About Trina Kennedy:
I’m Trina Kennedy, a social worker with over 30 years of experience and a deep passion for helping others unlock their full potential. I’ve dedicated my career to understanding the impact of trauma and supporting people on their journey to healing and growth. I’m also a certified Women-Centered Coach, specializing in life transitions, and a Mental Health First Aid trainer.
I’m married to my high school sweetheart, and we’ve been happily building our life together for over 28 years. We have two amazing, successfully launched children who make us incredibly proud. I live in Blackfalds, Alberta, Canada, where I enjoy hiking in the Canadian Rockies, playing pickleball, and spending time with family and friends. I’ve completed an Ironman triathlon and believe in pushing past limits to discover strength and resilience.
My first book, From Trauma to Triumph and What Lies Between, is a reflection of my own healing journey and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. My goal is to inspire others to live their best, most meaningful lives.
What inspires you to write?
What inspires me to write is the deep belief that everyone has greatness within them, but often, unhealed traumas create barriers to realizing that potential. Writing is my way of reaching people who might feel stuck, alone, or unsure of how to move forward. I’m inspired by the possibility that my words can spark hope, offer guidance, or help someone feel seen and understood.
I also write to process my own experiences and to share the lessons I’ve learned throughout my personal and professional journey. Knowing that my story could resonate with someone and encourage them to take steps toward healing motivates me to put pen to paper. Ultimately, it’s the idea of connection—connecting with readers through shared struggles and triumphs—that drives my passion for writing.
What authors do you read when you aren’t writing?
My favorite authors are Brené Brown, Dr. Gabor Mate,
Stuart Shanker, Daniel Siegel
Tell us about your writing process.
My writing process is a blend of minimal planning and organic flow. I started with a very basic outline for From Trauma to Triumph and What Lies Between, just enough to provide a clear structure for the key themes I wanted to explore: the impact of unresolved trauma, the healing process, and how to move toward a life of purpose and fulfillment. Beyond that, I allowed the content to unfold naturally as I wrote.
For me, writing is an intuitive process. I don’t use whiteboards or software for outlining; instead, I jot down ideas or sections in a notebook to keep track of my thoughts. Once I had the overall framework in mind, I focused on writing from the heart, letting the words flow without overthinking.
Since my book is a self-help book grounded in personal experiences, character sketches weren’t part of the process. Instead, I concentrated on weaving my real-life stories with insights, tools, and lessons that could inspire and support readers in their own journeys.
What I’ve learned is that a rigid process doesn’t work for me—I need the freedom to let ideas evolve as I write. But having a general structure in mind helps keep me grounded, ensuring the book stays cohesive and purposeful. For other writers, I’d say: find what works for you, whether that’s a detailed outline or letting the story take the lead.
What advice would you give other writers?
The advice I would give other writers is to embrace the process and trust your voice. Writing can be deeply personal and vulnerable, but it’s in that authenticity that readers will connect with you. Don’t worry about perfection in the first draft—just get the words down. You can refine and polish later, but you can’t edit a blank page.
Start with a clear purpose for your writing. Ask yourself, “What do I want readers to feel, learn, or take away from this?” Having that intention will guide you through the inevitable moments of doubt or writer’s block.
I also recommend being patient with yourself. Writing is not always linear. Some days will feel productive and inspired, while others may feel like a struggle. Celebrate small wins and keep showing up for the work.
Lastly, surround yourself with supportive people who believe in you—whether it’s friends, family, or a writing group. And don’t underestimate the importance of building your brand and audience as you write. Writing the book is one part, but connecting with readers and sharing your message requires intentional effort.
Remember, your story or message matters. There’s someone out there who needs to read exactly what you have to say, so keep going!
How did you decide how to publish your books?
After researching various publishing options, I felt that self-publishing was the best choice for me. I wanted to maintain full creative control over my book—from the content and messaging to the cover design and marketing strategies. Self-publishing allowed me the freedom to make decisions that aligned closely with my vision and values.
Additionally, self-publishing offered flexibility with timelines. I wasn't bound by the lengthy schedules that often come with traditional publishing, so I could bring my book to readers more quickly. It also provided a direct connection to my audience, which is important to me because I value that personal engagement.
While traditional publishing has its merits, I felt that self-publishing was more in tune with my goals. It empowered me to share my message authentically and allowed me to take full ownership of the process. This route also enabled me to allocate a portion of the proceeds to support mental health organizations, which is a cause close to my heart.
What do you think about the future of book publishing?
The future of book publishing is incredibly dynamic and exciting. With the rise of self-publishing platforms, digital tools, and online marketplaces, publishing has become more accessible than ever. This democratization allows more diverse voices and stories to reach readers, breaking down traditional gatekeeping barriers.
I believe we’ll see a continued shift toward hybrid models, where authors blend aspects of traditional and self-publishing to suit their goals. For instance, some authors might self-publish their first book to build an audience, then pursue traditional publishing for subsequent works—or vice versa. This flexibility is empowering for writers.
The growth of audiobooks and eBooks is another significant trend. People are consuming stories in different ways, and publishers are innovating to meet these demands. The accessibility of these formats expands readership globally, especially for those who prefer listening or reading on devices over print.
AI and data-driven tools will also shape the industry, helping authors and publishers understand trends, target audiences, and optimize marketing strategies. However, I believe the human touch in storytelling and personal connection with readers will remain central.
Ultimately, the future of publishing is about adaptability. Writers and publishers who embrace change, stay connected to their audiences, and remain authentic in their storytelling will thrive in this evolving landscape. It’s an exciting time to be an author!
What genres do you write?: Non-fiction, self help
What formats are your books in?: Both eBook and Print
Your Social Media Links
Goodreads
Facebook
LinkedIn
Instagram
All information in this post is presented “as is” supplied by the author. We don’t edit to allow you the reader to hear the author in their own voice.
