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Lunch and Learn--About My Career as an Award-winning Author and Speaker.
Published on October 10, 2023
My career as an award-winning author and speaker.
I recently spoke at Greer Middle School as part of their Lunch and Learn series. Lunch and Learn is a time set aside for students to learn about different careers while eating their lunch. I spoke about my career as an author and public speaker. Here's a bit of what I shared.
- What I do as an author and speaker.
- How you don't get rich writing a book.
- What I like about being an author and speaker.
- What is hard about being an author and speaker.
- How you can become a published author-even as a middle school student.
What do I do as an author and speaker?
I read a lot, write a lot, and speak at schools, colleges, universities, conferences, and community organizations.
You're not going to get rich writing a book.
I broke the news that you won't get rich writing a book and provided an illustration of royalties and royalty payments. So, the obvious question? Why write? What's the point?
Why Write?
I write because I have something to say that the world needs to hear. Writing and speaking are ways for me to get my message out.
Is there a way to make an income?
Absolutely there is. You can earn an income by speaking at events, submitting for book awards, hosting workshops, and more. Your efforts to promote your book will likely open even more doors.
What do I like about being an author and speaker?
- I love that I can create something powerful and meaningful that will last forever.
- I get to challenge the status quo and solve problems regarding pregnant and parenting students, childhood trauma, healing from trauma, single parenting, and the church becoming a trauma-informed community. NOTE: In my forthcoming (2025) inspirational memoir, Daughter of a Teen Mom: A Daughter's Journey to Understand Her Mother's Story, I talk about how trauma and the church were two imprints on my life.
- I love words and language and being able to put them together to help others.
- I love encouraging others and seeing them live their best.
What's hard about being an author and speaker?
- Being criticized.
- Isolation - you write by yourself.
- It can take a lot out of you emotionally.
- People twist your words and use what you write or say out of context.
Learning to take criticism is a must for a writer. I shared a quote from Hillary Clinton about dealing with criticism:
"Take criticism seriously, but not personally. If there is truth or merit in the criticism, try to learn from it. Otherwise, let it roll right off you."
Can I be a published author - as a middle schooler?
Absolutely you can. You can be a published author--even as a middle schooler! I ended my talk by providing resources - two YouTube channels and a blog - for those interested in becoming authors and public speakers.
Alyssa Matesic - She is a freelance book editor with nearly a decade of experience in book publishing and editing. Her goal is to help writers throughout the book-writing process.
Reedsy - A channel dedicated to providing writing, editing, and book promotion tips.
Reedsy Blog - The Best Young Adult Writing Contest of 2023.
As a former English teacher and college professor who is no longer in the classroom, I miss being with students the most. It's always a pleasure for me to interact with them. Thank you to Greer Middle School for giving me this opportunity. Click HERE to request me as a speaker.
Testimonial ----Lunch and Learn - Greer Middle School
Friday, September 29, 2023
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your career as an author with our students. You were so patient with and kind to our middle schoolers. You provided great information about your writing, your purpose as a writer, and writing resources for students. Your expertise and passion for teen moms and single moms is evident and Greer Middle School appreciates you taking the time to share.
Allison Rosemond
School Counselor