Communication has become a lost art. We live in a time where smartphones and social media have captivated our time. It has all but eliminated the need to pick up a telephone.
Stella Nova, a self-published author, is the creative force behind a book titled Life-InQuestion: The Ultimate Social Experiment for the Communicatively Challenged. She wrote the book to “bridge the gap of communication that plagues us all …”
“We no longer communicate; we tweet, DM/IM, Facebook, Snapchat, or text – all day, every day,” states Stella Nova. “We talk about or ask about topical things, but we are all afraid to go deeper without seeming nosy or ‘thirsty.'”
See what more she had to say below.
What’s the story behind the title?
Well, it’s pretty simple – “Life-InQuestion” is a book of questions, randomly placed and based on various subjects like: sex, life, career, dreams, LGBT community, friends, lovers, choices, and more. It is a unique but fun way to get to know others. You can also use the book as a game.
What do you hope readers will glean from reading your book?
The main thing I hope they garner from this is a way to peel back the layers and go a little deeper with their questions when getting to know themselves or others. And, to have fun with it!
How did you arrive at this career choice?
Well, since I was like 14 – whenever I would tell my Mom I was bored, she would say: “Go read a book, read the dictionary, or go write in a journal.” So, I did all of the above. I started by writing dark poetry because I was a very nervous, restless and misunderstood soul (self-proclaimed). Years went by and people friends and family suggested I write this type/that type of book (Poetry, cookbook, children’s stories, etc.) None of which interested me at the time. I have to do what moves me. One day, I was online searching for something interesting to do. I came across The Book of Questions by this Ph.D. The questions in short, did not completely resonate with me as a hip/cool/AA female… So, I decided to create my own. Not strictly for US (Blacks) but rather the new urban community of cool/hip/fashion forward individuals of all races, backgrounds and nationalities.
What separates you from others in your field? What is unique to the experience you create?
This book is unique in that it is not just for Whites (as it seems most books that are not written by USus are) but I also did not want to exclude them either. I have a very unique way of looking at the world and it shows in the questions I created. The imagination behind some of the questions that is…
For those considering entering this arena, what skill sets do you recommend mastering? What traits are most conducive to success?
Time management & DO NOT PROCRASTINATE. I know and have consulted with a few people who have yet to complete their book. They have more reasons NOT to rather than looking for reasons TO DO IT. The layer behind that is simple FEAR. Fear of what others will think…will it be good enough-do I know what I’m getting into-will it sell- will people get it/me?
How do you stay at the leading edge of your craft?
By just being the fearless creative force that God created and bestowed [with] this gift! I embrace who I am, what I have to say and I move forward with passion.
Do you think there are any widely held misconceptions about what you do?
Oh yes, people think you have to be a scholar to write a book and this is not true. You just have to have something interesting to say and perhaps an innovative way to say it that makes people want to read what you’re writing about.
Name three books, works, performances or exhibits that changed how you view life and/or yourself.
1. Emmanuel (A manual for living comfortably in the Cosmos)
2. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
3. Deepak Chopra – all books.
What affirmations do you repeat to yourself that contribute to your success?
“I will be one of the most sought after creative minds in the business.” And, “My ideas are worth millions and I will be paid for them.” Lastly, “I am happy, I am whole, I am one with myself.”
What software, app or other technological innovation has made the biggest difference in your life and/or career?
Createspace! That is the self-publishing platform that I used to publish my book. Also, Vistaprint, they are the company that created my logo and all of the marketing materials that I used to Brand myself.
Please define your personal brand.
My personal brand is one of strange creativity and innovation. I give people the feeling that they are missing something not knowing me or being a part of me.
If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?
No more prejudice.
