Pathbreaker Parenting, by Seth Marlowe, challenges conventional wisdom and reveals how following a one-size-fits-all “path” to successful adulthood is failing today’s teenagers. The author deconstructs these expectations, exposing the flaws in an outdated system.
The book explores the power of a growth mindset and self-directed learning while showing how college isn’t always the best bet. Included is a road map for a new journey that breaks free from the path, empowers teenagers, and enables them to become thriving young adults.
Parents receive valuable concrete advice and scripts for conversations with their teenagers.
Pathbreaker Parenting is a call to action that will cause you to rethink traditional approaches to education, success, and personal fulfillment.
What SPARKed your interest in writing a book?
What most sparked my interest in writing a book are the many conversations I’ve held with teenagers and young adults over the last 10 to 15 years. The combination of a rampant achievement culture and unrelenting social media use is poisoning teens as they stress over perfection-seeking and what they will “be.” Not surprisingly, research confirms that half or more of these young adults become timid and disillusioned and struggle with happiness, meaning, and purpose.
I decided to write Pathbreaker Parenting to address this increasingly serious issue. I dismantle the linear, formulaic path on which parents and teens believe they must go “all in” and propose a set of new conversations that remove pressure and empower self-directed thriving.
Was any part of the writing/publishing process harder than you expected?
The process of converting an MS Word (or Google Doc) file to a book is much more involved than I expected. Pathbreaker Parenting includes several images, charts, and screenshots, along with “conversations” (between parent and teen) that are separated from the main story flow.
SPARK Publications walked me through every step of that process and provided countless drafts to show me how page formats would look in a book. The finished product is fantastic!
Seth’s thoughts on working with SPARK Publications:
“As a first-time author, I knew nothing about selecting a publisher. But, as a long-time businessperson, I know a lot about selecting someone with whom to work toward a shared goal. I sought experience, determination, and open-mindedness and found all three with SPARK Publications. I could not be happier with the book they helped me bring to life!”
Tell us about a time that SPARK Publications helped you bring out the best version of your book?
I can’t highlight any one time. From day one to the published book – and then even beyond with my book launch – everyone at SPARK Publications went above and beyond to enable a raw manuscript to become a beautiful book. Each person I worked with was meticulous, smart, and, most of all, fully invested in creating the best possible finished product.
How will this experience and your book impact your career?
I don’t believe in “forecasting” the future, so I don’t know if this book will have a dramatic or minimal impact on my career. I will do my best to share it with as many people as possible, hold open and honest dialogue with readers and hope that word-of-mouth drives sales. Whether the impact is dramatic or minimal, I couldn’t be more satisfied with what I wrote, and I hope it makes a difference in the lives of parents and their children.
What is one tip or piece of advice that you would give a business owner or thought leader who wants to write a book?
Each of us has a book – if not many books – in us. Whatever you’re passionate about sharing with others, just start writing and don’t stop. If necessary, start with writing just a few minutes a day, EVERY day, and stick with it. And, of course, make sure to select a highly recommended publisher to help you bring everything to life.
What other platforms do you want our readers to know about?
I’m still early in the process of building platforms – for now:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pathbreakerparenting
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pathbreakerparenting/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SethMarlowe-Pathbreakers
Who can readers introduce you to?
I’m a past president of a Rotary club, and I plan to speak with some clubs in the coming months. Other groups/org types I plan to approach:
- Home school parenting groups
- Community colleges
- “Mom” and “Dad” groups (with emphasis on those with teenagers)
- Libraries (to host a workshop or seminar for parents)
- YMCA/YWCA (to host a workshop or seminar for parents)
- Rotary clubs (for speaking)
- Boys and Girls Clubs (to host a workshop or seminar for parents)
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