Today we’d like to introduce you to Blair Williamson
Hi Blair, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Many people ask me how I got to where I am today, how I became a writer, and how I decided to pick up the pen and write. I battled with doubt for many years, pushing aside a drive to write, to create, and to share who I am with such vulnerability and passion. But once I decided to jump in, there really hasn’t been any turning back. My journey as a writer has been filled with ups and downs, requiring incredible determination, persistence, and really thick skin. Publishing is not for the faint of heart—be prepared for long waits, constant rejection, and never-ending revisions.
My story began during COVID in early 2021, when I joined a three-month mentorship with Rosie Pova from Writing Workshops in Texas. She guided me on the path of an aspiring author, teaching me the “do’s” and “don’ts.” I am so thankful for Rosie’s guidance and expertise at that stage in my career; she really set me up for success.
That being said, I’ve made both great and not-so-great decisions in the industry. For example, I once signed a deal with a small traditional publisher for Island Girls, despite feeling it wasn’t the best fit. Luckily, I was able to get out of the deal. It was very hard for me to make that decision but I walked away for many reasons. Still, the bottom line was this: I always want to be proud of what I put my name on, and the vision that we discussed prior to signing the deal was not what was presented to me in the first round of illustrations, at all. So, I ended up self-publishing the book. Self-publishing taught me so much about the industry, how books are distributed, marketing, and the power of your network. But I lost a lot of time during that process. Fast forward 2 years to today where I have a fantastic agent, Karen Kilpatrick of East West Literary, and we’re working on my next books. It took over 100 rejections and over a year of querying before finding the right agent.
Networking and building a community of authors and creators is crucial. I’m currently working with a wonderful editor at The Little Press on my traditional debut, Birthday Bash, set to publish in fall 2025. Though the industry is slow and tough to break into, I remain hopeful that I will continue to sign with wonderful editors like Michele. I am also working with the wonderful team at Genius Cat Books on another traditional deal for The Ocean Protectors: Colors of the Coral Reef, which will also be published in the fall of 2025. I search for opportunities and put myself out there daily, believing that “today’s the day!”
The best advice I’ve received is to “write while you wait.” Find a supportive writing community and critique partners to share the rollercoaster ride of publishing. I am so lucky to have a community of writer friends to whom I speak daily. I am working on some very exciting new manuscripts that I truly believe will be books one day! So, I am currently following my own advice and writing while I wait.
Looking back, I realize that the journey of becoming a writer is much like navigating the seas I love so much—full of unknowns, challenges, and breathtaking moments of discovery. Embracing the unknown and trusting in my passion for storytelling has brought me here, and I can’t wait to see where the tides will take me next.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No! Not at all! The struggles mostly are while you wait. The mental struggle, the what if’s, the coulda beens, the champagne rejections. Finding an editor you love so much… only to find out they either just signed a book similar to yours or that they don’t have room on their lists. It’s devastating at times, but you truly have to flip the mindset and look at each rejection or near miss as one step closer to success, one step closer to finding the person and publishing house that believes in you.
I have spent a lot of time this summer immersed in island life, both physically and mentally. Some of my best work comes when I’m able to describe the scenes, the senses, the weather, and the way the salt feels all prickly on your skin when it dries. I am excited about a few different manuscripts I wrote this summer with a marsh setting. The horizon is bright, but I do expect some storms along the way. It’s all about the journey, not the destination, so I’m trying to enjoy the journey and be in the moment.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
For a long time, calling myself a writer or author didn’t feel quite right, but now when people ask me what I do, it just comes out with excitement—I write for children! I love sharing stories that inspire the next generation of ocean activists through my platform.
Transitioning from being a scuba diving instructor and boat captain to working in sales, marketing, and operations for private yachts and Global Expeditions Group for over 16 years has given me a unique perspective. These experiences have shaped my life, especially my time living by the ocean, which brings me so much joy.
Over the years, I’ve collected countless memories, funny moments, and fascinating stories. I’m thrilled that I decided to turn to writing to share my passion on a larger scale. My work these days blends my past at sea with stories that everyone can enjoy on land. It’s incredibly fulfilling to know I have such a lively imagination and a treasure trove of inspiration from which to draw. I really love this new path I’m on, and it keeps me on my toes daily.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I live in Richmond, VA, and what I appreciate most is the sense of community here. We have a caring group of people who genuinely support each other, both personally and professionally, which creates a very uplifting atmosphere. Additionally, I love experiencing all four seasons; each one brings its own unique joys for me.
What I like least about Richmond is the inability to hop off the boat and go scuba diving or snorkeling right in our backyard! While we have plenty of outdoor activities around the James River like hiking, rafting, and paddle sports, and Richmond is absolutely beautiful with the river running right through the city, but there’s something about the blues of the ocean and salt air that brings me immense relaxation and contentment. I miss the simple life at sea and try very hard to implement many aspects of life abroad, life at sea, and our time on remote islands into our family routine here in Virginia.
My husband, my two daughters, and I all yearn for quiet time to unwind, decompress, and connect with nature and each other. Our daughters are now ten and eight years old, and they have traveled extensively with us. We love Richmond, but we also really love to explore and experience new cultures and landscapes together.
I’ll end with one of my favorite quotes: “The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.” -Jacques Cousteau
Thank you so much for this interview. It has been really great reflecting on my life as a writer and how it has evolved. I am living my true calling and hope to inspire the next generation of ocean activists through writing for children.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.theislandwriter.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theislandwriter8
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blair-northen-williamson
- Twitter: @theislandwriter
