The Publishers Perspective | S.C. Urquhart

How have the Arts impacted your life?
During jr high and high school I found that our art programs gave me an outlet to express myself in ways I had not been able to do before. I became a musician and throughout high school and college I studied art and drama. I also continued with music because of the freedom of expression and self-confidence these programs cultivated in me. I continue to study music and the arts to this day, and I’m proud that my children have taken to the arts as well.

How important are the Arts to our children's development?
Making the arts a priority in our schools is of the utmost important because of the benefits to our children. In art programs children gain confidence, improved cognition skills, a deeper cultural understanding and much more. Many schools are faced with economic challenges and it seems that art programs are among the first to be defunded. It is in our best interest to ensure that art programs stay funded and fully available for our young people to embrace and enjoy.

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Tell us about your book.
My first book is the memoir of encouragement “I’m Not There Anymore.” I’ve experienced tragedy and failures in my life, and I decided to examine these events in a way that would help others who may be experiencing similar challenges in their own lives. The book went on to win awards and became a best seller and I enjoy hearing how my story impacted so many in such a positive way. As a follow up I released my second book “You Are That One Thing” to help people maximize their potential on a day to day basis. This is a book of powerful affirmations that help to shape my day, and I’ve been blessed by how many others have shared the same positive energy in their own lives.

What does success look like for you?
Success means different things to different people. I never felt I was truly successful until I could inspire others through my own history. Its great to see good people make positive changes and adjustments in their own lives based on my experiences. For me true success encompasses this idea. Success for me is also being able to raise my children and give them everything we didn’t have growing up. Even after everything I’ve gone through, it is simply the love and well-being of my children through which I define my success.

How are you staying motivated now that you are parenting alone?
I never thought I would be a single parent. Now that I am, I find that even though there are challenging days I still remain constantly motivated to do better than yesterday with my kids. Keeping them happy, healthy, fed, and sheltered gives me plenty of motivation to keep getting better so that I can be the very best father to them that I can be.

What advice do you have for someone who wants to write a book?
I would first congratulate them on their decision to publish and then ask what their motivation will be. There are plenty of ways to publish, either through publishing companies or by self-publishing. I would ask that you consider who your target audience would be, and how your book will solve a problem for them. There are many opportunities out there and many doors that open for published authors. I would encourage anyone who is considering writing a book to do it with your heart and not worry too much about perfection in the beginning. Getting your story out there is a powerful way to share your message and impact many people who will benefit from your story.

How can we follow you?
Facebook: S.C. Urquhart  
IG/Twitter: scinspires  
You can purchase my books at www.scinspires.com/products