Meet Katie Cherry: A Dragon Enthusiast Crafting Family-Friendly Fantasy
Katie Cherry is a dynamic author of Young Adult Fantasy, known for her character-driven, family-friendly stories that captivate readers of all ages. Based in Utah, Katie balances her writing with the joyful chaos of raising a toddler, daydreaming about dragons, and diving into the works of authors like AJ Flowers, Kay L Moody, and Eileen Mueller. Her
Crystal Dragon Saga is a testament to her ability to craft magical adventures, and we’re excited to share her journey in this author spotlight.
A Passion for Magical Adventures
Katie’s bio captures her essence: “Katie Cherry writes character-driven young adult fantasy that is family-friendly and entertaining for all ages.” Her Crystal Dragon Saga follows a strong heroine through enchanting worlds, appealing to kids, teens, and adults alike. A passionate advocate for reading, Katie loves connecting with fans at local Utah events. For book recommendations and updates, she invites readers to follow her at [https://sleek.bio/katiecherry] (https://sleek.bio/katiecherry).
Katie self-published her first book in October 2018 and currently works with beta readers, ARC readers, and hired editors, though she hopes to build a broader team in the future. Her writing process is that of a Plantser—a blend of plotting and pantsing—allowing her to balance structure with creative freedom.
The Evolution of a Fantasy Wordsmith
Katie’s writing journey began in her teens, sparked by a shortage of books to read in the pre-ebook era. “I started writing as a way of ‘reading’ a new story,” she recalls. Initially a pure pantser, her early work leaned heavily on clichés and familiar tropes. Over the past decade and a half, her craft has grown significantly through practice and learning from various sources. “The more I wrote, the more I was able to learn how to create a unique story,” she says, noting that her writing continues to evolve as she hones her skills.
Her Crystal Dragon Saga holds a special place in her heart. Started in high school, this debut series is currently being rewritten to better showcase its captivating story, complete with stunning new covers that Katie is “obsessed with.” At 150,000 words, the second edition of Crystal Dragon is her longest work, while her fastest project took just a few months to complete.
Writing Through Life’s Lens
Katie’s personal experiences, including her struggles with anxiety and depression, subtly shape her stories. “It’s impossible for an author’s writing to not be shaped by their experiences and how they view the world,” she shares. While her early writing was purely for herself, her focus has shifted toward her audience as her readership grows. “Now I write and publish for them,” she says, though her stories remain influenced by what she loves, ensuring her passion fuels her work.
Her writing process varies, averaging about two years from concept to publication, though life’s hurdles and growing experience can speed up or slow down the timeline. Katie writes in a variety of settings, from the lively chaos of her living room couch with her kids climbing on her to her dedicated office space on Saturdays. Her office features an L-shaped desk, a monitor, an ergonomic keyboard and mouse, a sunlight lamp, and bookshelves filled with indie authors’ works, including her own.
Embracing Feedback and Multitasking
Katie’s approach to feedback is balanced—she’s neither thick-skinned nor overly sensitive. “Sometimes it cuts me to the core... but I’m always happy to have gotten honest feedback,” she says, using it to fuel improvement despite occasional bouts of imposter syndrome. With multiple projects always in progress, Katie doesn’t linger after publishing a book. “By the time a book is published, I’ve already started on the next, she explains, driven by a backlog of exciting ideas.
One surprising discovery? The sheer complexity of the author’s journey. “It’s just insane how much you don’t know that you don’t even know!” she says, reflecting on the dozens of skills she’s developed beyond writing, editing, and cover design.
What’s Next for Katie?
Fresh off a book release on August 22, 2025—book three in the Crystal Dragon Saga—Katie is hard at work rewriting the seven-book series. She’s currently expanding and rewriting prequel stories, which will launch as deluxe hardcover and paperback editions on Kickstarter, with ebooks later available for free to newsletter subscribers or for $0.99 on Amazon. Katie also plans to keep special editions stocked on her website post-Kickstarter.
Looking ahead, Katie is excited to explore new genres under her pen name, Summer Cherry, for children’s and middle-grade fantasy. She also hopes to venture into audiobooks by hiring narrators soon, expanding the ways fans can experience her stories.
A Glimpse into Katie’s World
Katie Cherry’s journey as an author is a blend of passion, perseverance, and dragon-filled daydreams. From her Utah home to the magical realms of the Crystal Dragon Saga, she crafts stories that inspire and entertain. Whether she’s writing amidst toddler chaos or in her cozy office, Katie’s dedication to her craft and her readers shines through. Keep an eye out for her Kickstarter prequels and future middle-grade adventures—there’s no doubt this Plantser has more magic to share.
Stay tuned for more from Katie Cherry, a dragon enthusiast whose stories spark joy for readers of all ages!
