I Am Kelly-Anne Tomlinson-Docherty: A Writer of Worlds, A Life of Stories

I am Kelly-Anne Tomlinson-Docherty, known also by my creative moniker Katomdoc. My imagination knows no bounds; I craft enchanting worlds that sparkle with wonder, immerse myself into the darkness, exploring the depths of the human psyche while simultaneously delving into the intricate shadows of human and supernatural experience for adult readers. My profound versatility in storytelling is immediately apparent upon examining my diverse creative output. My writing is showcased, while my Goodreads profile, linked to my adult fiction, unveils another facet of my work. This breadth is not merely a stylistic choice but a fundamental aspect of my creative identity, allowing my imagination to traverse both the light-hearted and the complex. This broad scope demonstrates my deep understanding of diverse human and even non-human experiences, which naturally broadens my appeal to a wide readership and potential collaborators.   

My perspective on the art of writing is equally profound; I describe it as a dynamic blend of “dexterity with imagination, stamina, procrastination and insane mental journeys”. I believe a writer must be prepared to feel “bewildered, afraid and feeling the sweat of anticipation” as new life flows from their fingertips.   

The Genesis of Imagination: My Writing Journey

My path to becoming a writer was not a calculated decision but an irresistible calling, sparked by characters who “took up residence inside my brain and wouldn’t leave until I had written their story down!”. This highlights a deep, intrinsic connection to storytelling, where multiple characters continue to run through my head, revealing “never-ending stories they want me to tell”. My creative journey is characterised by an intuitive, almost channelled process, where characters are described as “taking up residence inside my brain” and stories emerge in a “wholly organic” manner. This approach signifies a profound connection to my narratives, where stories are not merely constructed but seem to unfold and reveal themselves. Such an emotional investment in my work imbues my writing with authenticity and vitality, deeply resonating with readers seeking genuine connection within stories. This intuitive method also helps explain my remarkable versatility across genres, as different characters, each with their unique narratives, can guide me into varied literary territories.   

My profound reflections on writing portray it as more than a craft; I perceive myself as existing “in those pockets between existence and ethereal”, giving voice to the “whispers”—the subtle, hidden truths that bring clarity to the world’s complexities. I view writers as “gods of the hidden realms and the keeper of the keys of knowledge,” “weavers of magic and wonder,” and “the storm winds of change”. This perspective suggests that my writing serves to explore deeper truths, the unseen, and the unspoken, adding significant depth and emotional resonance to my authorial persona. This philosophical foundation provides a cohesive thread connecting my seemingly disparate genres, as I consistently seek to “transmute that disquiet into something new, something real”, albeit through different narrative lenses.   

The wellspring of my creativity is remarkably diverse, drawing from both the everyday and the profound. Conversely, my fascination extends to “the fringes of society and the hidden world,” including extensive research into the adult industry, which I intend to translate into something meaningful. This broad spectrum of inspiration highlights my intellectual curiosity and versatility, allowing me to imbue both my light and darker narratives with authenticity and intricate detail. This capacity to draw from such varied life experiences naturally enhances my ability to connect with a wide audience, tapping into both universal human experiences and more niche, thought-provoking subjects.   

Exploring the Shadows: The Realm of Adult Fiction

Under the “Katomdoc” moniker, I am the author of Black Moon Rises: The First Book, a supernatural/fantasy novel published in 2018. The book revolves around Lana Lane, whose “perfect life” is “ripped away” when she’s forced into a supernatural world by her obsessive werewolf ex-boyfriend. It explores themes of loss, disruption, survival, and adaptation. The thematic and content distinctions between   

Black Moon Rises and my further works are striking, underscoring a deliberate breadth in my authorial identity. Black Moon Rises delves into supernatural themes, featuring an obsessive werewolf ex-boyfriend and elements described as “NSFW stuff”. I also have been published exploring spirituality, opinion pieces, business writing and more. This profound contrast is not accidental; it represents a conscious decision to cultivate distinct creative avenues for different audiences. Such a fearless approach to storytelling, willing to explore both light and shadow, complex human experiences and fantastical realms, showcases a remarkable versatility that is a hallmark of my talent.   

Black Moon Rises has received positive reception, including a 5-star review from a verified purchaser. My dedication to my craft is further evidenced by my ongoing work on the second book in the   

Black Moon Rises, a process to create consistently vs the short stories – I describe as “way harder”. This candid admission is accompanied by a clear commitment to continuous improvement, as I actively incorporate lessons learned from my debut novel and my Masters studies to ensure each subsequent piece of writing is “THAT MUCH BETTER”. This reflective practice and pursuit of mastery assures readers and publishers of my unwavering dedication to delivering high-quality, evolving narratives.   

