Natalie Kile has a Graduate Diploma in Psychological Science and a Bachelor of Journalism. While working as a freelance journalist to get a ‘foot in the door’, she trained as a Motorcycle Instructor to pay the bills.
At 24 years old, she was hit by a car and would spend the next year in recovery, sustaining injuries until today.
Her career took a different trajectory – Business Admin, Mystery Shopper and Queensland manager of Motoring Women, where her tasks included teaching women how to change tyres.
Natalie’s favourite quote is, ‘Life isn’t about finding yourself; it’s about creating yourself,’ – Bernard Shaw.
Her first ever job was to make her grandfather laugh by telling a good story. When he died, she stopped telling those stories.
As a teenager she loved cars and bikes, a love that’s never left her. She has since become a mother of two beautiful children. One morning, she woke up with a life-altering thought; she decided to go back to her first ever job – making people laugh and telling good stories.
Natalie lives in South East Queensland with her two daughters, her dog Tilly and is studying to complete her Bachelor of Psychological Science Honours Degree.
What inspired you to be a writer?
When I am writing I am in my happy place. Here comes the cliche – but from a very early age, before devices and constant television – I used to write stories in a journal for my entertainment. I tend to write a lot of fictitious stories, ideas, even characters and plots. I carry a note book in my handbag, and when something in real life inspires me I take a few notes.
What prompted you to write ‘My Bucket List’?
I always wanted to use my super powers for telling stories for good and not evil. It has been on my ‘bucket list’ since turning 40 to challenge myself and just see where it takes me. Instead of bungee jumping or skydiving I chose something a little harder and dared myself to give writing a book a go.
Do you have any more books in the pipeline?
I would love to write another biography. I really think there is value in hearing the stories of accidental celebrities – the stories of resilience and hardship. It’s always fascinating hearing the stories and real-life events of people and then comparing them to what you thought they were. I am currently working on a speculative fiction idea, and hope to get that ready for publishing shortly.
What is your professional background?
I have a degree in Journalism and spent some time as a freelance journalist. I am now studying for a Bachelor of Psychological Science Honours degree and navigating my way to become a Psychologist. I find studying human behaviour fascinating and this also helps with my writing.
Any advice you’d like to give aspiring writers?
Keep on keeping on. It’s a journey of self-doubt and self-discovery. It takes commitment, determination, and opening your mind to learn how to mould your writing into something you can be proud of. You never know how far you can go until you are brave enough to let go of the safety of the edge you are holding on to.
Who/what inspires you?
I get inspired by books, movies and stories that make you ‘think’. Don’t get me wrong, there is always room for ‘entertainment’ and the ‘fun’ stuff. It’s the stories that plant seeds in your mind and make you think for a long time after you have finished watching or reading that matter. Storytelling has been a part of our culture and across all cultures for centuries. It’s how as humans, we used to learn. I worry that technology and the devices that dominate our everyday experiences, may actually be robbing us of those opportunities to connect with narratives that truly impact our lives.
What are your hobbies, interests and favourite books?
Reading philosophical books and I love taking my hyperactive Kelpie dog Tilly for bushwalks, yoga, meditation and swimming in the ocean.
I don’t like the word favourite because there is so much choice these days and your favourite can change rapidly. I have a lot of different favourites where books are concerned and it becomes a genre dependent kind of thing. The book that made me cry for the first time, and even as I re-read it, despite knowing what was coming, it was still powerful enough to make me cry again – was Bryce Courtney’s – The Power of One.
One book that inspired me would be The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. I really loved the message inside that book. You have to read it and go on the journey to understand what that story is telling you, which is: to pursue your dreams by following what your heart desires.
How can readers contact you?
Facebook: Natalie Kile Author
Contact via: Hawkeye Contact Page
Natalie Kile: Biographies and indie publishers, Poppy’s Pages
Between The Covers Podcast – Listen to this great interview with Hawkeye author Natalie Kile here.
