Today we’d like to introduce you to Eartha Gatlin.
Eartha, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’m a writer, a self-published author of four books, and the owner of my home-based self-publishing company, Ahtrae Publishing LLC. Through my company, I not only write and publish my own work but also help other aspiring authors bring their stories to life.
But before all of that — before I knew anything about ISBNs, trim sizes, or editing software — I was just a little girl who loved stories. I was drawn to books and had a vivid imagination. Growing up as an only child, I spent a lot of time alone, but I was never lonely. I created entire worlds with paper dolls, Barbie dolls, and imaginary friends — each one had a name, a personality, and a story. That’s really where my storytelling began.
As I got older, reading became both my escape and my inspiration. When I discovered Terry McMillan’s books, something inside me clicked. For the first time, I saw characters and experiences that felt familiar — women who looked and lived like the women I knew. That was when I realized that someone like me could write stories that others might actually want to read.
I started journaling, not even thinking of it as “writing a book,” but simply wanting to capture the lessons, humor, and truths that come from women’s everyday experiences. My goal was always to teach and entertain at the same time — to share life lessons in a way that felt real.
For years, I didn’t know how to get published, so I just kept writing for myself. It wasn’t until later in life, in my fifties, that I decided to take a leap and try self-publishing. What really motivated me was seeing a hometown friend from Illinois become a well-known author. That was the moment I knew it wasn’t too late for me — that my stories had a place and a purpose. And from there, I took that belief and turned it into both a passion and a business.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not at all. The road to self-publishing definitely had its bumps and detours. When I first got serious about writing and publishing my work, I started researching how to make it happen. I remember turning to Google and coming across several “vanity” presses — companies that offered publishing packages but charged outrageous fees. Out of desperation, I almost gave in, but something told me to pause.
At the time, I was balancing a full plate: working full-time, being a wife and mother, and pursuing my bachelor’s and then my master’s degree. So, writing and publishing would often get pushed to the back burner. Life just had other priorities.
Eventually, I reached those educational goals, but soon after, I went through a major life transition — a divorce. My children were grown, and I was living in Illinois, re-evaluating what came next. I decided it was time to close one chapter and start another. After 34 years in corporate America, I retired and relocated to Dallas for a fresh start.
Before that move, I’d reached out to a friend — the same one from Illinois who had become a successful author — and she was kind enough to share her insight and guide me through the self-publishing process. Once I got settled in Dallas, I finally put everything I’d learned into action. In 2018, I self-published my first book — and that’s when my new reality as an author truly began.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in writing women-centered fiction that explores real-life situations and relationships — the kind of stories that are heartfelt, honest, and deeply relatable. My books focus on the lives of women navigating love, family, friendship, and personal growth — all the beautiful and complicated layers of becoming and being.
What sets my work apart is the authenticity behind it. I write with the intention of creating connection; capturing those moments that make readers say, “That sounds like me,” or “I’ve been there.” My goal is to offer stories that both entertain and reflect the real emotions, lessons, and humor that come from a woman’s journey through life.
So far, I’ve written and self-published four books:
The Chronicles of Bria Twon
Hey You, What About Me?
Who Told You Family Was Perfect, Bria Twon?
and my newest release, Grown Ass Woman.
Each of my books centers around women — their challenges, their growth, their relationships, and their journeys toward becoming and being their authentic selves. Not only are my stories honest and relatable, they are often inspired by real conversations and lived experiences.
I’m equally proud of the fact that I’ve helped three other authors self-publish their books. Watching someone else’s dream come to life through words is just as fulfilling as releasing one of my own projects.
I don’t just write for entertainment — I write to create understanding, healing, and empowerment.
My goal is always to tell stories that make readers feel seen and remind them that they’re not alone in what they’re going through.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Most people are surprised to learn just how much I love to laugh. I have a strong sense of humor and genuinely believe that many of life’s biggest lessons can be shared through humor — not silliness, but thoughtful humor that connects and heals.
I’m also very family-oriented. As a child, part of my imagination always involved creating stories about families — the kind where the mother was baking homemade cakes or pies in the kitchen. Somewhere along the way, I brought that fantasy into my real life. I love to bake — cakes, cookies, cobblers — and I often share them with my family, sometimes even mailing baked goods back home to Illinois or sending cookies to my daughter and her family in North Dallas.
And one more thing — I absolutely love Christmas and decorating for the season. Most people who know me already know that! But something that still surprises people is that, even though I love being around others, I’m still perfectly content spending time alone. I guess that’s the writer in me — being comfortable in my own quiet space, where the imagination has room to breathe.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.therealearthagatlin.com
- Instagram: author_earthagatlin
- Facebook: Eartha Gatlin
- LinkedIn: Eartha Gatlin
- Twitter: author_earthagatlin
Image Credits
Photo by Trenod Vines
