We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dawn Husted a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Dawn, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What sort of legacy are you hoping to build. What do you think people will say about you after you are gone, what do you hope to be remembered for?
The legacy I want to leave behind might be slightly different than the average. For me, being an author and editor, the main legacy I hope to leave behind is a creative one. One that bleeds creativity into others. One that says you can achieve your dreams, even if it’s in the creative field. So often, creatives are told that the path is too hard to pursue and unlikely. But I’m living proof that tackling the unventured path is OK, it’s better than OK. And I hope my books reach an audience that encourages readers to do the same, to pursue their dreams, even if they think it’s impossible or improbable or pointless.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I was always the one who didn’t like to follow the crowd. And I still consider myself that type of person. However, today, there are all sorts of validating Instagram reels that make me feel like part of the collective rather than an outsider. Which is wonderful. But over fifteen years ago, when I decided to pursue writing books, there weren’t all the available resources online that they have today, and there weren’t many people in my local community that I could reach out to about the subject. So I tackled all the how-to-write books I could find and put my work out there on the internet for critique partners who I’d never met, just to get some feedback and learn. Then I joined the national writer organization SCBWI, of which I’m still a member. Years later, I joined the Editorial Freelancers Association and then eventually opened my editorial business. Currently, I’ve released five novels in English, of which two have been translated and published into Portuguese in Brazil. My latest YA novel, Radiant Origin, was released in the fall of 2023, and readers can find my books available at most places online. In February 2024, I’ll be one of the authors speaking on a panel at Teen BookFest by the Bay in Corpus Christi, Texas, which I’m really looking forward to. It’s a free book festival, and if you’re in the area, be sure to stop by.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding aspect is when I hear from a reader about how they really enjoyed one of my books. As an indie author, it can be hard to find readers when there are already many books available and new ones being released all the time. So when a new reader messages me on social media or leaves a review online, it makes my day/week/month.
Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?
When I first started writing, I didn’t realize there were national organizations in my area, such as the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. Once I discovered them, getting involved in a community filled with other writers was the best step. It enabled me to learn more about the industry, make friends and build my network. Never underestimate the power of meeting in person and staying connected with others.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dawnhusted.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram/theDawnHusted
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/dawnhusted
- Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/dawn-husted