The Author Who Speaks to the Soul: A Conversation with Q.M. Gatlin
I am thrilled to be interviewing Q.M. Gatlin, who has been incredibly busy in 2025—publishing five books in a single year.
Her debut of the year, Beautiful Chaos (February 2025), is a hybrid collection of poetry, artwork, and journaling prompts that invites readers into deep self-reflection and emotional healing.
It has already earned 45 five-star reviews, with readers praising it as soulful, meditative, and grounding. Reviewers describe it as a gentle journey inward—perfect for quiet contemplation, therapy work, and daily self-care—highlighting its powerful imagery, thoughtful prompts, and the way it helps them process grief, gratitude, and growth.
From there, Q.M. expanded in multiple directions and published four more books in 2025.
My Brain, My Way (November 25, 2025) is a compassionate workbook designed especially for ADHD and neurodivergent minds—a flexible, non-judgmental space for emotional regulation, reflection, and mindful living.
Beyond Today (also November 25, 2025) is a tender, guided legacy book that helps people document final wishes, memories, values, and messages to loved ones, turning end-of-life planning into a meaningful keepsake instead of a daunting task.
Crowned in Color: A Melanin Queen’s Coloring Journey (November 24, 2025) Her fifth 2025 release is a beautifully curated coloring book celebrating the grace, power, and radiance. Featuring a collection of illustrations, from regal crowns and natural hairstyles to elegant gowns, cultural motifs, and uplifting affirmations.
Shades of Darkness
Shades of Desire invites readers into a seductive world of passion, mystery, and dark romantic fantasy through a beautifully illustrated coloring journey. Each page features emotionally charged scenes—from stolen glances to forbidden connections—set against elegant gothic backdrops and alluring silhouettes. Designed for relaxation or escapism, the single-sided illustrations are perfect for pencils, markers, or gel pens, allowing you to lose yourself in the shadows and color your way into the story.
Beautiful Chaos
Beautiful Chaos is a poetic exploration of life’s raw emotions and untamed beauty, blending soul-stirring verse, vivid imagery, and thoughtful journaling prompts that encourage deep reflection and personal insight.
Each chapter becomes a doorway into grief, joy, longing, love, and the quiet moments in between, inviting readers to use the book as both mirror and guide. More than a collection of poems, it’s an immersive experience—one that helps you feel fully, grow bravely, and embrace the art of being beautifully undone.
About Q.M Gatlin
Author Q.M. Gatlin didn’t just grow up in California; they turned chaos into creativity. From sun-drenched coastlines to whirlwind relocations, their childhood played out like a cinematic montage: new towns, new faces, and a constant need to create mental worlds where imagination offered the stability real life didn’t.
Fueled by an eclectic love of books, art, and the kind of theater that leaves you breathless, Q.M. writes with a flair for drama and a heartbeat of authenticity. Their work lives at the crossroads of lyricism and electricity, where every sentence pulls you forward and every image lands with cinematic impact. Their creativity has no box, it ranges from workbooks, poetry, adventure to steamy mystery and much more.
But beneath the artistry lies purpose: as a passionate mental-health advocate, Q.M. creates worlds where readers can escape, exhale, feel held & sometimes just escape in pure nonsense. These are stories that don’t just entertain; they offer refuge outside noise.
Socials
You can follow Q.M. Gatlin at the following socials:
Interview
I’m excited to pass that conversation on to you.
How long have you been writing, and what first inspired you to start?
- Growing up I would write poetry in school & in my spare time. I was inspired to write this book because I realized that oftentimes we experience a range of events & or emotions while having trouble communicating it into words.
- I wanted to create something that spoke about some of the topics in life through an art form. The greatest part is there are added prompts as a self guide to complete at your own pace. A way to decompress.
- I even encourage readers to write & doodle in the book if they have the printed copy.
What genre do you write—and what genres do you personally love to read?
- I am eclectic in many things, writing being one of them.
- I don’t fit in one particular box. I write poetry, romance, paranormal, therapeutic books & more.
Who are some of your favorite authors or books that have shaped you as a writer?
- Some of my favorite Authors coming up were:
- Bette Ford
- Omar Tyee
- Jermone Dickey
- Niecy P & more.
- Too many to name them all.
For readers meeting you for the first time, how would you describe your writing style and the themes you gravitate toward?
- I would say if they visited my website right now; they would see a little bit of everything.
- My writing fluxuates.
What’s the story behind your current book or series—what drew you into that world or these characters?
- One of my current books Beautiful Chaos… holds some pieces of me throughout the passages of poetry. For example ‘Gone From Me’ speaks on grief & the feelings of losing a loved one. ‘ Unfiltered’ discusses setting boundaries so that you are not depleted.
- There is a little something for everyone in that book.
Which character in your latest book surprised you the most during the writing process?
- Hmmm, I would say in my upcoming paranormal book that I am co-writing the supporting female character that surprised me the most.
- She has weaved a pretty big web, I am not too sure she can unravel before it’s too late.
Do you have a favorite scene in your current book? What makes it stand out to you?
- would say for the paranormal that’s upcoming, one of my favorite scenes is the scene of discovery for the FMC.
Every writer has their own rhythm—what does your writing routine look like on a good day?
- I usually write in the middle of the night when there are less distractions.
- I don’t need anything in particular, aside from minimized spouts of my name being called. Haha
What books, movies, or personal experiences have influenced your storytelling the most?
- I couldn’t pinpoint one as I like a little bit of everything.
If you could give one piece of advice to new or aspiring writers, what would you tell them?
- Find your reason & let that be the guide.
- There may be some days you cry, get frustrated or want to stop.
- I urge you to take a beat & keep going.
What’s one fun or unexpected fact about you that readers wouldn’t guess from your official bio?
- I am such a snow & cabin vibe type of person, although I don’t get to visit much.
What are you currently working on, and what can readers expect from you next?
- I am currently working on a collaboration with a writing paranormal project & finishing up & a Contemporary Urban Romance book.
- My emotional regulation & coloring books just released.
- I’m still writing but will be happy to post some sneak peeks once closer to finishing touches. Follow Author Q.M Gatlin on TikTok, instagram & facebook for updates & more.
Where can readers find your books?
- My current book can be found online at Amazon, Walmart, Barnes & Nobles & My Payhip Page which offers swag options & more plus a signed copy of the book with some goodies with each order.
To my British Friends, You’re in Luck
If you live in England, you can find Q.M. Gatlin’s books at Waterstons, but hurry, royalty was seen rushing to the Watersones in a royal carriage with the purpose of buying her books!
