect." (38:16)
• "Vermont is bucolic—you might describe Vermont as bucolic because it is, you know, very rural, rolling hills..." (30:13)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• KT’s Writing Origin Story – 03:36
• Father’s Influence & Motivation – 05:25
• Early Response & Twitter Community – 08:59
• Becoming a Role Model for New Writers – 12:15
• Understanding Kirkus Reviews – 14:15
• Inspiration & Themes in Reasonable – 16:06
• Main Character & Plot Overview – 18:38
• Conversion from Standalone to Trilogy – 20:54
• Managing Series Continuity – 23:40
• Favorite Authors & Influence – 26:28
• Word Collection & "Bucolic" – 30:04
• Rejection from the Inside Out – 32:23
• Handling Character Development – 38:16
• Personal Trauma in Characterization – 40:46
• Supporting Mental Health through Writing – 43:53
• Author Website Best Practices – 46:21

Connect with KT Carlile

• Website: ktcarlile.com
• Twitter: @ktcarlile
• Instagram: @k.t.carlisle
• Facebook: @k.t.carlisle.author

Closing Thoughts

KT Carlisle’s candid reflections offer aspiring and veteran writers alike a blueprint for approaching the creative process with resilience, authenticity, and community spirit. Her willingness to mine personal experience for literary depth is both moving and instructive, and her practical advice—on publication, digital presence, and the emotional life of a writer—is delivered with warmth and humility. Whether you're working on your first draft or managing your author brand, this episode is full of actionable insight and inspiring perspective.

[All timestamps in MM:SS.]