I have a special treat for you today in the form of best-selling author, Emily Belden, who wrote the memoir Eightysixed. I was thrilled when she reached out to me and couldn’t wait to take a deeper look into her journey. Emily has an air of confidence about her that oozes out when she speaks, and that’s just through email. Not only does she like old school pen and paper to-do lists, chocolate chip cookies and Beyonce as much as I do, but she’s 27 and not counting (something I’ll be in just a few short months).
There is nothing more inspiring than someone who knows what they want and creates an opportunity for themself. I love the way Emily portrays herself and I’m sure you will, too. Keep reading for all the answers to my burning questions below!
What is Eightysixed? Eightysixed was a Dear Diary on steroids, long before I made the formal decision to publish. Writing was the only way I could make sense of a bad break up, and everything that followed.
What part of being a writer do you find most intriguing? I work from home in my pajamas is definitely up there. But I also love the art of storytelling. A lot of the stories in Eightysixed have happened to all of us; they just feel special because of the way I tell them.
How do you manage your hectic schedule? Lists. And I’m talking the old fashioned kind – pen and paper. I feel a sense of accomplishment when I can put a large line through an item when it’s done. My second tip? Don’t start drinking wine until after 5pm.
What has been your biggest takeaway since becoming a published author? Several. One of them is how big the reward is for putting it all out there. I can’t count the number of people – or better yet, the types of people – who have sought me out simply to tell me how this book changed their life. And here I thought it would only appeal to 20-something city girls.
How would you describe your style of writing? Awkward, yet honest. A total snark-fest.
Do you play favorites when it comes to the chapters in Eightysixed? I love what the editor did to enhance the Mindy chapter. Drugs, pimps, and steak. What more can you ask for in a chapter?
What publishing advice would you give to someone who is thinking of writing a book? Embrace NO. From publishers, to agents, to reviewers, you’re going to hear many versions of “no” throughout the process. But remember, all it takes is one yes. So stick with it until that’s yours for the taking.
What was it liking quitting your day job? Pretty darn awesome. I love being home with my 2 rescue dogs and being creative all day. I’ve got an awesome view of the city from my place, limitless chocolate, and day-time television to keep me company. I hope I never have to go back to the grind.
What’s next for you and Eightysixed? Eightysixed is being turned into a motion picture. There is an attachment agreement on the manuscript to be turned into a screenplay, and then we’ll go from there! I’m working on book two, a work of fiction called “Six Months” due out later this year.
Lastly, if you could trade places with anyone for one day, who would you be? Beyonce. No explanation needed.
Emily was kind enough to offer 26 and Not Counting readers a pretty sweet discount. You can get 30% off the e-reader version using code QF73U – just click here. Or if you’re like me and prefer the original (paperback), she hasn’t left you hanging. You can get 20% off using code 2NPRU7QM – click here. I can’t wait to get my hands on this game-changer. This gal is most definitely still navigating the uncharted territory that are my 20’s and I need all the help I can get.What things are you struggling with right now? Whether you’re in your twenties or not, I think it’s nice to know that there are others out there who didn’t do everything perfectly, but they were still able to accomplish their goals. For me, it’s the constant feeling that I should be doing something different, but not knowing what that “something” is. That makes it nearly impossible to makes moves in the right direction. I’ll get there, eventually!Interested in reading more on young go-getters? Check out Behind the Baubles and Behind the Beads.
You are such a rockstar Jess! It’s almost ridiculous how cool you are!
http://www.theadoredlife.com
This is such a cool interview! I’m so excited to check out Emily’s book! Thanks for passing it along and for the discount code:)
Emily sounds like a cool cat. I want to read this book now! Thanks for introducing me to it! 🙂
-Ashley
http://lestylorouge.com
so great! would love for you to stop by my blog! hope you’ll follow! 🙂 http://www.loveolia.com
Great interview! I can’t wait to check out the book and see the movie.