Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Blair Williamson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Blair, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
Finding purpose in life is a deeply personal journey, and it has evolved for me over time, primarily by looking to my children and channeling my unique life experiences into something meaningful.
As a retired boat captain and scuba diving instructor, I’ve had the privilege of accumulating a wealth of knowledge and experiences from my adventures sailing the seas and exploring beneath them. Also, my background as an athlete also adds to my rich tapestry of life experiences.
It’s heartwarming to see that I’ve found a way to give back and share the beautiful gifts I’ve experienced with others, especially children, through my writing.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I want to nurture the seeds of awareness and cultivate a generation that not only celebrates the wonders of our beautiful Earth but also champions its protection.
I write engaging and captivating stories for children (and adults) to enjoy, stories that will make you laugh, stories that will spark important conversations, stories that I hope will ignite change to protect our precious oceans and our planet.
My debut book, ‘Island Girls’, launched just last year in November 2022. Island Girls was inspired back in 2009 when I was earning my PADI master scuba diver trainer license. In a book, I saw a picture of a jellyfish next to a plastic bag, an image that really stuck with me. While working as a scuba diving instructor, I encountered plastic bags in the ocean, even mistaking them for jellyfish from a distance. The real wake-up call came when I was snorkeling with my daughters, probably in 2018 or 2019. They spotted a turtle swimming toward a plastic bag, and I quickly intervened, saving the turtle. My daughters asked, “Mommy, what are we gonna do about this plastic?” This powerful moment inspired the entire story.
Later, in a writing class, I was asked to write about a meaningful experience, and this manuscript, “Island Girls: Free the Sea of Plastic,” became my first-ever written work. It has since sold over 2000 copies, named a best book for Earth Day 2022, received a Book Excellence Award Winner recognition and more. Hopefully Island Girls will become a series of various climate fiction picture books to spread awareness about what is happening in our oceans!
I have an upcoming traditionally published picture book debut, BIRTHDAY BASH, with The Little Press, illustrated by Taylor Woolley, that is set to come out in the fall of 2025. Keep an eye out for that one, it’s hilarious!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
1. Competitive Spirit. 2. Perseverance in the publishing industry
3. Comfort with my own imagination.
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of the unique and challenging world of book publishing. Coming from a background as a competitive athlete, I find that this industry satisfies my competitive spirit, although I don’t view it as a personal competition against other authors. Rather, I see it as a journey to elevate my manuscripts to a level that can stand alongside the exceptional work of other authors. I relish the competitive aspect of the submission process.
However, the rejection process can be quite challenging. It’s especially tough when I believe that my manuscript perfectly aligns with a particular publishing house’s preferences or when an agent shares my values, loves the environment, and is searching for the next groundbreaking book and I feel like I am an author who’s willing to put in the effort to promote their work. These are the submissions that truly excite me, and receiving a rejection in such cases can be disheartening.
Additionally, an essential lesson I’ve learned throughout this journey is the significance of trusting my own imagination and being unafraid to share my most creative and seemingly unconventional ideas. In the world of storytelling and book publishing, embracing the uniqueness of one’s imagination can often lead to groundbreaking and innovative works. It’s crucial to feel comfortable sharing those “crazy” ideas because they might just be the ones that captivate readers and set your work apart. This trust in my own creativity has not only shaped my writing but has also been instrumental in keeping my passion alive amidst the challenges and rejections, reminding me that the world of literature is vast and open to exploration.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
My parents played a profoundly influential role in shaping my character and fostering my love for exploration and independence. From a very young age, they took me on travels to various corners of the world. These early adventures exposed me to diverse cultures, landscapes, and experiences, igniting a spark within me to continually seek new places and challenges. Their decision to let me explore and follow my passions at such a tender age was pivotal in my development.
Growing up, I was always fiercely competitive and driven, traits that were nurtured by my parents’ encouragement to venture beyond the familiar. Their support allowed me to blaze my own path and pursue my interests with unwavering determination. As a result, I learned the value of self-discovery, adaptability, and resilience, qualities that have proved invaluable in my pursuit of a career as an author. My parents not only provided me with the wings to fly but also instilled in me the belief that chasing my dreams and embracing my unique path are essential to personal growth and fulfillment. Their early lessons in independence and the boundless possibilities of the world have stayed with me throughout my journey in the publishing industry, fueling my determination to overcome challenges and pursue my creative endeavors.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.theislandwriter.com
- Instagram: @theislandwriter8
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blair-northen-williamson-050bb026/
- Twitter: @theislandwriter
