Interview with Kat O’Sullivan, Author of From Doubt to Do: Navigating Your Pathway to Possibility

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write From Doubt to Do: Navigating Your Pathway to Possibility?

I’ve done many “seemingly” impossible things throughout my life. People often ask, “How did you do that?” Oh, and “When are you going to finally write your book to share your stories and share what made that possible?” It’s a question I often asked myself, but I was always oh so busy. Then COVID hit, which turned out to be a gift. It prompted me to step back and be honest with myself. I was burned out and wanted to make a significant shift, but it felt “impossible.” When I asked myself the question, what if it’s not? Long story short, it resulted in my husband and I moving to Mexico. Yes, in the middle of the pandemic. It allowed me the time and space to finally write that book.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of From Doubt to Do: Navigating Your Pathway to Possibility, what would they be?

For me? Just the title of Etta James’ song, “At Last” sums up how I felt when I finally published my book. “Defying Gravity” from Wicked is what I listen to when people try to dissuade me from doing what they think is crazy (Mexico, really!?!). And the sentiment in “I Won’t Back Down” is what keeps me going when I’m thinking, What the bleep am I doing? (Mexico, really?!?)

What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

Crime/Murder Mystery that involves a dog to the rescue! Or empowering women detective stories. Love trying to solve a problem? No, not my genre. It’s escapist. I also enjoy inspiring memoirs and biographies which are close to my genre.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

The 24th Hour – next in the Women’s Murder Club series by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro. Flying in the Face of Fear by Kim Campbell. Professional Troublemaker by Luvview Ajayi Junes.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

At 16, getting accepted to be one of 100 students to be in the first high school cast of Up With People and the dilemma of how to pay for that once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Me picking up the phone and making a presumptuous call to NBC Studios, resulting in me convincing Bob Hope to sponsor my travels. Sharing how that experience set the stage for me taking on the seemingly impossible throughout my life.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

Joy, our beloved Golden Retriever at my feet and playing inspiring instrumentals from YouTube. Also, I’m really visual so I love using Post-It Notes as an alternative to traditional outlining.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

Say, “Hell, YES!” to new possibilities… then figure out how to make it happen step-by-step.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

I can give myself permission to LIVE my legacy moment by moment, choice by choice… doing what’s most meaningful to me now.

Kat O’Sullivan is the author of the new book From Doubt to Do: Navigating Your Pathway to Possibility

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