Today we’d like to introduce you to Kiwitta Paschal.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I have always had a passion for stories. At an early age, my mother would challenge me to create stories from images she had me cut out of magazines and paste onto colorful construction paper. That simple activity kept me busy for hours and quietly cultivated a broad and imaginative way of seeing the world. Alongside creating my own stories, I immersed myself in children’s literature and returned again and again to classic authors whose work left a lasting imprint on me.
Fast forward to a career in engineering that now spans more than twenty years. Even while working in a highly technical field, stories would surface. Ideas would stay with me for weeks until I finally wrote them down. Along the way, I also deepened my faith and developed a genuine desire to help people grow, thrive, and discover their purpose, especially during seasons of uncertainty and change.
About eight years ago, while searching for clarity in my own life, a particular story came to mind and refused to fade. It was about a Mighty Mountain that believed its purpose was to protect everything around it: the trees, the flowers, and the land itself. When tragedy struck, and the mountain was broken into pieces, it believed it was no longer useful. Over time, it discovered that its true purpose had not been lost. It had been revealed through the breaking.
That story stayed with me long after I wrote it down. Unlike others, it never faded. I briefly explored traditional publishing but knew I could not compromise the heart of a story that had captured me so deeply. Eventually, I published The Mighty Mountain independently and shared it with the world. Even now, the story remains etched in my heart, much like the classic tales that shaped me as a child.
The Mighty Mountain was not only meant to be shared with others. It continues to remind and encourage me through my own challenges. That experience ultimately led me to start Blkpawn Publishing LLC, a boutique hybrid publishing firm rooted in purposeful storytelling. Since launching, Blkpawn has published more than half a dozen titles globally, collaborated with award-winning authors of various ages, and continues to grow with multiple projects and publishing services in development. At its core, Blkpawn exists to serve people through stories that honor the journey and point readers toward meaning, growth, and hope.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No meaningful thing is achieved without struggle. There is a scriptural verse that has often felt like an affirmation to me: “All things work together for the good of those who believe.” That perspective has shaped both Blkpawn Publishing and the development of its first feature book.
The journey was challenging, but in a good way. Every misstep and failure became part of the learning process that brought me to where I am today. I was stretched beyond my comfort zone and forced to develop discipline, patience, and a deeper respect for the creative and business process. Those lessons ultimately shaped a book and a company I am proud to stand behind, not just for myself, but for the readers who would eventually encounter the work.
One of the most affirming moments has been hearing from parents who share how my children’s books have opened meaningful conversations in their homes, and from authors I’ve partnered with who expressed gratitude for working with a publisher that honors the sensitivity of the creative process and protects their voice rather than diluting it.
One of the biggest realizations along the way was that creating the content is only part of the responsibility. To truly serve readers, I had to learn how to find them, speak clearly to their experiences, and ensure the message reached them at the right moment. I’ve discovered that while writing can be challenging, connecting with the right audience and allowing the story to resonate in their lives is often the greater test. That awareness continues to guide how I grow Blkpawn Publishing, always with the reader in mind.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Blkpawn Publishing is a mission-driven, boutique hybrid publishing company focused on developing and distributing purposeful stories across both adult and children’s markets. We work at the intersection of faith, family, and personal growth, creating books and companion resources that support readers through seasons of transition and reflection.
From a business standpoint, Blkpawn specializes in independent publishing, author partnerships, and the development of original intellectual property. Our catalog includes faith-centered fiction, children’s literature, devotionals, and reflective works, many of which are supported by study guides, verse cards, discussion prompts, and digital resources. This ecosystem-based approach allows our content to extend beyond a single book and into homes, classrooms, small groups, and community spaces.
What differentiates Blkpawn in the marketplace is our dual commitment to quality and integrity. For readers, we focus on producing accessible, thoughtful, and resonant content without oversimplifying complex life experiences. For authors, we operate as true partners. We guide creators through the publishing process while preserving their voice and honoring the sensitivity of the creative journey, rather than forcing stories into a one-size-fits-all model.
Brand-wise, I am most proud of the trust and credibility we’ve established. Parents consistently share how our children’s titles encourage meaningful conversations at home, and authors we’ve worked with often express appreciation for collaborating with a publisher who understands both the business realities of publishing and the care required to steward a creative work well.
Ultimately, Blkpawn Publishing exists to build sustainable stories and sustainable creators. Whether through original titles or author partnerships, our goal is to produce work that lasts, serves its audience well, and creates long-term value beyond the moment of publication.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I’m drawn to books and resources that explore change, purpose, and the intersection of faith and everyday life. Books that have stayed with me include Who Moved My Cheese?, The Mighty Mountain and the Bible. I’m especially drawn to authors who thoughtfully address growth, identity, and calling, including works by Brené Brown and Dharius Daniels, whose writing speaks honestly to personal transformation and lived faith.
On the practical side, Evernote has become essential for organizing ideas and managing projects across both the creative and business sides of publishing. I also use Canva to visually shape stories and brand assets while maintaining creative control, along with the Bible App for daily reflection and grounding.
When it comes to podcasts and audio content, I regularly listen to teachings by Dharius Daniels, Tony Evans, and Myron Golden. I also enjoy Diary of a CEO for its long-form conversations on leadership and purpose, and I often return to past sermons by Charles Stanley, which continue to offer timeless wisdom and steady encouragement.
Pricing:
- Exclusive free resources for Voyage Dallas readers, including downloadable reflection guides and verse card packs tied to select Blkpawn Publishing titles
- Early access and special launch pricing on new book releases for readers who join our community through our website
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.blkpawnpublishing.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blkpawnpublishing/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blkpawnpublishing
