Today we’d like to introduce you to Sheyla Knigge.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’m not quite sure how to begin my story. I’m a writer, to put it simply, but I wasn’t always. When I graduated high school in 2013, I had aspirations of becoming a nurse like my mom. A steady job with a good income to support my daughter- who came later that fall, but as I started taking my prerequisites I quickly realized that I didn’t want any type of career that I wasn’t completely in love with, and as much as I love people nursing wasn’t it.
So, I quickly stopped going to college after two semesters and tried to find my passions elsewhere- in fitness, in books, in tattooing. It wasn’t actually until I worked at a tattoo shop in Houston- for all of a month- that I remembered how much I loved tapping into my creativity and being surrounded by other creatives. I considered it for a while after I left that shop- the idea of tattooing, but with two kids by then an apprenticeship with no pay wasn’t conducive to parenthood. I took a step back and shifted my focus from my nonexistent career to surrogacy. Then, the pandemic hit.
By this time we had moved to Knoxville, and the pandemic shifted all my timelines. Surrogacy was put on halt for me, and so I shifted my attention to things that brought me joy- baking, reading, writing. I was able to connect with a robust writing community through Twitter, and when that summer came and. the #PublishingPaidMe went viral authors of color were brought to the forefront I thought this was my shot to get my previously self-published book professionally published. Spoiler alert- I didn’t. What did happen though was that I was able to connect with other aspiring authors. One of which- my friend Rebecca Mix-started a Patreon for writers who wanted to know the ins and outs of publishing from start to finish.
She introduced me to another writer- Andrea Hannah- and between their classes and insight I have not only learned how to grow my craft as an author, but I have a job working as an intern under a fabulous literary agent- Victoria Marini- with the hopes of not only finishing my own book to sell one day soon but to help other authors bring their works to life. I tell people a lot of the time that this fell into my lap, but I don’t think that’s altogether true.
I have always loved books and the escapism they provided me in childhood. It’s sort of fitting in that sense that now as an adult I’m writing and working with others to provide the next generation with books that will help shape who they are.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Absolutely not. Like a lot of creatives, I hit quite a few creative blocks as well as time blocks. I’m a stay-at-home mom so a good chunk of my time is taken up by my own kids, and I spent most of last year carrying someone else’s. Not to say I didn’t love it- surrogacy is an amazing experience- but pregnancy is time-consuming. As I mentioned previously, I went through quite a few career changes before I got to where I am today.
It’s weird to say that I got here through Twitter, but social media and networking are so underrated. I tell people that the publishing industry is a lot of “who you know” when it comes to starting a career for yourself. I had at least six informational interviews before I actually got a job offer working for the agent I do now. A lot of my issue was that I don’t possess a college degree, and I thought I would have to go back to school to find a career that I love. Publishing is a little different. Some jobs want you to have a degree, for sure, but my current job?
My boss didn’t care about my previous experience, only that I was a reader, and when one of her authors needed help managing their calendar she immediately recommended me because not only do I have a project management certification through google, I’m a mom and I am constantly managing the lives of tiny humans. I’ve been really lucky in the fact that my husband has allowed me to take the time to find my passions in the last nine years to get to where I am today.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I wrote and self-published my debut novel on Amazon.
I was heavily influenced by The Mists of Avalon and my love for Arthurian legend. I’m currently working on what I hope will be my debut novel under an agent and publishing house. I have about twenty thousand words left before this draft is done and it goes to edits, but I’m really proud of what I have so far, and it’s gotten great reviews from my peers.
I don’t know what I would say sets me apart from others. Creatives as a whole all have really unique beginnings, and I think for me I’m just really proud of myself for recognizing early on what wasn’t for me until I got to this place that I’m doing something I’m in love with every day.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
You don’t have to see people every day to be in a community with them.
When I first moved to Knoxville I craved community and friendships and I struggled to find that in mom groups or church. It wasn’t until I really dove into the writing community on Twitter that I really found my people.
My friends live all over the world and are all at different stages of their writing careers and they are the most supportive group of people I’ve ever not met face to face. I truly love Story Grove and the friendship it’s provided.
Contact Info:
- Email: sheylaknigge@gmail.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/sknigge
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sheyla.k.4991/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/sheylaknigge
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@sheylaknigge
