An Interview with Katrina Kennedy
Katrina started her physiotherapy training at St Thomas Hospital in September 1986; she had a unique NHS career working across community and acute care, in mental and physical health. She taught antenatal classes and nursed patients in the last days of their life, spanning patients from birth to death. She retired from her Chief Allied Health Professional (AHP) role at Hampshire Hospitals in 2023 and now treats complex neurological NHS-funded patients in aquatherapy whilst also supporting twelve physiotherapy students on clinical placement each year.
Tell us the story of your book’s title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?
I have been writing a diary since I was eight years old and often captured memories, patient stories, and career experiences. When I started pulling together all the chapters I realised I had enough stories—twenty-six—for an A to Z and hence the title was born.
How did it feel when you first saw your book cover? Or when you first held your book in your hands?
It was amazing to see the final book cover. However, it was unbelievable holding my proof copy in my hands. It felt and looked fantastic—a proper book! Having written and edited the chapters predominantly online and only occasionally printing and scribbling thoughts on paper, to hold the final manuscript in my hands was spectacular. A really pivotal moment in time and a magnificent achievement.
Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?
I have always loved Aesop’s Fables, a story with a meaning, and I wanted to share what I have learned over forty years with others so that they could learn from my mistakes and perhaps navigate a change in their career journey.
What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?
I have worked across physical and mental health in acute and community health care, with pregnant mothers bringing new life and with patients at the end of their life. Across the full spectrum of healthcare.
What was the most rewarding/meaningful part of publishing your book?
Holding the proof copy in my hand! Magical! The book looked and felt spectacular.
If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?
Adele: “Hello”
Whitney Houston: “The Greatest Love of All”
“The Lion Sleeps Tonight”
Rod Stewart: “Sailing”
Take That: “The Flood”
What is one thing you hope readers take away from reading your book? How do you envision your perfect reader?
My perfect reader is a nurse, physiotherapist, doctor, or any healthcare professional in training. I would hope that my book gives them inspiration and motivation to be the best they can be. The “takeaway thoughts” at the end of the chapters become a resource/action plan for their career development goals and the book helps them to navigate the first few years of their healthcare journey. My personal stories and insights give them a glimpse into the art of the possible!
What creative projects are you currently working on?
I have been asked to speak at a few events and careers fairs, so I am designing a presentation and talk. I really want to bring the book to life, share some small, bite-sized stories to encourage people to buy the book. I am a visual learner, so it is important for me to me to inspire others with pictures and creative design.
How was working with Atmosphere Press? What would you tell other writers who want to publish?
The Atmosphere team are highly professional, supportive, and kind. As a clinician and a novice author who had no idea what to expect, I was helped to navigate the publishing journey with frequent updates, loads of useful information, and always someone to contact with my naive and silly questions. The final book is unbelievable, the creative design team are exceptional, and the back cover edit captured the essence and is fabulous. The whole experience turned out better than I could ever have imagined! A HUGE THANK YOU!
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