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I Want To Inspire and Motivate Others
Look Within II: Environment is Key follows an ambitious and intelligent young boy who wants to help his village thrive after hearing the elders’ concerns about fuel sources. What was the inspiration for your story?
Look Within II, is the follow-up to my first ever published book! Look Within: a story about discovering the key to success. After receiving so much positive feedback, and the overwhelming love and support especially from young people. I was moved to expand the world created in the first book, and dive deeper into some of the aspects of personal development that many of the readers resonated with. Most notable the importance of environment.
Kim wants to fit in but struggles with interacting with his peers despite his intelligence. What was the inspiration for the main character’s traits and challenges?
The inspiration for our main character’s story was sparked by conversations I’ve had, mainly with young people, about the importance of looking within to identify our values, morals, and the goals we set for ourselves before seeking outside validation. We all find ourselves in various environments: school, work, community, clubs, religious groups, etc. From these environments, we naturally develop behaviors and traits, sometimes to “fit in.” However, once we truly understand ourselves—our likes, dislikes, and the things we need to help us grow and thrive—we become aware of how to shape our environment to suit US instead of trying to “fit in” to an environment that doesn’t align with our goals or bring us true happiness.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
At this stage of my life, I am genuinely excited about learning. The most significant difference between my current mindset and me as a child in school is when I began seeking out subjects that genuinely sparked my interest. From my experience, the educational system often adopts a one-size-fits-all approach, neglecting the importance of personal introspection and taking responsibility for learning in alignment with our individual goals. Through an easily readable and well-illustrated story, my goal was to convey this message and inspire others to embark on their unique journey of growth, igniting their enthusiasm for learning and pursuing their genuine interests. I firmly believe that if I had been exposed to this perspective earlier in life, it would have profoundly impacted me. Therefore, my goal is to utilize these stories as a means to inspire and motivate others.
What is the next book in the Look Within series that you are working on and when will it be available?
I would really like to see more feedback, and support on my work up to this point. But I can definitely see the Look Within series as a trilogy! And depending on what conversations come from LOOK WITHIN books 1 & 2 a third book could be on the way very soon! So please PLEASE support and leave feedback, and I’m always very appreciative, and will continue to inspire through writing and working in my purpose.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website
Beautifully illustrated for readers of all ages.
LOOK WITHIN 2: Environment is Key
Kim has big dreams. He envisions himself as an inventor of wonderful and amazing things. Raised in a remote village, Kim pays close attention to the conversations of the many elders who have played important roles in his life. When they begin to show concern for fuel sources, Kim knows he can help. He sets about the work of gathering everything he will need to set things straight for his village. His dreams of seeing the village thrive fuel his efforts, and he puts all his energy into inventing something that will make all the difference in their lives.
Look Within II: Environment is Key, by Miles McAlister, is the story of an especially ambitious young boy with dreams of not only becoming an inventor but helping his village overcome the struggles that threaten their way of life. Kim, the book’s main character, is different from the other young people his age. McAlister has created a shining example of a young person destined for great things. He is relatable in that he is thoughtful and wise, but he also struggles with wanting to interact with others his age and not really understanding how to make that happen.
The author has incorporated the perfect blend of fantasy and realistic fiction and handed young readers an inspiring tale of hope. Kim is a fantastic role model and possesses an innate curiosity that he allows himself to follow in order to better himself and the lives of those he loves. This is truly a remarkable addition to children’s fiction.
I highly recommend Look Within II: Environment is Key, by Miles McAlister to teachers who would like to introduce students to a more scientific way of thinking. I can see this book easily blending into a STEM curriculum in any elementary or early middle school classroom.
Pages: 76 | ASIN : B0C2S719MT
The Joy Of Accomplishing A Goal
Look Within follows a boy who meets a stranger that he wants to be like when he grows up; the stranger helps him make a plan and sets him on the right track to achieve his goals. What was the inspiration for your story?
