Brainz Magazine Exclusive Interview
Karen Mc Dermott is an award-winning publisher, multi-genre author, and TEDx Speaker. Karen realized her passion for the story after an epiphany led her to write her first novel in only 30 days.
Karen has gone on to build a publishing empire and is the publisher for many well-known best-selling authors, celebrities and also aspiring authors alike. She is the CEO of Serenity Press, KMD Books and MMH Press whilst also managing her busy author schedule at KP Weaver, her signature book series being the Alchemy of Life Magic series. She is a regular Forbes contributor and has given 2 TEDx talks to date. Karen is a passionate teacher and runs her own publishing academy, Everything Publishing Academy, which recently won an award for innovation.
You’re a TEDx Speaker & Forbes Business Council Member and the founder of Serenity Press, MMH Press, KMD Books, and EPA. This is quite an impressive list! Can you tell us more about your work and how you ended up where you are today?
Yes, it is impressive isn't it. In 2012 I made myself a sacred promise that I would go on the adventure to build a million-dollar publishing press. I didn't know how I was going to do it as my studies were not in publishing, they were in humanities but as I have since come to realise that often we just need the passion behind a powerful, focused intention to make the seemingly impossible possible.
In 2010 I wrote my first novel, and it was after a negative self-publishing experience that I decided that I would help authors get published in a positive way. The quote at the beginning of my first book was "From every negative situation is the potential for a positive outcome" so I decided not to hang out in anger because of my negative experience, I chose to harness what I learned about the publishing process and use it as a catalyst into publishing. As I was a then mum of 4 (now a mum of 6), I didn't have much disposable income, so I pledged $50AUD a week to the mission and grew it from there and the rest is history!
As my publishing companies grew it meant that I could hire people and delegate what I didn't love doing so that I could spend more time in my genius zone and I also freed up more time to work on the businesses instead of in it. In turn, my own personal authorship has been growing also, which happens to be where I find a lot of joy because I write philosophically, and it often enhances lives.
In 2016 I hired a castle in Ireland and brought Australian authors over in 2017 to experience a next-level writers retreat, it was phenomenal, and we have gone on to host that retreat a further 3 times and have it booked for June 2022 also.
Today I live my dream life doing what I truly love in life and business. I have just leased my first bookstore at the beach which was another bucket list item for our growth. I am mindful that my dream life might be someone else's nightmare but I wouldn't change it for the world. My life is fuelled with love and success, and I am very grateful for it.
Have you encountered any major challenges during your journey and how have these affected you?
I evolve very fast and so that comes with lots of challenges because all growth comes with things to overcome or learn from. I think of challenges as positives as it means that I am growing and for me that is important.
Can you give our readers tips on 3-5 books they need to read in 2022?
Oh, there are so very many books that I can recommend. I definitely encourage Brainz readers to go to KMDBOOKS.COM as we have so many books that facilitate growth. And if you want to check out my books you can go to www.kpweaver.com
Is there something special that keeps you motivated?
The infinite possibilities of life. I have so many adventures and new experiences, I also enjoy the pause when needed. There is so much to experience and so many awesome people to connect with I am always motivated by that.
What makes you feel ‘out of your comfort zone?’ How do you handle these types of situations?
I am a great believer that magic happens just outside of our comfort zone and so I hang out there a When I am out of my comfort zone I allow myself a moment to become more familiar with the new environment and give it my best.
So, what’s the next big goal or project for Karen McDermott and how can someone get in contact with you?
2022 is going to be our biggest year yet.
we will launch the Duchess Serenity Press alongside Sarah, Duchess of York.
We have Fairy tale collections launching.
We have a lot of new authors signed up for 2022.
My Alchemy of Life magic book series will get launched into the US market along with my book The Soulful Entrepreneur.
We are hosting our exclusive Crom castle writers retreat in Ireland, June 2022. I am so excited about it.
And I am renovating my home.
