Most authors dream of seeing their names on a book cover from the time they can hold a pen. For Shamayne Olivia Kotfas, the path was far less linear. For years, she didn’t consider herself an author; she was simply a woman in the middle of a massive personal transformation. It wasn’t until students in her workshops began asking, “When is your book coming out?” that she realized her personal journal entries held a universal value that needed to be shared.

The Midlife Catalyst Shamayne’s story centers on a “midlife pivot” in her forties that would have broken many. In a single decade, she navigated a divorce, the sale of her home, job loss, and the tragic death of her first husband. These external stressors were layered on top of a history of growing up in a dysfunctional home with an alcoholic father and the weight of a high-control religion.

She realized she had spent her life playing roles—mother, wife, daughter—without ever stopping to figure out who she actually was. This realization sparked a ten-year journey of emotional growth and reflection. She began to seek out not just the “why” of her situation, but the “how” of moving forward.

Building the Puzzle of Publishing Once Shamayne committed to the book, she faced the daunting reality of the publishing industry. Without a master plan, she took it “one step at a time,” eventually finding a home with a boutique publisher for her memoir while self-publishing a companion workbook.

A key resource in her journey was the Women in Publishing Summit. By attending the summit over four consecutive years, she was able to focus on a different “track” of the process each time—moving from the initial layout and theme to editing and, eventually, marketing. She emphasizes that writing may be a solitary act, but publishing requires a “community element” and a team of coaches and experts in your corner.

Overcoming the Internal Critic Like many writers, Shamayne battled intense self-doubt. Whenever she felt “stuck,” the “what ifs” would creep in: What if people don’t like my writing? What if I don’t have the right words?. She shares a profound insight into “finding your voice,” noting that her early writing was often too “proper” and “eloquent”. It took years of progress to realize that her true voice was simply the way she talked to herself.

To stay productive, Shamayne abandoned the idea of an “elaborate” writing space. Instead of a desk or a candle-lit office, she found her comfort on her bed with a lap desk—a habit she proudly shares with icon Barbra Streisand. She also learned to capture ideas wherever they struck, whether on her phone in traffic or on an iPad in the middle of the night.

The Shoe Metaphor: A Guide for the Soul The centerpiece of Shamayne’s work is the “Shoes That Fit Her Soul” method, which came to her in a dream. She uses the components of a shoe as a metaphor for an eight-step emotional journey:

• The Sole: Represents the foundation of the soul and who we are.
• The Arch: Symbolizes the support systems we need in life.
• The Toe: Represents the intuition and wisdom that guides us forward.

Through this framework, Shamayne teaches women that everything they need to heal is already inside of them; they just need to learn how to access it.

A Call to Women Everywhere Shamayne’s final message is one of urgent encouragement: “It’s never too late”. She dismisses the idea that your story is “just like everyone else’s,” arguing that each woman’s journey is unique and contains the potential to touch a heart that no one else can reach. In a world that often tries to redefine or tell stories for women, Shamayne is a champion for women reclaiming their own narratives and living life in shoes that finally fit.