Say goodbye to toxic people, even if it hurts. Other “crabs in the bucket” will only hold you back
As part of my series about “authors who are making an important social impact”, I had the pleasure of interviewing Aaron Arsenault.
Aaron Arsenault is a citizen of Mother Earth, a climate-tech industry veteran, and a concerned dad. His passion for the environment coupled with a lack of inspirational material for young readers on the topic influenced him to become a writer of middle grade climate fiction. When he’s not writing, Aaron enjoys the outdoors, playing guitar, painting, and planning his next adventure. Aaron studied children’s writing and illustration as a postgraduate at the University of Toronto. He lives with his family and a goofy goldendoodle in Oakville, Ontario, Canada. Find out more about him at his website: www.aaronarsenault.com.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Before we dive into the main focus of our interview, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your childhood backstory?
Sure! I was raised in a small town about an hour north of Toronto, Canada. I grew up on a lake, so summer time activities like fishing, swimming and being in nature were a huge part of my childhood. I was also (I’m proud to say) the last generation to grow up without the internet- we came home when the streetlights came on and we didn’t text our friends for playdates. We just rocked up and knocked on their door! Imagine that!
When you were younger, was there a book that you read that inspired you to take action or changed your life? Can you share a story about that?
Roald Dahl books gave me a love for reading. As a kid with ADHD, I often couldn’t sit still long enough to read a book, let alone write one! Roald Dahl (and Quentin Blake’s amazing illustrations) kept me turning the page. Those books taught me quite a few life lessons. Firstly, they developed a love of reading in me! But more importantly, they also helped me connect with my imagination. I think that’s a highly underdeveloped muscle with kids these days. Why imagine when you can just pull up a screen or grab a gaming console? I’ll never forget those early experiences as a young reader. As a writer, I’ve set out to help kids tap into their imaginations again. I’m super passionate about it.
It has been said that our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
I don’t know if its ‘funny’, but the biggest mistake I made starting out as an author was thinking that I had to do it all myself. For some people, maybe that’s a necessity. For me though, I learned early on that acquiring subject matter expertise in everything takes a long time! And- most of us are not capable of becoming experts in everythign.
I learned to ‘stack rank’ things in order of importance. The writing of course was always number one. But now that my book is close to publication, the sales and marketing hat will take its place… That said, there were so many other pit falls along the way, gravity wells related to illustrations (my book has them), editing, proofing, beta readers, design, cover art, website, trailer, etc. etc.
You just can’t do it all! I’ve learned building a team of people you trust is perhaps the most important aspect for any indie author. Its super critical.
Can you describe how you aim to make a significant social impact with your book?
The Climate Diaries Series is about four kids from different backgrounds who are chose to attend an “Academy” that is dedicated to educating the next generation of climate fighters. In the book, kids will learn several useful tidbits about climate change/climate-tech but it’s wrapped in some of the hilarity and high jinx kids love. If I’ve executed it correctly, kids will forget they’re actually learning!
If everything goes as planned, kids who struggle with ‘eco-anxiety’ or have fears and questions related to climate change will find an anchor in this book series that will help them move through it toward a more inspired vision of their future as they discover their world. In parenting my own kids, I’ve learned it’s a constant battle with technology and distractions to keep them grounded. If this book helps parents in even a small way, it’ll be a tremendous reward for me as the author.
Can you share with us the most interesting story that you shared in your book?
The kids; They are super diverse and I hope relatable! I think every kid will see bits of themselves in each and probably identify with one or more of them! I’ve spent so much time thinking about them the past several years while writing the book that they almost feel real to me!
What was the “aha moment” or series of events that made you decide to bring your message to the greater world? Can you share a story about that?
The AHA moment comes early in the story. In the early chapters, we learn about “THEM/THEY”- a metaphor I’ve created to describe climate change denial/greenwashing in big business. The readers are left to decide for themselves whether the mysterious “Man in the Room” and “Man on Screen” are good or bad, but one thing we learn about them early on is that they do not want the world to change and will do anything they can to keep things the way they’ve always been. Keeping things status quo for many decades in certain industries (such as oil/gas for example) has led to the development of trillion-dollar empires. As kids (heck even as adults) changing the way we do things can all seem overwhelming and frankly helpless. They want to hang on to the old way of doing things as long as possible and are being dragged toward change kicking and screaming.
