Kim Thorn

I attribute my success to my faith, determination, and resilience, as well as my commitment to keep writing even when faced with rejection or a lack of recognition. Consistency has been essential for me—both in my craft and in staying true to the stories I feel called to tell. My career has taken me through roles in legal services, banking, shipping, and towing before I ultimately found my place as an auditor. In my current role, I review financial submissions, verify accuracy, ensure compliance with court requirements, and support families who are often navigating the administrative challenges that accompany loss or major life transitions.

I have worked in the legal field for a decade, with more than two years focused specifically on estate auditing. I was drawn to this work because of my analytical strengths, attention to detail, and desire to bring clarity and accuracy to people during difficult times. Alongside my professional responsibilities, I have spent many years writing poetry, fiction, and children’s messages for church, which naturally led me into my current journey as a novelist. My areas of expertise now span both estate auditing and creative writing. Professionally, I serve as an auditor for the Commissioner of Accounts in Chesapeake Circuit Court, preparing and reviewing legal and financial documents for estates, trusts, minors, and incapacitated adults. Creatively, I am a fiction writer and poet developing a full-length romance novel.

In addition to my auditing work, I am writing a story about a strong-willed security head protecting a witness in hiding, continuing my poetry projects, and developing content for children’s ministry. As an auditor, I am proud of earning the trust of the courts and becoming someone families can rely on during emotionally challenging moments. As a writer, my most meaningful achievement has been the growing interest in my novel—especially the enthusiasm readers have shown for expanding one of my short stories into a full book.

The best career advice I’ve ever received is to stay committed to my goals, even when progress feels slow, and to surround myself with people who believe in my potential. My book coach has been one of my strongest influences, keeping me focused and accountable as I work through my manuscript. I’ve also been encouraged by writing professionals along the way—especially the agent who has shown interest in reviewing my novel. In addition to these mentors, my faith community has been a steady source of motivation, reminding me to trust the process and remain faithful to the work I’m called to do.

The advice I would give to young women entering either auditing or writing is to trust your instincts, develop a resilient mindset, and stay confident in your abilities. For those stepping into auditing, lead with both empathy and accuracy—people often come to us during some of the hardest moments of their lives, and our work can make a meaningful difference. For writers, keep showing up for your craft, even when recognition feels distant. Your voice matters, and consistency will take you further than perfection ever will. Above all, believe in your potential and don’t let anyone talk you out of the purpose you feel called to pursue.

In auditing, one of the biggest challenges I face is working with individuals and families who are navigating emotionally heavy situations, often while grieving. I approach these moments with patience, clarity, and professionalism, striving to make the process as understandable and manageable as possible. It’s a responsibility I take seriously, and it has strengthened both my empathy and my communication skills.

In my writing life, the greatest challenge has been finding my place in a literary community where recognition can sometimes feel tied more to popularity than to merit. I’ve learned to stay grounded by focusing on the quality of my work, leaning on my faith, and refusing to let discouragement slow my progress. By keeping my attention on growth rather than comparison, I’ve been able to continue developing my voice and moving forward with purpose.

The values that matter most to me—both in my work and personal life—are creativity, integrity, faith, and a genuine desire to uplift others. Outside of my professional responsibilities, I find joy in crafting stories, reading fiction, writing poetry, and exploring new plot ideas. Creativity fuels me, and faith-driven storytelling allows me to connect with others in meaningful ways.

I am also deeply committed to service. I’m actively involved in my church’s kids ministry, where I teach children’s messages and help create content that encourages and inspires young minds. Community is important to me, and I’ve previously been part of a writing group; as my novel continues to develop, I’m open to reconnecting with similar organizations. Whether in auditing or writing, I strive to approach everything I do with purpose, compassion, and authenticity.