Meet Joan Marie Galat

 

We recently connected with Joan Marie Galat and have shared our conversation below.

Joan, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

My purpose stems from my interests that have grown from two activities. The first is reading, which has been expanding my world since early childhood when I first experienced the satisfaction of choosing my own books at libraries and bookstores. Holding a book is like holding an opportunity. You don’t know where it will take you, but you know that when you’re done you will have gained new perspectives and experienced “aha!” moments. As well as the countless adventure stories I read as a kid, I also chose nonfiction, which nurtured my interests in nature, wildlife, and astronomy.

The second activity to move me toward my purpose was spending time outdoors. I find it fully inspiring to observe the natural world. Reading triggered a desire to create my own works and share my interests in nature, as well as other topics. I do this as an author and presenter at schools, libraries, and events.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m a professionally published author whose career began at age 12 when I became a paid columnist for a weekly newspaper. I wrote about birds, and have been writing in one form or another ever since. Writing is exciting for me. I get to spend time finding out the answers to all the things I wonder about, whether that’s what it’s like to live in outer space to how we can all contribute to making a better world.

In MAKE YOUR MARK, MAKE A DIFFERENCE—A KID’S GUIDE TO STANDING UP FOR PEOPLE, ANIMALS, AND THE PLANET (Aladdin/Beyond Words), I write about topics from safeguarding the environment, to tackling poverty, to speaking up for peace and equality. Readers discover the tools they need to start tackling the causes that they care about, in an upbeat approach that includes lots of examples of how inspiring kids and youth are already making a difference.
Some of my books, like MORTIMER: RAT RACE TO SPACE (DCB) are clearly lighthearted. This novel offers a humorous look at what happens when a journal writing lab rat on the International Space Station decides to use science and YouTube to prove his species should be part of a future mission to Mars.

Every writing project brings new challenges, and I’m never bored because I’m always learning. My 2024 release for ages 9-12—WILDLIFE CROSSING: GIVING ANIMALS THE RIGHT OF WAY—gave me the opportunity to discover and share how drivers and passengers can make roads safer for animals.

My books also trigger opportunities that excite me. Research often leads to interesting travel and I’m proud to be able to promote literacy and science across Canada and internationally. I speak to student, family, and adult audiences and take part in events that allow me to amplify the topics shared in my award-winning titles including light pollution, conservation, social justice, activism, and STEM* and STEAM** topics. In addition to writing books, I operate MoonDot Media, a business delivering writing, editing, and corporate training.

*STEM: science, technology, engineering, and math **STEAM: add ARTS

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Three qualities that have served me are a committment to only reference reputable research, persevere despite setbacks, and believe in my own capabilities. My reputation depends on ensuring the information I share comes from reliable sources, and so this is a habit to never be compromised. One way I persevere is to try to take one extra step toward my goal each day, particularly after the point when I feel ready to quit. And, in recognition that belief in oneself depends on positive self-talk, I make sure my internal dialogue is encouraging rather than self-defeating. In other words, be nice when you talk to yourself! I expand on this my motivational talks and book: GIVE YOURSELF A PEP TALK (Pelican Publishing Company).

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

I’m interested in collaborating with hosts seeking to offer their audiences meaningful content that will enable participants to feel confident in their ability to immediately apply new skills. My subjects encompass the topics in my books, as well as professional development, workshops, and keynotes.

A selection of topics includes:
– building literacy
– writing and publishing
– growing creativity
– storytelling to make a point (in corporate and other settings)
– the importance of dark skies
– our natural world, from Earth to sky
– making your mark in the world
– give yourself a pep talk
– custom keynotes.

Please visit www.joangalat.com for additional details and to contact me. I’m always interested in discussing new ideas and topics.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Joan Marie Galat (orange shirt): Rob Hislop Photography

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Productivity
Where do you get your work ethic from?

We’ve all heard the phrase “work hard, play hard,” but where does our work ethic

Productivity
Tactics & Strategies for Keeping Your Creativity Strong

With the rapid improvements in AI, it’s more important than ever to keep your creativity

Productivity
From Burnout to Balance: The Role of Self-Care

Burning out is one of the primary risks you face as you work towards your