Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Clothilde Ewing. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Clothilde, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
To be honest, I still struggle with imposter syndrome when it comes to my writing, but I channel my now nine-year-old daughter when those thoughts creep in. In particular, I think of launch day for my first picture book: Stella Keeps the Sun Up. For the weeks prior to launch, I was on auto-pilot. On the day of release, I was scheduled to do a number of book readings, kicking off with a reading for my daughter’s then 2nd grade class. Anyone who has a child that age knows that they can be brutally honest. If they like something you can see it in their eyes. If they don’t, you can read it on their face. The pressure was especially on because the main character was named after my own daughter. I thought she might be embarrassed. The teacher had Stella handle the introduction to which she announced to the class: “This is Clothilde Ewing. She is an author and a mother to me.” So, any time that doubt creeps in, I try to remember that to my daughter, I am an author and I am able to keep on moving.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I was the kid who grew up watching The Oprah Winfrey Show during the week and Meet the Press on the weekends. I knew I wanted to work in news from an early age and feel lucky that throughout my career, I had the chance to flex that part of my brain as an assignment editor and producer at CBS News before transitioning to entertainment at The Oprah Winfrey Show, then politics as a member of the press team for President Obama’s 2012 reelection campaign. I now lead communications at The Chicago Community Trust, a community foundation and write children’s books. I have not followed a linear line and feel thankful that I have allowed myself to try new things and say yes to opportunities even if they scare me.
If you would have asked me 10 years ago if I would write a book one day, I would have said absolutely not. I read books. I love books, but other people write them. That changed when I read a New York Times opinion piece by my now-editor, Denene Millner, titled: “Black Kids Don’t Want to Read About Harriet Tubman All the Time.” It struck a chord. As a mother to two amazing children, who happen to be Black, I felt compelled to try and do my part to improve the landscape.
There is a great line in the poem turned book “You So Black” by Theresa Tha S.O.N.G.B.I.R.D: “Black is not something we get to choose, but it is something we get to cherish.” I couldn’t agree more. At the same time, when my kids are trying to avoid bedtime, are nervous about the first day of school or are excited about losing a tooth, it is because they are children. These are universal experiences regardless of race. We have incredible books in our home that teach our children our history and about Black excellence through the stories of legends like Katherine Johnson, Lonnie Johnson or Jackie Robinson. But I also want my children and others to see more children of color in books that are not defined primarily by race or struggle but by belonging and joy.
When I get the opportunity to read to schoolchildren and see how they react to the story or when I get pictures of little girls dressed as Stella for character day at school from parents thanking me for writing Stella, it fuels me in a way that a job never has. For some children, they see and appreciate a character that looks like them and who schemes to stay awake just like they do. For others, they see a child who may not look like them, but who has a wild imagination and who seems like they would be a fun person to hang out with. These books aren’t just for my kids, they are for all of our kids.
My third book: Stella and Roger Can’t Wait to Grow Up is out in September and the fourth Stella book will be out the following year. While sales are undoubtedly good for me, I push these titles because they are good for the market as well as it shows publishers that there is a market for books like Stella.
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?
Blissful ignorance, determination and focus.
Knowing too much can sometimes hold people back. If I knew how hard it can be to find an agent or get published when I decided I was going to write a book, I am not sure I would have started. I know for sure that I wouldn’t have sent an email out to my friends and family telling them of my desire. That said, the best piece of advice I can give is to find your cheer squad. Find the person/people who you want to bring on this journey with you. For most people, regardless of what they are trying to accomplish, there will be bumps along the way. There will be doubt and times when you question why you ever started and whether you will ever get to your desired end point. Keep your eye on the prize and surround yourself with people who believe in you and who can listen, pick you up and cheer you on when you need. Find the person who truly wants the best for you. Let them in. Be vulnerable. Let them be there for you.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
After a successful book reading or panel, I have mixed feelings. I am obviously happy that it went well, but I also can’t help but think that if I had more time I could do more school and library visits or if I was better at marketing myself then I could introduce Stella to more readers or if I was better at social media I could figure out how to do reels in under three hours. The reasons that I started on my writing journey resonate with parents and teachers, but more importantly, children connect with Stella. I would love to collaborate with others who are on this journey and work with people who are strong where I am weaker. I know there is more that I can and should be doing and would love to work alongside someone who is mission driven in this work. People can email me at stellaandroger@gmail.com or send me a message on instagram @clothildeewing.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.clothildeewing.com
- Instagram: clothildeewing
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clothildeewing/
- Twitter: @clo_ewing