The Inspiration for “look within” came from a moment of reflection. I remembered a writing exercise I did in a business program I enrolled in many years ago. The assignment was to draw a picture of yourself 5-10 years in the future. After my best attempt to draw my future self, I explained my drawing in front of the class. All the details of the picture and how it related to my goals for the future. This always hit a core with me because I never really saw or knew anyone personally who looked like me or came from my background who achieved what I saw myself doing in the future. Since that time I’ve dealt with a lot of adversity and loss, but also hit many milestones and achieved a lot of the goals that I set out for myself. When given the time to reflect on my journey up to this point, I see a noticeable resemblance between myself and the drawing I made all those years ago. This realization was a very profound moment for me, and it set the stage for what I believe to be a timeless story with a message that can benefit anyone but most importantly young people discovering and setting out their goals. In the same way, these principles and values helped me.
Are there any emotions or memories from your own life that you put into your character’s life?
I think remembering a time when I was at my lowest point. feeling lost and unmotivated. It was a feeling like I’m wasting my life, I’m not where I want to be, and I don’t know what to do. I want to achieve things but I don’t know how to get started. These are the emotions that created the lost boy character in the beginning. And the time it took to learn myself, identify my values, who I wanted to be, and realize that my failure and success are ultimately my responsibility. and just the process of digging myself out of that dark place. Inspired the journey and relationship between the boy and his mentor Kim. I now see the importance of having a mentor and a support system to help guide you in life, I know I can’t go back in time, nor would I want to. But writing this book ” Look within” and exploring the relationship between The main characters is really me having a conversation with my younger self, just saying “it’s okay” and sharing what I know currently that I wish someone was there to share with me during those hard times. I hope to reach as many people as possible who might be dealing with the same adversity and feelings of self-doubt or hopelessness that I experienced as a young person. And ultimately experience the joy of accomplishing a goal that you set out for yourself.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The beautiful thing about this book is it’s simply written as ”A story about discovering the key to success”. Breaking down this concept as plainly as possible was the goal. three steps were described to act as a guide so to speak. 1) identify your goal. write it down so you have clarity of purpose 2) write a plan. actionable steps to take to achieve your goals. Asking questions and searching for answers to clearly create a path to achieve your goals 3) creating a routine. Establish good habits that will carry you through the hard times and days where you lack motivation. It was also important that we explored the environment because the three steps become increasingly difficult When your environment and friend groups don’t align, and vice versa if your environment is positive with like-minded people who uplift you it becomes easier to achieve your goals.
I will say the underlying theme of the book is a philosophy adopted in my life, which is the ideals of stoicism or being stoic, which is simply described as Calm under pressure. Understanding We can’t control what happens to us, but we can control our actions and reactions when things don’t go our way. Focus your energy on finding solutions and self-belief that anything you want in this life can be achieved. It all starts with Mastery of self.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
Well, I’m very much dedicated to screenwriting currently, can’t disclose too much at this time. I do hope to have stories shared on the big screen soon. But, I am finalizing a graphic novel called “IM A ROCKSTAR” that will be released tentatively in December. Very excited about this next project!
Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram
I dedicate this book to my younger self and other young people like me. As a word of encouragement. No matter what challenges this life brings, stay calm. “Look Within.” Be your own hero.
Look Within
A young boy feels lost and alone when a stranger shows up and asks what he can do to help him. The boy tells him that he wants to become like him, strong, confident, wise, wealthy, kind, and giving. The man’s name was Kim, and he agreed to help the boy become like him, as long as the boy committed to following three steps that Kim would give him. Feeling motivated and encouraged, the boy agreed to the conditions and followed Kim to a place where there were many people to learn from and ask questions to. Kim’s plan for the boy includes three steps, set a goal, make a plan, and create daily habits that will move you towards your goal.
In Look Within: A Story About Discovering The Key to Success by author Miles McAlister is the story of a boy growing into the man he wants to be. The lesson of achieving your ultimate goal lies within yourself and is shared with young readers in an easy-to-understand way. Broken out into three steps, children and even teens can learn how to make their dreams a reality through hard work and dedication.
It is not often you find a self-help book for children or one with such a compelling story to teach the ideas. I found myself enchanted by the process, watching the main character devote himself to this goal. The daily habits setting is a key idea that many goal planning books just gloss over. I also liked how the daily routines focus on a well-rounded body approach; children are encouraged to grow their minds and body together and build healthy hygiene habits.
Look Within is a well-written and entertaining coming-of-age self-help book for children and teens; adults could also learn a few things from this enlightening book as well.
Pages: 35 | ASIN : B09WD48J2B
