Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Aileen Stewart. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Aileen, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?
My father used to say, “You are only a failure if you don’t try!” and “Courage isn’t a lack of fear, but simply doing something despite your fear!” These statements led me to realize that many things in life are simply choices. So despite having anxiety about speaking in public, I encouraged myself to speak in front of groups. In spite of not knowing where to start when it came to beginning my writing career, I began researching and asking other people questions. In spite of imposter syndrome which whispered in my ear, “You really can’t write anything worth reading,” I whispered back, “Yes, I can!” I then began writing regularly and found people whose opinion I could trust to help me become a better writer.
Has it been easy? Absolutely not. But I have learned through practice to take constructive criticism as the helpful advice it is meant to be and not a personal attack. I have learned that those I share with are generally as passionate about the subject as I am and not there to belittle me. And I have learned that I can indeed do whatever I put my mind to!
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am a children’s author with five books to my name. Initially I was published through a small press. Unfortunately, they declared bankruptcy. When the dust settled, I self published my books through Ingram Spark where they are available online at Amazon, Walmart, and Barnes and Noble.
I have been on my writing journey for over fifteen years and have seen highs and lows. One of the highs is definitely the wonderful people I’ve met in the literary community. Fellow authors, illustrators, bloggers, teachers, librarians, and the parents, grandparents, and children who have read my books.
I have been blessed to have been interviewed on television and radio. I have participated in book festivals in multiple states. And I have been a speaker at several events over the years.
I’m still on my journey to gain agent representation as I would love to be a traditionally published author again. And while it seems that I have been on this particular leg of my journey for longer than I would wish, I cling to my persistence and perseverance which I believe will eventually lead to my fulfilling my dreams.
Writing for children is more than a hobby, it is my passion. I am opening the doors to the reading universe one book at a time. And even if I only touch the life of one child, my journey will have been worthwhile.
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?
Patience, Persistence, and Practice are essential to those wishing to write. In truth, they are essential for any goal undertaken. In addition, one needs to find a tribe of like minded individuals who will encourage both through the good times and the bad. On good days they will rejoice with you each time you have a victory. And on bad days, they will encourage you to never give up!
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me was to instill in me a love or words, reading, and story telling. My father often told me that, “Kids who read well, can grow up to do anything,” and I have found this to be true. If you can read and understand what you read, you can find answers to almost anything you don’t know, you can learn new skills, and you can share your knowledge with others.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kidlitfun.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/aileenwstewart1
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAileenStewart
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/authoraileenstewart/
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/AileenWStewart
