William Duncan shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
William, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What is a normal day like for you right now?
As of right now I currently teach English Language Arts at Hudson Middle School in Hudson, North Carolina. I enjoy being able to put my creative spin on the curriculum and help students love to read and write. Using my author’s perspective it truly helps me as a teacher and them as students understand the importance of books and other creative written works. I put most of my time and effort into this making my career and teachings the best they can be!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a writer, filmmaker, and storyteller born and raised in the scenic Foothills of North Carolina. From a young age, I found joy in crafting comedy skits with friends, which sparked a lifelong passion for creative expression. Over the years, I have expanded his talents into songwriting, podcasting, and producing original audio dramas, while also pursuing acting and directing psychological short films. Deeply inspired by visionary creators like Rod Serling, Alfred Hitchcock, and R.L. Stine, I eventually turned to fiction as a way to fully unleash my imagination. My writing blends suspense, surrealism, and introspection, inviting readers into a world where the ordinary meets the extraordinary. This allowed me to let my mind run rampant and share my imagination, writing books like Thoughts from the Mind, The Red Scare, The Sawmills Slasher, and my most recent Monster Tales! I have recently just released the 2nd edition of The Sawmills Slasher and now it has updated descriptions of characters/setting, added pictures, and much more!!
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
Not as much of a who as it is more of a what, BUT Movies definitely have taught me the most about my real career as a teacher and my passion career as an author. Movies have taught me what it’s like to be fun and creative! It teaches you what people enjoy and what they don’t. Movies help your thoughts come to life and gives you (more so me) a basis for your imagination and visions. Seeing a movie like “The Thing” helps me know what suspense should feel like and how to set a proper Sci-Fi scene. Every book and piece of writing I have done has been because of movies. They truly are the epitome of entertainment and creativity.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I read a quote by Ulysses S. Grant that stated “In every battle there comes a time when both sides consider themselves beaten. Then he who continues the attack wins.” I actually have this quote posted in my classroom. This message is what I would tell my younger self, those who don’t keep pushing with confidence will fail. Failing does teach you stuff, don’t get me wrong. But if you don’t keep trying and you just give up there isn’t even the slightest possibility of you winning.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
General George Washington. If anybody has ever seen my classroom, they would know the answer to this, because of the assignments and the art I have. George Washington is a founding father of the United States and I believe he utters many words of wisdom that I think about often. He showed ideas of humility by never seeking power for himself. After the Revolutionary War, many wanted him to become king, he cared more for the nation itself. He showed integrity by setting precedents, like serving only two terms that shaped American democracy. He also displayed quality like courage and responsibility, through leadership during the American Revolution. In my eyes he is the perfect example of a role model.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I believe I was always born to be a leader of sorts and a teacher. I didn’t originally go to school for teaching, but even at my other jobs before becoming a teacher I enjoyed showing people and informing people how and why to do something. I believe my books pack lesson and teach certain English Language Arts skills and my job as Track Coach and E.L.A. teacher teach many skills that come to me naturally, I do not have to spend hours learning on how to make my teaching Student Centered or Engaging, it just is automatically how my mind works. I love guiding people for the better!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/williamduncan1
Image Credits
None
