Getting to Know Bob Stallworthy

I think the best decision I’ve ever made was the one to become a writer. Prior to that, I think I more or less stumbled into most of the major decisions that I made. I went to university, at least in part, because I didn’t know what else to do when I graduated from high school. I became a social worker, and I believe I was a reasonably good one, because it seemed like the obvious thing to do considering the courses taken in university. 

Becoming a writer was a point in my life where I made a very clear choice. I’ve discovered something that I truly enjoy doing. It is hard work but it is also fun. Making that choice has helped me learn that not all rejection has to be personal. It has also helped to deal with criticism and respond to it in a healthier manner. Becoming a writer has also helped me to learn how to accept recognition and compliments from others for what I do.

What would readers be most surprised to learn about you?

I think most people would be most surprised to find out that I am really a very shy person. I become almost tongue-tied when I find myself in a room of people I’ve never met before. I have a lot of difficulty just walking up to somebody and introducing myself.

I’ve had people tell me they wished they could present their work in public like I do. I’ve taught myself to be able to speak or present in public. I’ve found a persona that allows me to be on stage without becoming so frightened that I can’t do my job. The persona is not fake, it has many elements that are me, it just isn’t totally me.

Unfortunately, I haven’t found a persona that works when I’m in a room full of strangers. If that is the situation, you’ll find me on the outer edges of the room looking a bit uncomfortable.

Read more about Bob Stallworthy and his collection of poetry, Things That Matter Now