An Interview with Author Dr. Kama Thomas

Tell us about your book. What is it about?

Truly “Nothing Wasted” as Dr. Kama Thomas invites you into her life to experience her joys, her disappointments and her nurtured dreams. Adorned in resilience, bravery and tenacity all wrapped in God’s undeniable favor, she faces every obstacle with grace. Her divine destiny to serve as a pharmacist, a journey “speckled” with hills and valleys, was no childhood conception but a mere “nudge.” While she thought her calling to serve as a physician was simply a dream deferred, God’s hand was upon her rearranging the canvas of her life.

 

She takes readers from her anchor of origin, the tiny fishing village of Anse La Raye in St. Lucia to the United States where her countless testimonies take root and sprout. Arriving in America at 17 years old in pursuit of higher education, she is awakened by a jolt of disappointment. As readers travel cross country with her, they are wrapped in the story of an immigrant woman who displays nothing shy of fortitude. Her selflessness knew no boundaries with unforeseen responsibilities.

 

In her story, there are no villains as she believes that every event positive or negative happens for her and not to her. She is grateful for every “no” that has helped change the trajectory of her life. As you travel this intimate unpaved path with Dr. Kama Thomas, your soul will never be the same as she inspires you and even demands that you assume your responsibility of living a life of purpose regardless of your calling.

What motivated you to write this book?

I have often been told that my story of migrating to the US is an inspiring one. I wrote this book in hopes that someone somewhere would hear my own story and this challenge them to revisit a dream they may have forgotten.

Who is your target audience for this book? Why should they read your book, or how will it help them?

My target audience is middle school and beyond. Immigrant stories seldom get told. Many people will be able to see themselves in my story because it is one of resilience and triumph over life’s hurdles.

Are your books tied to a business you own or work for? If so, tell us about that business and how the book and the business work together.

Yes, as a speaker, I often tell my own story in order to connect with my audience. Whether I am giving a commencement speech or speaking on a podcast, by telling my own story, I am hopeful that my audience will understand the importance of telling their own stories in an authentic and empowering way.

Are you ever concerned that the language of your book is either too technically difficult or too elementary and potentially insulting for your target audience? How do you decide?

 No, I sought to write a short book that almost anyone could read. I wanted to highlight stories along my journey that readers would identify with. I centered my stories around common themes that bind us; family, education, disappointment and triumph.

How long did your book take to complete?

Roughly 9 months

Are you currently working on another book? Is it the same genre?

Not yet but I hope to write another book which would be a devotional/book of affirmations.

What is your goal as an author?

My goal as an author is to ensure that my readers feel seen and heard. That they identify something in my story that resonates with them on a personal level. That my readers leave inspired and encouraged after finishing my book.

Why did you decide to self-publish?

I chose self publishing because it afforded me the freedom to work on the book at my own pace and to make decisions that centered my own voice and ideas.

Did you use IngramSpark, Amazon KDP, or another company to handle the printing and distribution of your book?

Yes, both

Did you purchase your own ISBN or have one assigned to you by Amazon KDP or IngramSpark?

I purchased by own ISBNS on Bowker.com

Now that your book is in print, do you have any regrets?

No regrets, just a deep sense of accomplishment and joy.

What parts did you do on your own, and what did you hire out to have done? (Editing, book design, cover design, eBook, marketing, etc.)

I hired out: editing, book design, cover design, eBook design and social media graphics

What would you do differently if you were to self-publish again?

I would give myself a longer deadline for publication.

What is the most difficult part of writing this book?

Because the book is a memoir, the most difficult would have to be having to re-live difficult moments of my life throughout the writing process.

If you could tell yourself anything as a younger writer what would it be?

Write often and write freely.

What motivates you as a writer?

Knowing that I have created a body of work that I can be proud of. If my work impacts one life then I would have done my job.

How old were you when you started writing?

9 years old

What marketing have you done for your book? What worked and what did not work?

Social media posts on Instagram, LinkedIn, Created an opt in landing page, Podcast interviews.

Did you start marketing before your book was launched? If not, do you regret that decision?

Yes, I started marketing on social media platforms a few months in advance.

How do you use social media as an author? Has it worked well for you, or is it something you want to do more or less of?

I used Instagram to engage my audience prior to my book’s release and to grow my waitlist prior to the book being published.

Which platform do you use the most?

Instagram, then LinkedIn

How are you handling marketing with COVID closing down many events authors often do, such as book signings and book clubs?

Virtual book signings and Zoom podcast interviews

Anything Else?

My advice to other authors would be to not rush the process, celebrate small wins and ask for help when needed.