Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Emma Bartfay. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Emma , we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
I think resilience is innate. Some of us know it effortlessly, while others need a bit of nudging. I’m the latter. The moment of realization came to me a decade ago, when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I was only 46 then, and my children were 9 and 11. It was a rude awakening, to say the least, and the thoughts of my children losing their mother terrified me. Perhaps it was also that raw encounter with possible death forced me to look inward—to know who I am at the core. It was then I learned there wasn’t a single bit of me willing to surrender. I reshaped my mind to focus on the beauty of life and watched myself grow stronger every day. Ten years on, I bear no resentment to the disease, but only gratitude for what I’ve gained.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I was a university professor until I retired in 2023. In my long academic career, I worked my way up to the rank of full professor, won numerous research and teaching awards. But I wanted more from life. At the height of my career, I walked away from it all, taking with me fond memories but no regrets. Now, I am a globetrotter, a writer and a person who chances on whatever life has to offer. Having travelled to five continents, 33 countries and over 250 cities, I have no plan of slowing down.
My latest and proudest achievement is publishing my debut fantasy novel, Ozia When the Sky Tore. Written under the pen name Emma P. Shan, it tells the story of four women and their journey of love and loss. Creative writing was new to me but unexpectedly transpired into one of the most rewarding experiences I ever had. I remember pushing myself a little further every day, learning everything not only about writing but also the artistry of book covers and the business of publishing. Thousands of hours later, I held the book in my hand. Words cannot describe the sense of joy and pride I felt. Since then, I also made a book trailer and a video series on YouTube called The Making of Ozia. Making videos was also something I had never done before, but I enjoyed the creative process immensely. To my absolute delight, I sold 117 copies of the book!
Currently, I am writing a second novel, a sequel to Ozia When the Sky Tore. I don’t know where this journey will take me, but I am ready to go wherever it is.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Self-awareness—never underestimate the importance of self-reflection, because it is where you will find space for growth; resilience—don’t give up when things go wrong, learn from them, trust yourself and your ability to adapt, and openmindedness—be ready to learn new things and to embrace changes, which are inevitable in life, always.
Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?
My biggest growth in the past year has to be my sense of self. I am now much more aware of who I am. As I continue to mature into the person I want to be, I take more time to self-reflect and to nurture my thoughts, feelings, and beliefs. I acknowledge my flaws unapologetically, live authentically, and embrace the notion that growth is a beautiful thing.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://books2read.com/OziaWhenTheSkyTore
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@EmmaPShan
- Other: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/41514025.Emma_P_Shan
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
