Today we’d like to introduce you to Lee Cardwell.
Hi Lee, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I discovered my love of the arts in college. I took literature classes and art classes and was hooked. Like many others, however, I chose a safer route as I had already changed majors once from pre-med to mathematics. I was sure I wasn’t the engineering type, so I became a teacher. My first years in the profession were spent north of Charleston, but the vibe in and around the city was where I found my love. After leaving the profession for a second time, I moved to Knoxville, TN, and earned an MBA in new venture analysis. I had a dual emphasis in finance, and my job offers were in that field. I eventually found my sweet spot again in Nashville. After retiring from teaching, I pursued my interests in making art, writing fiction, and creating music.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Is there ever a smooth road for an artist? It was my struggles, however, that molded my art. I lacked confidence (and still do at times), and the need to earn a living to support my family was always front and center. I was lucky to find a place for twenty-one years where I could be happy and raise my kids. I loved the time with my boys and their love of sports. I started writing and painting again in 2017; I finished something I was proud enough of in May 2023. I hired an editor, and we completed it over the summer. I told my wife that I was writing a book. I remember giving it to her to read and the shock on her face that I did write it. She made the first edits (she is an English teacher). I moved again to a small community near Auburn. I published my first novel, BLUE, in January 2024.
I appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a writer and an artist. I will release my first children’s book as author and illustrator in June 2024. I write adult fiction, and my first novel is set in the greater Charleston area. I am unknown, but I am proud that I finished and published the project. My youngest adult son once asked, “Will you be okay if your book doesn’t have great financial success?” I remember saying, “I am fine with it as long as I like the finished work,” I like it. Fortunately, others like it too, and this makes me very happy.
We love surprises, fun facts, and unexpected stories. Please share something that might surprise us.
I am a former calculus teacher. New friends are surprised that I am an aspiring writer and artist with that background, but I always find use for my creative side.
Contact Info:
- Website: linktr.ee/author.dleecardwell
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/d.leecardwell
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555601044704
- Other: www.tiktok.com/@authordleecardwell
