We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Arleen Mccarthy a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Arleen, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Alright – so having the idea is one thing, but going from idea to execution is where countless people drop the ball. Can you talk to us about your journey from idea to execution?

I have always enjoyed writing. I am also an avid reader and one day, while I was reading, I had this urge to open my laptop. I just started writing this story. It was about a boy who had the same neurological disorder as my brother, which was Tourette Syndrome. I kept writing and writing until I finished. Then, I closed my laptop and cried. It was emotional for me because it brought back memories from my brother’s childhood.

I did not revisit this narrative until about one year later. I remember I opened my laptop, found the story (which was saved under a different name) and I started to revise a few things. 

I loved it so much and I just knew it was time to share it. 

I decided to name it, MY FRIEND JOHN and sent it to various publishing companies.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a teacher in New York City, and I have always been someone who loves learning and trying new things. I am one of those people who have a desire to explore various passions throughout life. It started in college when I was a Psychology major but chose to minor in Business. I then went onto receive my master’s degree in Elementary Education and became a teacher. During my early years of teaching, I explored acting and improv at T Schreiber Studio. 

Then, years later, I went to Dr. Sears Wellness Institute and studied nutrition. I love health and wellness and I am obsessed with the idea of longevity and living like the Blue Zones. 

I also received my certification in yoga because that was a passion of mine for years as well.

As you can see, I have many interests! 

I want to continue to learn and explore various interests as I go through life. I believe something different like perhaps a new book and/or something to do with clothing design may be next!

I would say, however, at this very moment, I am SO proud of my book, MY FRIEND JOHN.  

I believe in my heart that I always knew I had this story to tell. I am so unbelievably grateful that my book is finally out in the world. This has been a dream come true for me. 

I would say what has been the most challenging for me during this time is putting myself ‘out there’ and using various social media platforms. I am not usually very active on social media, but I know it is a great place to share your work and be in the public eye.

Marketing and publicizing my book, have certainly taken me out of my comfort zone! 

You must hustle as a new author and go out there and share your brand, which is yourself and your book. 

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

I wish I knew how to navigate the book industry!

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

I believe my mission is to teach, not just in a classroom but out in the world. I am a teacher…I want to share everything I know and make our world better with education, books, food, health and wellness practices and so much more. 

I am letting go now and seeing what comes next! 

What is the most rewarding aspect of being a creative? 

I believe seeing my book, MY FRIEND JOHN out in the world and knowing it will have a positive impact on children across the country has been the most rewarding experience. 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.arleenmccarthy.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arleenmccarthy/?hl=en

Image Credits

Personal photo – Alexandra Peterson