Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hey everyone. I’m a passionate writer and even more obsessive educator. I lead an innovative education program called Futures Academy at the International School of Beijing that uses project- based learning to connect students to the real world. To keep me happy, hand me a plane ticket and guidebook for remote corners of the globe, and I will wake up before the sunrises to explore. I love to write travel blogs, song lyrics and shout outs about the latest innovations in education. I just published my first book, the “power of Simple” which helps new school leaders use simple strategies to make their schools innovative and connected to the real world.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“The power of Simple” is my latest book. It is inspired by my journey in creating Futures Academy- a school without limits. Students learn to grow their own food, run their own businesses, and solve community problems through unique innovations.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Besides procrastination? Haha. My writing habits involves a lot of “stream of consciousness,” where I get a bunch of random thoughts out onto a paper. Ironically, these end up being the most coherent ideas. I also like to use the audio recorder on my Iphone when I run to record random bouts of inspiration and ideas that might be good for current pieces.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’m a nerd when it comes to books. I apologize in advance to big fans of fiction, as my biggest influences are all non- fiction or historical fiction. I like “Most Likely to Succeed” by Tony Wagner. I laughed out loud in Ellen Degneres’ book “My Point, and I do have One.” I cried in “Power of One” by Bryce Courtenay.
What are you working on now?
I’m working hard on my blog. I try to post once a week on my latest insights on educating the weirdest, but most interesting group of people on the planet- middle schoolers.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Word of mouth. Literally, this has allowed me to receive the most amount of downloads. I find that people don’t just “stumble” upon books like mine. It contains pretty radical ideas that only those who know someone who has attended a workshop or visited the school at which I teach would fully understand.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write first, think later. You can outline and research and never start your writing for years. Write first and then filter later. Your writing will sound more coherent this way.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Set goals. Writing is not always going to be fun. Like any activity, you have to put in the work that will allow you to improve and become more accomplished. If you set aside a certain amount of time each day, week or month; you will have a book in no time.
What are you reading now?
One World Schoolhouse by Salman Khan.
What’s next for you as a writer?
A sequel to the “Power of Simple.”
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?
Ender’s Game
Power of One
The Beatles Anthology
Author Websites and Profiles
Kyle Wagner Website
Kyle Wagner Amazon Profile
Kyle Wagner’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account