Her Story
About Cathy
Cathy Schieffelin is an author of literary fiction, historical fiction, medical mystery, thriller, and suspense novels. After earning her undergraduate degree from Denison University, she began her career as an assistant editor before pivoting through roles as a Montessori teacher, Peace Corps volunteer, and wildlife educator running Wild Times Education programs for eight years. Diagnosed with breast cancer six years ago, she turned to writing as a way to work through the experience and has since published two novels, with a third underway. Her books have received awards for suspense and thriller, small-town fiction, historical fiction, and women's fiction, and one novella was nominated for Book of the Year. She attributes her success to a supportive family, self-belief developed with guidance from a patient college professor despite undiagnosed dyslexia and earlier low self-esteem, and perseverance through challenges in the publishing industry. Cathy values curiosity and the willingness to pivot, lessons drawn from her diverse path, and advises aspiring writers to seek professional editors, stay true to their voice, and persist with what fuels their passion.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Cathy
01What do you attribute your success to?
I would say a lot of things. I have a very supportive family who believe in me. Believing in yourself is huge. I had undiagnosed dyslexia and low self-esteem growing up, hated reading and writing in high school. A patient professor in college guided me through writing and helped me realize I had a skill. Trusting yourself, understanding your gut, and surrounding yourself with people who build you up rather than tear you down has been key.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
If you love something, even if you're not sure you're doing it well, if you love it, keep doing it. Keep doing what fuels your passion and learn how to do it better. Stick with something even when you're not sure it's the right path but if you feel compelled to do something that fuels you.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
In the author, editor, publishing world it's a fight and hard because there are so many people writing and self-publishing. Traditional publishing is tough unless you're John Grisham. For women it's even tougher. Find a great editor who are professionals, not your friends. Stick true to who you are and what you want to write while balancing what's selling.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The challenge is getting published outside of hybrid publishing. I paid to publish my first two books which helped me learn the industry but it's not sustainable. I want to become traditionally published so I'm working on my next novel to get it in shape for a literary agent. The publishing world changes all the time and fewer people go traditional because it's hard. You have to hustle, be an opportunist, carry books in your car, have a website, and create content.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Perseverance, really sticking with something, working really hard, being dedicated to something that you feel compelled to be dedicated to, but also knowing that you can shift and pivot. Curiosity is a value. Wanting to see the world and understand it by getting out there. I've pivoted many times from assistant editor to Montessori teacher to Peace Corps volunteer to wildlife education to author.
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