There’s a raw honesty that comes with sitting across from someone who’s taken a few knocks in life and come out swinging. Talking with Kim Thompson-Pinder felt like that—a woman who’s turned pain into purpose and carved a path in publishing that’s all about authenticity. Kim’s journey, from being told she’d never be a good writer to founding RTI Publishing, isn’t just inspiring; it’s a blueprint for anyone who’s ever felt like they had to prove themselves.
What struck me wasn’t just Kim’s resilience but her refusal to settle for anything fake or easy. She’s got a mission: helping entrepreneurs put their real stories out there. None of this “game-changing” or “silver-bullet” nonsense—Kim is all about keeping it real, and that’s refreshing. She faced the hurdles, made peace with old criticisms, and came back with a voice louder than the doubts. And if she can do it, so can anyone else willing to put in the work.
Turning Criticism into Drive
One of Kim’s pivotal moments came out of a second-grade memory—a teacher telling her, “You’re not a good writer.” Imagine that. Here’s a seven-year-old, trying to process her own grief and insecurities, and this teacher just cuts her down with a careless comment. Kim didn’t get over that easily. For years, those words haunted her, turning up like an unwanted guest anytime she thought about writing something from the heart.
Eventually, Kim found the courage to challenge that voice in her head. The turning point was a simple blog post she put on her own website—a small but defiant act that told her inner critic, “I’m doing this anyway.” She describes her early attempts as a messy, frustrating process, but she kept going, ignoring the doubts that had been planted by someone who probably never even gave her a second thought.
“It wasn’t easy, but every post was like chipping away at a wall built on someone else’s words. Eventually, it started to crumble.”
Key Takeaways from Our Discussion:
- Own Your Story: Don’t let someone else’s careless words define you. Your story is yours to write.
- Start Small: Don’t worry about creating a masterpiece from the start. Just get something out there, however rough it might feel.
- Turn Criticism into Fuel: Use those doubts and setbacks as motivation to keep going, even when no one else believes in you.
Storytelling Over Selling
Kim’s publishing work isn’t just about putting words on paper; it’s about helping people tell stories that resonate. She’s not interested in crafting best-sellers for the sake of making a buck. Instead, her focus is on authenticity, and that means staying far away from AI-generated content or anything that feels manufactured.
“People don’t connect with perfect,” she said, “they connect with real.” And she means it. Kim has a strict no-AI policy when it comes to her clients’ content, insisting that the words people read should come from a place of truth, not algorithms. For Kim, storytelling is about building trust and creating a sense of connection. She believes that when readers see themselves in your story, they’re more likely to trust and engage with you.
There’s no trick or formula to it—just honesty. If you’re writing to convert readers into clients, Kim insists you should write as if you’re talking to a friend, not giving a sales pitch. “Gimmicks don’t work in the long run,” she emphasized. “If you want to stand out, stay true to your voice.”
What I Learned from Her Experience:
- Write with Purpose: Don’t focus on sounding clever. Write as if you’re speaking to someone who needs to hear what you have to say.
- Stay Authentic: It’s tempting to polish your words until they’re perfect, but sometimes the rough edges are what make your story memorable.
- Connect, Don’t Sell: People can see through a sales pitch. Instead, give them something they can relate to—something real.
Reflections from the Interview
Talking to Kim reminded me of what makes this journey worth it. She’s not just a successful publisher; she’s someone who understands that the hard-won lessons mean the most. Her resilience is palpable, and her commitment to authenticity is a breath of fresh air. It’s easy to get caught up in trying to present a polished version of yourself, especially when you’re running a business. But Kim’s story reminds us that vulnerability is often the key to real connection.
Here’s What I’m Taking Away:
- Be Real or Be Forgotten: People don’t remember the perfect pitches—they remember the honesty and the grit.
- Your Voice Matters: Kim’s journey proves that even if no one else believes in you, you can be your own biggest champion.
- It’s Okay to Struggle: Every entrepreneur faces challenges. What matters is pushing through, even when it feels impossible.
- Write for Impact, Not Approval: Don’t get caught up trying to sound smart or impressive. Speak directly to your audience and give them something of value.
- Challenge the Critic: If a voice in your head tells you you’re not good enough, challenge it. You might be surprised by what you’re capable of.
Final Thoughts
If Kim’s story teaches us anything, it’s that the most valuable work comes from a place of honesty. Whether you’re writing, building a business, or just figuring out your next move, authenticity is your best asset. She didn’t get here by pleasing everyone or chasing approval; she got here by staying true to herself. And in a world where everyone’s competing for attention, that’s something you don’t see every day.
CONNECT WITH KIM THOMPSON-PINDER:
Website: https://www.rtipublishinghouse.com/