What was once a dream, quickly became a reality when Kylie Stores became an official published author on Nov. 19, 2014.
“It was never my intention to become an author. I simply wanted people to know my story. I wanted to be able to express myself in a creative way,” Stores said.
The 23-year-old published her personal life story and testimony through her short novel entitled, “God Set Me Up.” She is one of the city’s youngest African American authors. Stores is an alumni of Schenley High School and a recent graduate of Carlow University. She is originally from Homewood, but currently resides on the North Side.
“‘God Set Me Up’ is my personal testimony. It is a book about things I have experienced thus far from birth through childhood,” she explained. “I have dealt with many issues such as adoption, abandonment, relationship problems and finding my way as a young Christian in the midst of so much temptation in this world.”
Stores wants her readers to understand her story, and show them that everyone goes through similar situations just in different ways and at different stages of life.
Stores left note sections at the end of every chapter, to give her readers a chance to take in the information from the stories and journal their own thoughts and concerns happening in their own lives. She also wanted to give an opportunity to start a conversation about adoption.
“Growing up I didn’t have support groups to attend or much information available for me to educate myself concerning adoption so I wanted to make it something that people are familiar with,“ she said.
Stores has had the opportunity to hold a book signing at a poetry slam, and has been a guest speaker at a few schools in the surrounding area; speaking with small groups of young ladies. She plans to speak at more events in the future and hold an official book-signing event later this year.
“My experience as an author has been amazing. I recently had to take a moment and look at all I have done in the few months the book has been out,” she continued. “Nothing compares to people saying, ‘After I read your book, I looked at my situation differently.’ Or ‘your book changed my life.’ That’s what makes me the most proud.”
Stores encourages all people of all ages to read her book. She believes everyone can gain something from it.
“God Set Me Up,” has encouraged her to take her testimony to extraordinary heights… “This is only the beginning of my journey as a young author/speaker and though my words I pray to change lives around the world.”
“God Set Me Up” was published through a company called, Dope Publishing by Michael Reid (@justmike_ on Instagram). People who are interested in learning more about Kylie Stores and her book can visit her website godsetmeup.com.
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