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Alumni Spotlight: From Language Immersion to Literary Achievement - Kathi Crawford's Journey to Publication
by Writing Workshops Staff
A month ago
When Kathi Crawford returned to creative writing in 2017, she wasn't chasing publication deadlines or literary accolades. Her goal was simpler and more profound: to immerse herself in language, rediscover poetry, and engage with words in a meaningful way. Seven years later, her debut chapbook, consider the light, will be published by Finishing Line Press on September 19, 2025, selected as a "best entry" in their 2024 Open Chapbook Competition.
The Power of Writing Community
Kathi's success story is deeply rooted in the transformative power of writing community, and she credits her instructors and classmates at Writing Workshops as instrumental to her journey. "This chapbook would not exist without my writing community's invaluable guidance and encouragement," she reflects, "including the instructors and classmates on the Writing Workshops platform."
Her path to publication began with three pivotal courses with instructor Holly Lyn Walrath: Writing the Book-Length Poetry Collection, A Feminist Poetry Reading Primer: Writing with Our Foremothers, and Self-Editing for Writers.
These workshops didn't just teach craft—they revealed the scope of her own artistic vision. "These courses helped clarify my goals for the next collection and revealed I likely have two books in progress," Kathi shares.
A Pivotal Moment: From First Publication to Cohesive Vision
The shift from hobbyist to serious writer came when Kathi took classes with Cait Weiss Orcutt. "The thrill of having my first poem, Ceilings, accepted by Drunk Monkeys shifted something in me. Suddenly, publication felt possible."
That early success planted a seed, but it was a 2022 workshop, Creating the Poetry Chapbook with Kendra Preston Leonard at Writespace Houston, that provided the breakthrough moment. "Not only did this class generate new work, but it illuminated something unexpected—many of my poems carried interconnected themes, almost like mini-memoirs woven together. That realization was pivotal."
The Art of Self-Editing and Independence
Among all her workshop experiences, Kathi identifies the Self-Editing for Writers course as particularly transformative. "The Self-Editing course has been pivotal for me at this point in my writing career as I continue to rely on myself to critique my work and learn how to gather feedback from readers of my work in a way that makes my poems or stories even better."
This skill became crucial as she navigated the submission process, submitting to sixteen publishers over fifteen months before Finishing Line Press recognized the merit of her work. The acceptance wasn't just validation; it was "affirmation that these stories mattered enough to exist in print."
consider the light: A Hybrid Memoir in Poetry and Flash
consider the light is a hybrid collection exploring growth, resilience, and self-discovery through both poetry and flash nonfiction. The work examines themes of memory, societal expectations, and the struggle for self-empathy, capturing both the beauty and rawness of life from a working-class Rustbelt upbringing to chasing the American Dream in Texas.
Critics are already taking notice. Kendra Preston Leonard, who taught the chapbook course that helped shape Kathi's vision, praises the collection as "a memoir told in fragments, in cookies, in abandoned lots, in road trips, and in absences," noting how Crawford "offers an account of her life, presented, as she writes, with 'the context and timeline/ripped apart,' but with every essential word in place."
Cait Weiss Orcutt, whose early classes sparked Kathi's publication journey, describes the collection as "full of inventive defiance and heart-forward brilliance," highlighting how "Crawford's poems continually illuminate what happens after—after the less-than-ideal childhood, after the hasty move south, after the marriage that didn't go according to plan."
From Corporate Success to Creative Fulfillment
Kathi's journey to poetry publication follows a successful career in organizational and leadership development. After founding People Possibilities, LLC in 2008, she brings to her writing years of studying human nature and the reasons behind our choices. This background infuses her poetry with psychological depth and authentic insight into human resilience.
"Her writing is a continuous journey of learning and exploration, sparking dialogue around the challenges we face—both collectively and individually," her bio notes. This mission is evident throughout consider the light, which serves as what early reviewers call "a beacon for women who've felt alone in the world, reminding us of our shared humanity."
The Writing Workshops Advantage
What Kathi particularly values about Writing Workshops' approach is the flexibility and community it provides. "I like the online structure and self-paced aspects with input from classmates and the instructor. There are deadlines, but I can work on them with my schedule. And there is a good level of interaction, which I appreciate very much, so I am not alone in the journey."
This balance of structure and flexibility proved essential for a working professional transitioning into serious literary pursuit. The workshops provided not just craft instruction but the accountability and community support necessary for sustained creative growth.
Looking Forward: Two Books in Progress
Thanks to her Writing Workshops experience, particularly the Book-Length Poetry Collection course, Kathi has clarity about her future projects. "These courses helped clarify my goals for the next collection and revealed I likely have two books in progress."
Her writing continues to focus on human resilience and transformation, drawing from her unique perspective as someone who has successfully navigated both corporate and creative worlds. You can follow her continuing journey on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Bluesky, or subscribe to her Substack newsletter and visit her website.
A Testament to Persistence and Community
Kathi's story exemplifies the transformative power of combining structured learning with supportive community. Her journey from someone simply wanting to "immerse herself in language" to a poet whose work has been recognized by a prestigious competition demonstrates what's possible when talent meets the right educational environment.
As consider the light prepares for its September 19, 2025 release, Kathi's success serves as inspiration for other writers who are rediscovering their creative voices later in life. Her chapbook stands as proof that meaningful art can emerge from the intersection of life experience, dedicated craft study, and the invaluable support of a writing community.
Ready to discover your own creative potential? Learn more about our poetry workshops and find the supportive community that could transform your writing journey.
Pre-order consider the light and experience Kathi Crawford's luminous debut for yourself when it releases on September 19, 2025.
