It feels surreal to write this post and to say, officially, that my book- Unleash Talent:Bringing Out the Best in Yourself and the Learners You Serve is released! It is available on Amazon on both paperback and Kindle.
On Twitter this week, I shared this:
In high school, on my bucket list for a school project, I wrote that I wanted to write a book. But, I doubted it would happen. I always saw authors as rare, mystical individuals. I didn’t see myself as that. Fast forward to tomorrow. . . My book will be released. #DreamsComeTrue
— Dr. Kara Knight (@drkaraknight) July 1, 2018
It brings me incredible emotion to see that my book is a reality after all of these years. It is an out of body experience to see my vision on education and my vision on life etched across the pages of this book. My vision and passion I have is to bring out the best in all people and all learners, adults and students alike! It is all about the PEOPLE! Whether you are a custodian, teacher, secretary, nurse, administrator, central office personnel or a student, I believe that each person has a special set of talents, skills, passions, and personality traits, that can help them and others live a fulfilled life, inside and outside of school. I hope each reader finds the practical strategies and real stories shared within the book compelling and relatable.
My biggest dream is that Unleash Talent helps validate who you are and bring to surface new gifts and talents that you have, which you may not have even realized.
I am nothing without the people in my life who support me, so I want to take this time to give thanks and validation to all of the people who contributed to this book. First and foremost, I want to thank God, who is the ultimate provider of all gifts and talents. I also want to thank my Mom, who is my caretaker of talent and has continually pushed me to follow my gut and passions over the years, even when others told me otherwise.
Thank you does not seem like enough- so I want to send endless gratitude to George Couros and Paige Couros from the IMpress Publishing Team: Both George and Paige are two of the most phenomenal people I have ever known. George and Paige have believed in me, pushed me to be better, and lifted me up to see my full potential. Thank you for helping making this dream a reality, for being stand-up people, and for being friends I cherish. Another huge thank you to the talented Erin Casey, the rest of IMpress team, and the dynamic duo Dave and Shelley Burgess.
Thank you to these individuals who have either: Read the book and gave me insightful feedback during the writing process, shared their story of what they are doing to #UnleashTalent, and who have just been an all-around supporters and friends:
- Dwight Carter
- Elisabeth Bostwick
- Karen Festa
- Neil Gupta
- Molly Rittenhouse
- Angie Clarke
- Lauren Montgomery
- Liz Gonzalez
- Cornelius Minor
- Jennifer Casa-Todd
- Dana Ariss
- Ross Cooper
- Ramona Tower
- Beth Houf
- Jeff Zoul
- Jennifer Williams
- Salome Thomas-EL
- Brent Catlett
- Jeff Kubiak
- R. Kent Yocum
- Brendan Fetters
Lastly, thank you to the avid readers of this blog, my colleagues, my family, and my friends. Your love means EVERYTHING to me. This book is for YOU!
Share your learning on #UnleashTalent on Twitter, connect with me @karaknollmeyer, and check-out unleashtalentbook.com for more resources to come about the book!
I felt the same way before writing my book. When it went it published, I felt like I pinched through some barrier, and all kinds of possibilities were unfolding before me!
Congratulations on your launch!
Thank you very much, Jeffrey! You are correct. It is such a surreal experience and you definitely push through barriers through the process to be vulnerable and share your story. Thank you, again.