When did you become aware of your natural ability to listen to people non-judgmentally?
I think I just had this gift, a natural ability that drew others to come and to talk to me and tell me their problems ever since I was in grade school. Somehow they knew I would listen and be non-judgmental. This natural ability has followed me the rest of my life in the careers I have chosen as an educator, career counselor and coach. People have always fascinated me and the world of work has fascinated me as well. By marrying the two as a career counselor/coach, I bring together my innate abilities and passions and the skills that have naturally flowed from me since I was a child.
What did you want to be when you were a kid? Did you ever dream of becoming a writer?
As kid I wanted to be a ballet dancer, an actor and a concert pianist. I always enjoyed an audience and performing in front of people. In high school, my passions turned more to journalism, education and counseling as I always wanted to champion the causes of other people and watch them expand and develop and to then write about it. At some point I wanted to be a foreign correspondent for a major newspaper or magazine.
Why did you choose to write general nonfiction? In what ways do you explore the edges of passion and possibility through your writings?
As a journalist I was always interested in the facts not fiction as well as people’s lives and wanted to write about this.
What kind of audience do you hope to appeal to with your books?
I felt that a comprehensive career development book for the 21st century was needed to address the critical concerns of our time—the workers who are victims of downsizing and outsourcing, the “boomers” who are at retirement age but cannot afford to retire and the recent college graduates who are faced an avalanche of confusing information and are clueless about how to pursue an appropriate career path.
Champion Your Career: Winning in the World of Work uniquely incorporates the methodologies and plans of action that are applicable now for a new generation of career seekers in a new economy and a quickly changing marketplace. The resource listings are current and include many websites, blogs, and forums that keep the reader updated on the latest career trends in a given geographic or demographic area.
Is there an element of art you enjoy working with most? Why?
I enjoy the theatre and speaking to an audience. A few years ago, I had my own radio show about careers and loved imparting my wisdom to listeners.
What kind of experience do you have instructing individuals in career development techniques?
I have a master’s degree in counseling psychology with an emphasis on career and college counseling. I have taught a variety of career development courses and classes at college campus’ in the Bay Area of California as well as in the Seattle area which have always been well received. I have also led workshops and seminars in various aspects of career development again at colleges and the University of Washington as well as at non-profit organizations in both the US, Canada, Mexico and Europe.
In what ways do you think Champion Your Career has served as a helpful guide and companion on every step of fulfilling a new career?
The path to a fulfilling new career is a journey of many steps. Champion Your Career: Winning in the World of Work has been written to serve as a helpful guide and companion on every step of that journey.
Champion Your Career is unusual in that it combines career counseling with career coaching. By asking the appropriate questions, Champion Your Career gives you not only the theory behind choosing a career that’s right for you, but offers practical exercises, resources, and powerful questions so you can then become your own career champion. The books that are on the market now offer career choice theory with self- assessment exercises, but without the coaching structure and support that moves readers to active decision making within the process of championing their careers. Champion Your Career provides you with theory, exercises and coaching to support you on the path to finding both the right career and the job that’s perfect for you.
Anyone who has faced the challenge of embarking on a new career knows how important it is to have someone cheering you on and guiding you in developing effective strategies. In this book, seasoned career counselor/coach Halimah Bellows offers you the tools for becoming your own career champion. With empathy and enthusiasm, she will inspire you to delve deeply and honestly into your experience to discover the career path that is right for you.
Champion Your Career uniquely addresses the major concerns, methodologies and plans of action that are applicable in the 21st century for a new generation of career seekers, in a new economy, and in a quickly changing marketplace. The resource listings are current and include many websites, blogs, and forums that keep the reader updated on the latest career trends in a given geographic or demographic area.
Career development is a process. The strategies presented in Champion Your Career can be used throughout your working life.
Why do you think many authors struggle with book marketing and promotions, even if they've written a great book?
The book market is very very competitive. And there are numerous book marketing sites. An author needs to do a lot of research to find the sites that are best for marketing your book. Also, getting good reviews and publishing them are essential.
What is the key to success when communicating with the public?
A presenter needs to engage their audience and get them involved in the subject matter. Asking appropriate and relevant questions are a good means of involving the audience/reader.
How important do you think book covers are? Who usually designs your book covers?
Book covers are extremely important. They are an invitation to the reader to pick up the book, look at it and then buy it. And unless you have stellar graphic artist skills yourself, it is vital to find a professional graphic designer to design your cover.
What is your one mantra to get through everything in life? What keeps you motivated to write?
Live your live forward. Allow your passion to become your purpose, and it one day become your profession.
Is there anything from the past you wish you could do differently? If yes, what is it?
One is that I wish I had double majored in my masters degree program and graduated with a certification in school counseling (K-12) as well as careers and college. Having this qualification would have opened up more opportunities for me.
What is the sweetest thing a fan has ever said to you?
That following through on the advice I gave them changed their life for the better.
What are the best tips for success in a writing career?
Keep at. Don’t give up and find a developmental editor you can work with to move you forward on your manuscript.
How would you rate your experience with AllAuthor thus far? Is there anything you specifically like or dislike?
I think AllAuthor is an excellent source for writers to promote their books.
