Conversations with Kale Sudhoff

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kale Sudhoff.

Hi Kale, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I was born with a stutter; I always tried to avoid anything at school that involved reading because I was picked on a lot. It wasn’t until I was fifteen years old that a word came into my head. That word was “author.” I tried to forget it, but the next day I was hearing that word everywhere from all different sources as if God were trying to talk to me. I decided to give writing a try and was astounded by how natural it felt, as if I was made to do it. Today I write for kids who face big challenges like I did, and through my co-founded organization called Silent Opportunities we are able to give more opportunities to kids with special needs.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The main thing that I had to learn to navigate was how to block out the noise around me coming from those who said I couldn’t do what I felt called to do. It really is a leap of faith to put all of your time into something with the odds of success stacked up against you and no guarantees that it will work out. The publishing world is a very competitive business to get into, and I didn’t know all of the steps ahead. Many people laughed and seemed unsure when I told them what I wanted to do. Even a professional illustrator that I consulted for advice told me my work wasn’t good enough to be published. I didn’t listen to all the critics because I felt God calling me to it, and I’ll continue to walk that out.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I write and illustrate books for kids with disabilities often using humorous animals in my illustrations. I know how it feels to be made fun of for being different. I hope to make these kids feel seen and heard, and to know that there is nothing wrong with them because God doesn’t make mistakes. They are fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of a loving God who would willingly die for them. One of my favorite parts of being an author is getting to go speak at events for those with disabilities because I always leave more encouraged than when I go in. I think they are the sweetest people who see the good in everyone around them. They are a true gift from God.

Pricing:

• All Books can be found on Amazon

Contact Info:

• Website: https://kalesudhoff20.wixsite.com/portfolio and https://silentopportunities.wixsite.com/hearinglossawareness
• Instagram: kale_r_sudhoff
• Facebook: Kale Sudhoff Author/Illustrator, Silent Opportunities Organization
• LinkedIn: Kale Sudhoff Author/Illustrator, Silent Opportunities