Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Molly Blaisdell. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Molly thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s start with education – we’d love to hear your thoughts about how we can better prepare students for a more fulfilling life and career.

I found school to be a brutal place for me as a creative individual. I don’t think my rural Texas public school could deal with the “History of Witchcraft” tucked inside my algebra book.

Thinking back, I was saved by drama. It gave me a place. I would like to see a whole new model for education to appear that give more creatives places. I am doing my part through my program Teens Publish. It brings in 10 to 20 kids every summer It offers them a space where their work is valued. They learn how to collaborate and be professional. There are no grades. The goal is to produce excellent work. I believe that you have to be the change you want to see in the world.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My journey to become a professional writer began with an ad in the newspaper. (I am that old!) It was a notice for a SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) meeting. I went and the first professional connection I ever made was Kathi Appelt, Newbery honor winner and author of too many books to name. I continued with SCBWI. I became a regional advisor of the Western Washington region. During this time I sold my first book. I have over 60 books out now with an array of publishers, including Barron’s, Capstone, and most recently Poodle Doodle Press. I am also the founder and coach of TEENS Publish, a summer publishing program that pairs teens with professional writers and if they complete the journey are published in a yearly anthology. I have indie published a number of books through my company Caney Creek Books. For young children, I create imaginative and informative books. I also illustrate! For teens, writing as Cece Barlow, I create heartfelt coming of age stories. Lastly I create a yearly journal that helps creatives envision the future you want for yourself. You can learn more about me at MollyBlaisdell.com. Be sure to check out my blog, Seize the day.

Have you ever had to pivot?

Let’s talk about Covid. I had a whole year where I sold nothing. This was an alarming event. Here comes the pivot. I had to get a job. I had worked as a freelancer for 20 years. Would anyonehire me? I wrote a resume. I have over the years taken a number of side gigs as a resume writer. Good thing, that. I applied for a job as a production editor with the International Ocean Discovery Program. My lifetime of skills opened the door and in I went. I am still writing but I can be choosier about the gigs I take. Every step on my journey has been meaningful. I honestly celebrate it all.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I am going to say the work is the most rewarding aspect of being a creative. My soul sings because I do not cage it. I love the daily challenge to put something in the world that is my voice. I contribute a verse, just like sage man, Walt Whitman said.

Other perks: It has taken me around the world. I have a superior set of friends. The work has made me a better person.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mollyblaisdell.com
• Instagram: @ mollyblaisdell
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mollymom103?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/molly-blaisdell-54449514
• Twitter: No
• Youtube: @mollyblaisdell4725
• Yelp: No
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/mollyblaisdell/_created/

Image Credits

The full body shot of me
Credit: Jen Stark/Adobe Max 2024