Great New Year's Kickoff: Teen Author Kimi Freeman Inspires Mount Students with Success Story

On Thursday, January 3rd, the Mount's two-year signature L.E.O. program students were treated to an inspiring session to start the new year. Teen author Kimi Freeman, renowned for her debut novel, “'Tis the Damn Season,” shared her journey with the eager audience. Inspired by Taylor Swift's song of the same title, the contemporary romance novel hit the shelves in October 2023, quickly gaining popularity.

Kimi, a junior from a northern NJ high school, achieved remarkable success, selling over 7,000 books in just 71 days. Remarkably, she not only recouped her initial investment but is already turning a profit—an exceptional feat in any start-up business, especially in the challenging world of authorship. Currently on a book tour, Kimi is already contemplating her next literary endeavor.

According to Amazon, told in a dual timeline, the contemporary romance novel “destined to break your heart and put it right back together” is about a Hollywood starlet caught in a scandal. The boy she never got over. A Christmas season they’ll never forget… 

Aspen Moore is living proof that money doesn’t buy happiness. At 23 years old, the singer-actress has it all. Fame. Fortune. Her own headlining tour. And yet something—or someone—is missing. When a scandal rocks Aspen’s carefully constructed Hollywood life, she’s forced to return to her Pennsylvania hometown, where she reconnects with her first love, Roman Torres. Aspen knows they must keep their relationship strictly platonic. This game of push and pull, catch and release she plays with Roman is bad for her. She’s not staying in Fertsville, and he’s not moving to LA. But their chemistry is undeniable, and amidst rumors and drama, the bright lights of Hollywood begin to pale in comparison to the dark brown eyes she fell in love with all those years ago. Could Aspen be willing to give up everything she’s ever wanted for the best thing she’s ever had?

During the talk, Kimi shared insights into her authorial journey, emphasizing the importance of research, mentorship, and lessons learned in the self-publishing industry. She highlighted valuable resources online for aspiring authors, addressing crucial aspects like pricing structures, selecting book platforms, garnering reviews, and the significance of effective marketing. Kimi also stressed the belief that investing in one's craft is essential for success, recounting her choice to hire professionals such as an editor and cover designer. 

The informative session concluded with an engaging Q&A session, as students posed thought-provoking questions, making it an enlightening experience for all.