Meet author of hilarious, Eighty-sixed, Emily Belden, this week's Woman Crush Wednesday!
"Don’t let someone else’s highlight reel make you feel like you aren’t successful. Go at your own pace, focus on your own path."
▪ How long have you been writing?
Since I lost my first tooth and wrote a persuasive essay to the Tooth Fairy explaining why I deserved more than just $1.
▪ When and how did you get started on WordPress?
WordPress gave me my start and helped me build a fan base. I wanted to tell a story to friends and decided that instead of calling each one of them separately, I’d post a recap of it online and send it out. I selected a really simple template, uploaded my post, and shared it. The rest, as they say…
▪ Have you always wanted to be an author?
There may have been a time I wanted to be a dolphin trainer, but yes, for the most part I’ve lived to tell stories my whole life.
▪ How do you measure success?
Are you happy and healthy? Can you pay your rent? Do you have a dog that loves you? Something like that…
▪ What is your personal brand?
Authentic & Eccentric.
▪ What was your big break?
A writer for Forbes magazine was covering people doing things differently in traditional industries. They covered my pitching strategy for Eightysixed and featured my online proposal as a link in their article. Later that day, I was on the phone with agents and publishers from all over the country.
▪ How important is social media?
It’s important and great to connect and show off highlights of your life, but I don’t get obsessive about it. I’m not on SnapChat but on all the others, I try to post once a week-ish.
▪ Where did you go to school?
Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska
▪ What did you go to school for?
Journalism / Advertising
▪ Is this your sole job? If not, what else do you do?
I take on freelance writing and social media projects for select brands, but I’m under contract to write more books so I don’t have much free time!
▪ How did you advance your career?
Surrounding myself with great people – a great agent, a great editor, etc.
▪ Do you have a mentor/mentee?
I really admire my editor, Rebecca. She pushes me creatively more than anyone else can.
▪ What makes a great employee?
Responsiveness and accountability – plus general enthusiasm for being there!
▪ What advice can you give to young women?
When it comes to social media, remember: don’t let someone else’s highlight reel make you feel like you aren’t successful. Go at your own pace, focus on your own path.
▪ Do you ever get stressed out? How do you combat it?
Yes, daily. I take a walk with my dogs, make myself a sandwich, call my mom. Something that hits the reset button and takes me away from whatever is causing the Def-Con 3.
▪ What’s the average day in the life of Emily Belden?
Every day is different, but they all start with a long walk with my dogs and then I make myself an early lunch. I usually eat by 10am and skip breakfast foods entirely.
▪ What is your “must have” accessory?
My wedding ring.
▪ What do you feel is your greatest accomplishment?
Publishing a memoir and scoring a follow up book deal all before age 30.
▪ Who is your fashion icon?
My husband who wears the same outfit everyday…black denim jeans, black t-shirt, white Chuck Taylors.
▪ Where do you shop?
Nordstrom Rack, TJ Maxx, Marshalls for life.
▪ What is happening currently in pop culture that has your undivided attention?
The Bachelorette.
▪ What are your thoughts on millennials?
We’re the future. Everyone else needs to deal with it.
▪ Why do you do what you do?
Because I’m meant to. Doing anything else would be paralyzing.
Thank you, Emily!
Go get yourself EightySixed today ~ it's hilarious and exactly what every Millennial needs!
xo,
xo,
KJB
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