Our kids will inherit that torch soon, and to solve the climate problem once and for all, They (and the old ways of doing things) need to go! It will take nothing short of a generationally concerted effort to make that happen. Now is when kids are setting the values that will guide them for the rest of their lives, so it seemed like a great age to write for!
Without sharing specific names, can you tell us a story about a particular individual who was impacted or helped by your cause?
I’ve worked in the climate-tech industry for 15 years, and for some leading companies. I’ve been fortunate to have learned from a number of mentors. Without time in this industry or them I’d never have written this book; of that I’m 100% certain.
Are there three things the community/society/politicians can do to help you address the root of the problem you are trying to solve?
Absolutely! I wouldn’t even no where to begin. At the end of the day, every government needs to make one universal change if we are to mitigate climate change and develop a truly sustainable civilization. We need to change our thinking — not just to consider the planetary impacts to our actions, but to consider them first, before ourselves.
We need to start thinking about this as a marathon. Not a buffett that lasts a couple hundred years where humans gorge themselves and then starve. The of future our children, grandchildren and descendants has never been more at risk than now. We must act. And that starts with governments making what are contentious or unpopular decisions for the good of the whole. Market based incentives and penalty structures for things like carbon emissions are a good example. Unfortunately the flaw of the political system is that most political parties have diametrically opposed views from each other, and they are fighting for their jobs to get reelected every few years.
We need to reconsider the power we give to governments and the temporary nature of it. The only way to get things done in the future might be to hold national or international referendums on specific issues. The creation of a global body that is non-partisan and that has ‘teeth’ to make decisions and enforce policy globally would be great as well. The UN’s international panel on climate change could certainly use sharper teeth.
How do you define “Leadership”? Can you explain what you mean or give an example?
I think true leaders aren’t afraid to speak the truth, even if it is unpopular. Sometimes we need to hear it, whether we want to or not. As it relates to the planet, I think most people are starting to clue into the fact that we are several courses (continuing my buffet analogy) into the ‘meal’- and when the meal is over, ‘the cupboards’ will be bare.
We are taking so much more from the Earth than we’re putting back. And the impact our actions is getting worse at a much quicker pace than predictions expected.
Truly altrusitic leaders step up and do the right thing, ignoring their self-interest. I don’t know if I fit that description, but its taken me five years to bring this book to the market and as an indie its cost me thousands. I honestly don’t know if I will gross a dollar on it, but I don’t really care about that. I just want to see it land into the hands of as many kids as possible and hope it can be a catalyst for change with kids today, if even in some small way. I’m committed to taking every soapbox I can get on to see it through and make that happen.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why?
- Know who you are- try to be more of that every day, not something else
- Know your why! Not just who you are, but why you’re doing it
- Don’t try and do it all yourself — find great people to be around who will support you
- Say goodbye to toxic people, even if it hurts. Other “crabs in the bucket” will only hold you back
- Try to be of service to something bigger than you. And have fun doing it
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
“You can’t pick something up until you put something down.” Whether we’re talking about people, passions, or goals. We live in a society of overwhelm and overconsumption. I was on the wheel toward that for a long time. I’ve learned at this stage in my life that it’s so much more about what you take out, not what you put in.
Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would like to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. 🙂
TOUGH ONE! There are so many people I find inspiring for different reasons. From a sheer altruism standpoint, it would have to be David Attenborough –or Elon Musk. Sir David, because he’s had (a super long) lifetime of purposeful commitment to educating and inspiring billions to care about the natural world.
Elon, of course because he’s Elon! I actually worked for Tesla at one time in my career here in Canada and I’ve been a long time admirer. Not just of his success (like everyone else) but because of his why. The guy could have retired to an island 25 years ago at a young age and keeps going because his belief is that powerful. The success and fame are just a bi-product of right thought, right actions. I’m not sure there is anyone in the world today who is a better example of that — especially as it relates to climate change.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
They can check me out on IG @aaron_arsenault_ or go to www.aaronarsenault.com !
This was very meaningful, thank you so much. We wish you only continued success on your great work!
Social Impact Authors: How & Why Author Aaron Arsenault Is Helping To Change Our World was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.