Beyond the Page: A Multifaceted Creative and Professional

My professional trajectory extends far beyond creative writing, encompassing diverse experiences in hospitality and business marketing. Through my Katomdoc platform, I offer a comprehensive suite of business solutions, ranging from administrative support and branding to content creation and web design. I also engage in product photography. This varied background speaks to a highly adaptable and entrepreneurial spirit, indicating a broad skill set and a proactive approach to professional engagement. Such versatility implies a strong work ethic, keen problem-solving abilities, and a practical understanding of business dynamics and audience engagement—all invaluable assets for an author navigating the complexities of the publishing world. Furthermore, these diverse experiences undoubtedly enrich my writing, providing a deeper understanding of human interactions, organizational structures, and the nuances of effective communication that inform my characters and plots.   

My robust educational foundation, including a BA in History and Literature and a Masters Degree in Creative Writing , is complemented by additional qualifications in Life Coaching and Counselling. This academic breadth, particularly my studies in human behavior, reveals a profound interest in human psychology and narrative structures. This background significantly enriches my character development, enabling me to craft more psychologically complex and believable figures across my diverse works, adding an intellectual depth to my emotive storytelling. My fervent belief in “keeping the brain fed!” underscores a continuous quest for knowledge and understanding, which directly translates into the richness and perceptive qualities found in my narratives.   

As the founder, owner and the one who made and runs The Magickal Hud Shop – my love lays here – creating one-of-a-kind wearable crystal and tektite jewellery art that has [in the words of collectors] “changed their lives” “inspired” and helped them find happiness in the darkest of days. I love to help people and like a magpie, collect pretty things myself. 

I want to help people further. So have taken and passed Reiki. Shadow Work Mastery. And am working on several other courses in these areas to eventually work with people around my own neurodiversity and family. Helping people and spreading good energy. Making my mark in several areas.    

The Personal Tapestry: Life, Inspirations, and Resilience

My personal life is as rich and varied as the stories I tell, painting a picture of a multifaceted individual whose experiences deeply inform my creative output. As a passionate “homebody”, I find joy in the domestic sphere, whether indulging my love for baking and creating new recipes, reading, playing with crystals and tektites, or simply enjoying sweet treats. My life is shared with my family and a pets – whilst my broader professional identity, as ‘Katomdoc,’ reveal a deeper personal history rooted in South Wales, where I reside with my “beautiful four children” and a “neurotic Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Rosy-Lea”. This geographical and familial breadth suggests a life lived fully, with each experience contributing to the depth and authenticity of my narratives, bridging diverse worlds just as I do in my writing.   

A testament to my profound personal strength and determination is my journey following  “horrendous losses of both my mother and grandmother within four years of eachother” – the only relatives and family I have apart from my children. In the wake of this adversity, I committed to moving forward, a promise that saw me publish my first book, learn to drive, and embark on my Master’s degree. This narrative of transformation and triumph over personal hardship suggests that my writing is not merely a creative pursuit but a vital avenue for self-expression and healing, imbuing my stories with a deep emotional core. My candid acknowledgement of personal struggles, such as overthinking and insecurity when comparing my work to others, further humanises me, making my journey relatable and inspiring to readers who have navigated their own challenges.   

Connecting with Kelly-Anne: A Call to Imagination

I, Kelly-Anne Tomlinson-Docherty, stand as a testament to the boundless nature of imagination and the profound impact of lived experience on the creative spirit. My work, spanning the business, the spiritual, the deeper to the complex, dark narratives for adult readers, is unified by a deep philosophical understanding of storytelling as a means to explore hidden truths and give voice to the unspoken. My journey, marked by both personal triumphs and professional resilience, fuels a wellspring of diverse inspirations, from the everyday struggles of what it means to be a neurodiverse woman juggling a neurodiverse household, run a successful spiritual wearable art business to the intricate psychology of societal fringes. I am not merely a writer but a weaver of magic and wonder, inviting readers to step into worlds as varied and compelling as my own multifaceted life. To engage with my work is to embark on a journey of discovery, where curiosity is sparked, imaginations soar, and the whispers of untold stories find their voice.

So what is next for me?

I plan to study compelling aspects of spirituality, diversity, and particular aspects to add to my life-coaching and counselling diplomas with the aim of being someone you can talk to – who can help you find the way forward in your endeavours. Someone who is real and understands the tapestry of the human condition. I aim to help you find peace.

I also am planning a book (or three)

And I continue with my love – The Magickal Hud Shop