From Fear to Flow: An Interview with Kaitlyn Marquart

by Lia McQueeney

In a world where we are constantly told to "speak up" and "make our voices heard," it’s easy to forget that for some, finding the right words isn’t so simple. Kaitlyn Marquart, author of IDK What to Say: A Guide for Navigating Social Situations, draws from her own experiences to help people find their voices amidst the damaging effects of social anxiety. With our society becoming increasingly engulfed in technology, many newer generations find themselves full of anxiety when faced with real-world responsibilities and interactions. Kaitlyn’s true understanding of this issue provides readers faced with these situations a thorough guide to a plethora of anxiety-inducing situations. Through practical strategies and relatable insights, she provides her audience with the tools they need to conquer their fears and become more confident in social situations. 

IDK What to Say: A Guide For Navigating Social Situations is a step-by-step tool designed to aid and empower young adults who struggle with social anxiety. It’s the kind of no-nonsense guide that takes the guesswork out of social interactions. There’s no “one-size-fits-all” answer to social anxiety, but there are clear strategies that can make navigating conversations a little less frightening. As Kaitlyn points out, “The key to learning any new skill - even social skills - is to go through the motions, practice, and be persistent. Practice and consistency lead to change, not perfection.” 

Kaitlyn’s writing journey is rooted in years of experience. She has been journaling since she was a young girl, and has found it to be a habit that keeps her connected. For her, writing has always been a way to process the world around her, whether it’s through the lens of anxiety, joy, or daily observations. While she started with a guidebook, Kaitlyn’s more recent projects are expanding into novels, displaying her diverse portfolio of writing. 

For any new authors embarking on their publishing journey, Kaitlyn offers a crucial piece of advice: always make writing a priority. While every day may not be the most productive, consistency is key. From that point, she advises, “Even if you can’t write for a long time, just sit down and do something. By writing a little bit every day, you get into a routine, and writing becomes easier and more efficient over time. It’s easy to let a writing project slip through the cracks if you don’t keep up the momentum.” Whether you write a page or a paragraph, to Kaitlyn, everything counts and everything is progress. 

When it comes to her time working with Wildebeest, Kaitlyn remarks it as, “a really great experience.” From the people she has met to the goals she has accomplished, she finds herself appreciative of her time spent with Wildebeest. More specifically, she is grateful for the weekly Zoom meetings that are held for authors to come together and discuss their progress. Getting feedback from the authors, even on small aspects of her writing, is very helpful for Kaitlyn in staying honest with herself and her work. Having such a supportive community truly encourages her best writing. 

While social anxiety can make even the simplest interactions feel like an overwhelming mountain to climb, Kaitlyn’s practical guide is here to help make those climbs a little easier. To lift a little weight off of your shoulder, make sure to check out IDK What to Say: A Guide For Navigating Social Situations now at www.kaitlynmarquartwrites.com. 

 Lia is a lifelong reader and writer who is currently a student at Siena College pursuing a degree in English. Her passion for English merges with her commitment to supporting and educating others, which is why one day she hopes to find her place either in the world of publishing or in early childhood education.