Joshua Smalley

Tell us a little bit about yourself, your hobbies and interests.

As an individual fully engaged and energized in life, Joshua Smalley holds an eclectic set of interests, passions and experiences. In his former years, he was, at varying degrees of experience and proficiency, a fashion model, fine art creator, actor, photographer, and plumber. In his current work, Smalley is an innovative international school educator of seventeen years. His stated aim is to make learning alive and relevant to his students. Smalley brings personalized learning into the forefront of his classroom, differentiating instruction and curriculum to the personal needs of each student. His intentional practice includes moving students, with appropriate scaffolding, into the driver’s seat of their learning. He challenges them to advocate for themselves, lean into the beauty and challenges of learning, and grow personally regardless of curricular content. His teaching experience and certification includes AP Language & Literature, AP Seminar, IB DP Language & Literature, MYP Language & Literature, Journalism, and Photography. Beyond his primary career work, he dabbles in photography, fine art, music, investing, memorabilia collecting, coaching, investing, acting, trekking, wildlife study and tracking, nature conservation, travel, videography, sports activities, and personal life-hacking. Most importantly, his life as a husband and father remain at the core of everything in his life. The very act of authorship is to inspire his own children and wife if no one else. With a family, the giggles and richness of life emerge clearly every day. Smalley’s work on reading and studying about, coupled with his own personal practice toward life-hacking has led him into the publishing industry. He hopes his work provides meaning and purpose to his readership. Smalley holds teaching licenses in two states in America. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education Degree from Western Washington University & a Master of Science, Multidisciplinary Studies from Suny Buffalo State.

When and why did you start writing books?

I have ideas worth sharing. Individuals who have benefited from my sharing have asked me to write books, be it with investing, personal development, or travel.

What made you decide to tackle writing as a career?

Writing is something I do on the side along with so many other projects. I sell my art, photography, writing, and much more.

Which one of your books or characters is your favourite?

In my upcoming memoir, I am the protagonists in my stories. As I love my own adventures, and therefore love my own character. I am truly blessed.

Which one of your books was the hardest to write and stretched you the most as a writer?

The first one is always hardest because it's the first time through the process.

Who is your favourite author and book?

I love Tim O'Brien. I love J.D. Salinger. I love Ken Kesey.

What book are you reading right now?

Right now I'm reading Eckhart Tolle's "The Power Of Now"

Where do you get your inspiration for your books?

From my own reflections and ideas as I explore the world. Rubbing elbows with other people helps me refine these ideas further. Without others, I would be nothing. Otherwise, it is mainly my own travels that provide the inspiration for my writing.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

* husband * father of three children * cellist * fine artist * photography * videography * sports * investing in commodities, art, collectibles, real estate, and the stock market

Do you have any new books in the works?

I am working on a fictionalized memoir of my travels.