Q and A with Stacy, East Bethel, Minneapolis
“Take the first step toward your dream today!“
Q: What are you passionate about?
A: I am a teacher of 16 years, a self-published children’s author of 2 years, a business owner (publishing company), a mom, and a wife. I am passionate about children, teaching, reading, writing, music, and inspiring and empowering others to pursue their dreams. I’ve wanted to be a teacher, mom, and author since I was little. I attended college to be a teacher, taught for years (everything from kindergarten to middle school math), got married, had 2 kids [of my own], and then decided to publish a book. I thought it would be easy, and it wasn’t! But I am a self-starter and persistent, so I kept at it until I figured it out!
Q: What were your younger years like?
A: I grew up in a suburb of Minneapolis with my parents and two sisters. As children, we played “school” a lot. I wrote stories and read tons of books. I started playing piano at age 10; music has always been a huge part of my life. My parents always pushed me to do my best, never give up, and work hard to achieve my goals.
Q: What is something valuable you’d like others to know?
A: I’ve learned so many valuable things in my life. Set goals, dream big, take risks, believe in yourself…they all might sound “cliche,” but they are SO true! I said these to my students over and over again during my teaching career, and now, I say them to aspiring authors and others who haven’t yet pursued their own dreams (and to myself). I was never a risk taker by nature…I like things comfortable. I’m very logical and think things through (a lot) before taking the next step. As I entered the publishing world, I realized that I would need to push myself out of my comfort zone. I would need to become a risk taker in order to see this through. And I have!
Q: What can you tell readers about self-publishing?
A: In the past 2 years, I have run 3 successful Kickstarter campaigns, raising over $20,000 to publish my 3 hardcover books. I have started my own publishing company, Hop Off the Press, LLC. I have created an online school to help other aspiring authors. Check it out by clicking here.
I have created a website, done over 100 school author visits, published 5 books, a coloring book, and created custom-made stuffed kangaroos and enamel pins to go with my series. I have learned how to market on social media, run Amazon ads, sold over 20,000 books, have books for sale in over 25 local shops, done dozens of local author events and now do consulting with other aspiring authors. When I started out in the publishing business, I knew nothing about business, marketing, publishing, websites, social media…NOTHING! I learned it all by watching other successful authors, reading articles, asking questions, joining author FB groups, taking courses, and watching videos. If I can do it, you can, too! Take the first step toward your dream today!
Q: What does feminism mean to you?
A: To me, feminism means empowering women to take risks, set goals, and take steps toward achieving their dreams. It means lifting other women up, not bringing them down. It means inspiring and encouraging each other to do better, to believe in ourselves, and to make the world a better place.
Thank you for reading!
Connect with me here: https://stacycbauer.com/
I’d love to connect with you!
Thoughts, questions, or comments?
Comment below! 🙂
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