Local Author Finds Humor in Comparisons to Kathy Lee Gifford

Franklin, TN writer reflects on the ups and downs of building a writing career

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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A local author in Franklin, Tennessee recounts her experience of having a book signing alongside Kathy Lee Gifford, where she found herself in the shadow of the celebrity author. Despite initial discouragement, the author has come to embrace comparisons to Gifford as she continues to build her own writing career, finding humor and perspective in the process.

Why it matters

This story highlights the challenges and perseverance required for emerging authors to establish themselves, even in the face of more famous and successful writers. It offers an inspiring perspective on maintaining positivity and embracing one's own journey, rather than comparing oneself to others.

The details

The author, M.M. Cochran, had a book signing event in downtown Franklin, TN that coincided with a signing by local resident Kathy Lee Gifford. Cochran found herself blocked from foot traffic by Gifford's larger setup, leading a police officer to jokingly tell her 'You'll be the next Kathy Lee Gifford.' While initially discouraged, Cochran has since come to see the humor in the comparison and recognize that building a successful writing career takes time, even for established authors.

  • A few weeks ago, Cochran had a book signing event in downtown Franklin, TN.
  • The day before the signing, the bookstore announced Cochran would be signing alongside Kathy Lee Gifford.
  • Last week, Cochran visited a Barnes & Noble where another author was having a speaking event.

The players

M.M. Cochran

A local author in Franklin, Tennessee who has a finished manuscript and has had multiple book signing events, though she has felt discouraged in her fiction writing career at times.

Kathy Lee Gifford

A well-known television personality who is also a local resident of Franklin, Tennessee.

Austin

Cochran's husband, who provided perspective when she felt discouraged about another author's success.

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What they’re saying

“Don't worry. One of these days, that'll be you with a line down Main Street. You'll be the next Kathy Lee Gifford.”

— Police Officer (Conversation with the author)

“She's, like, twenty years your senior. Do you know how long it probably took her to get to this point?”

— Austin, Cochran's Husband (Conversation with the author)

What’s next

Cochran plans to continue pursuing her writing career, with a new and shiny manuscript ready to go. She remains positive about her journey, even as she experiences occasional discouragement, recognizing that building a successful writing career takes time.

The takeaway

This story offers an inspiring perspective on the perseverance required for emerging authors to establish themselves, even in the face of more famous and successful writers. It highlights the importance of maintaining positivity, embracing one's own journey, and recognizing that success often takes time, even for established authors.