Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am the Program Director at Aviation Academy which is a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) magnet that focuses on Aviation maintenance, piloting, electronics, computers and engineering. In my four years there I have identified several things that make our program stand This is my first book and I hope that I will be able to write more in the future.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of the book is Awakening Your STEM School and it was inspired on many factors. I am an educator at heart and really care about our children and what they do in the future. As I have tried to research on what makes a good STEM magnet, I realized that we had a lot of the critical elements at our school already in place. However, many schools out there don’t really know how to get started or are very fragmented in their STEM development which is why I felt the need to wrote the book.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Some of my best writing takes place at 4:30am as soon as I wake up. I think about recent events that transpired in the work, do a little bit of research and think how we could optimize it for our program and for others.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have a few authors that have influenced me. John Maxwell and Jim Collins come to mind. Even though that focus on business, there are key components that can be captured and integrated into public schools. I am also a fan of James Hattie, an education statistician who has shown us proven ways to effectively plan, and deliver lessons in the classroom.
What are you working on now?
Right now, I am reviewing John Hattie and looking at how it can be fused with STEM concepts. To me, I think it is the next level of STEM, one that is often forgotten and under-utilized.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I wish I could say that there was a “best method” but truthfully, I am still learning how to promote a book. My co-author, Bud Ramey, advised me that I should go out and do something everyday to promote the book. Those words have sunk in my mind and I have continued to expand my network of readers.
One marketing tactic that I have done is to mail advanced copies out to a group of key STEM leaders in corporate America that have been recognized for their work. If you are going to do something similar, research the people you think could help promote your book by finding more info on them at linkedin.com and zoominfo.com.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Be patient. It will not be done within one year. In fact, my book has been a three year process but the time spent in it is well worth it. As one can imagine, there are several aspects to writing and good things done take time to complete.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t write in passive voice. I have a bad habit of doing this and it is something that I need to continue to focus on changing from passive to active voice.
What are you reading now?
I just started reading The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John Maxwell. I was a big fan of his other books and know that I will enjoy this one as well.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I am going to continue my focus on marketing the book. While doing that I will be setting up presentations at conferences and book signings.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I would say the Bible, Good To Great, Visible Learning For Teachers and Killing Patton.
Author Websites and Profiles
Aaron Smith Website
Aaron Smith Amazon Profile
Aaron Smith’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
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