We’re looking forward to introducing you to Stephanie Duley. Check out our conversation below.
Stephanie, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
A typical weekday for me starts at 5:00am. I am up and having my quiet time before the chaos of getting kids out the door for school and daycare. My quiet time consists of fifteen to twenty minutes of mindful meditation, and about thirty minutes of reading and having a cup of coffee. Then its time to make breakfasts, pack lunches, and tag team with my husband while we both get the kids, and ourselves, ready for our days.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
For those who may not be familiar with me, my name is Stephanie Duley, and I’m an author with a passion for storytelling. At the moment, I’m in the final stages of editing the second book in my three-part series, A Bond of Choice, which still feels like a bit of a dream. It’s hard to believe that in just a short time, I’ll have two books out in the world. My debut novel, A Bond of Fate, was published in March of 2023, and since then, life has been a whirlwind. In addition to my writing, I’ve welcomed a new baby into my family, taken a few online writing courses to sharpen my craft, and even managed to win a couple of Halloween costume contests at work, which was a fun little victory. Every day feels like an exciting mix of the personal and professional, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
As an author, my mission is simple: to tell creative, imaginative stories with passion and authenticity and inspire others to share their own art and stories. I believe everyone has a unique voice, and I want to encourage others to embrace their creativity and put their work out into the world.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My husband, Bret, has always had this incredible ability to see straight to the heart of who I am. He’s been my constant support, encouraging me and giving me the space I needed during some of the toughest emotional challenges of my life. Through it all, he helped me rediscover my true self, loving me with grace and understanding as I navigated each stage of that journey. He is my hero and the absolute love of my life. I know, without a doubt, that if it weren’t for him, I would never have seriously pursued my dream of becoming an author.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear of not being enough. Not enough for my family, not enough for my friends, not enough in relationships.
For years, I wore different masks with different people, trying to in and be less “weird,” less me. I turned myself into versions I thought others would accept, hoping no one would notice the real me underneath. But after more than a few tear-filled counseling sessions, and after finally finding my way back to myself, I’ve learned it doesn’t matter if I’m not enough for other people, I’m enough for me, and that’s all I need.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, it is now. I’ve finally reached a place where I am authentically myself in every room I walk into. What you see is what you get and it’s the same everywhere.”
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
“I am absolutely doing what I was born to do. As soon as I learned how to spell, I was writing books, tiny, handwritten stories stapled together for my mom and grandma to read. They were simple children’s books, but even then, I loved the magic of creating a world out of nothing and sharing it with those that I loved. In a lot of ways, I still feel like that little girl scribbling on notebook paper, just with bigger worlds to build and a much wider audience to share them with.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.stephduley_author.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephduley_author
