Have you ever ever puzzled in regards to the lady behind the “Transylvanian of the Week” profiles?
This week we’re turning the highlight on her.
Meet Ann Sharpsteen. This native column isn’t the primary time she has turned her writing expertise towards showcasing notable people and their accomplishments. For years, she has shared – by way of books and tv packages — the true life tales of numerous high-profile celeb topics, most notably on the planet of nation music. In 2007, she authored the acclaimed Johnny Money guide, “I Walked the Line.” Additionally, as a TV producer, she has written and directed numerous TV biographical documentaries, music movies, interviews, dwell music performances and actuality exhibits that includes a who’s who of artists corresponding to Vince Gill, the Dixie Chicks, Religion Hill, Martina McBride and others, permitting them to share their music, messages and model with the world. Through the years, she has additionally labored with a roster of companies formulating their advertising messages regionally and nationally.
In 2010, she moved to Brevard together with her son, Matt, to be nearer to her dad and mom. At this time she works as a realtor and enjoys connecting patrons and sellers in Brevard and Transylvania County. She additionally continues to do advertising work for native and nationwide firms, growing and launching advertising campaigns. This week, we turned the tables, and he or she fielded questions from us for a change:
Of the celebrities you’ve labored with, who had been your favorites?
Garth Brooks, Keith City, and Loretta Lynn had been my favorites. Loretta’s granddaughter, Tayla, was my son’s nanny years in the past and lived with us in Nashville. They each spent plenty of time at her ranch and we had been shut.
Of all of the TV initiatives you produced, is there one you’re most happy with?
I wrote and produced a 90-minute tv documentary in regards to the lifetime of Johnny Money that 10 million individuals tuned in to look at. That was fairly thrilling.
Do you’ve got any loopy behind-the-scenes tales to share out of your time working in Nashville?
Sure. (laughing) They’re all stepping into my subsequent guide – a “chick-lit” romance novel in regards to the horny, steamy backstage world of nation music.
What’s one thing individuals could be shocked to find out about you?
I’ve a level in electrical engineering. I by no means used it although. I went to work in tv after I graduated. The TV exec who had found Katie Couric employed me and determined I used to be going to be his subsequent “Katie.” By that point she was anchoring the At this time Present. Anyway, I didn’t change into his subsequent “Katie.” I used to be higher suited behind the digital camera as a TV producer.
What’s your favourite technique to spend free time in the present day?
I’m embarrassed to say I like listening to podcasts and YouTube channels in regards to the newest gossip surrounding the royal household, like the present Prince Harry and Meghan Markle drama. My favourite is Girl Colin Campbell’s channel. I hearken to her within the automotive or whereas cooking, and each time I’ve free time.
Have you ever ever skilled a life-changing occasion or second?
Truly, sure. In December 2021 I signed as much as take a river cruise within the south of France on my own. The journey ended up being utterly life-changing for me. I got here residence with a brand new vitality. It was like I shed one thing whereas I used to be there that I didn’t notice I used to be carrying. Regardless of my baggage being misplaced on the best way residence, I used to be keen to begin the brand new yr with pleasure and sat down and wrote out an extended record of targets for 2022. I ended up conducting most of them.
What sort of targets?
Varied private {and professional} targets like figuring out every single day, doing intermittent fasting (skipping breakfast), getting initiatives finished that I used to be laying aside. I additionally determined to begin the “Transylvanian of the Week” column. I’m a giant “record” and “targets” individual.
The place did you develop up?
Everywhere in the world, together with Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and Manila, Philippines. My dad was within the U.S. Air Drive and our household moved each few years.
Had been you ever teased or bullied by different kids in class?
Sure, I bear in mind one lady placing gum in my hair simply to be imply. I used to be tremendous shy and introverted.
Have you ever ever been starstruck assembly somebody?
No, however years in the past I used to be speechless once I met the King Henry VIII re-enactor at Hampton Courtroom outdoors London. I used to be extraordinarily nervous to speak with him (laughing).
What’s the weirdest dream you’ve ever had?
The opposite evening I dreamed a nurse was making an attempt to present me a COVID-19 shot and I used to be frantically making an attempt to get away from her. Bizarre as a result of I’m vaccinated and boosted.
Have you ever ever been discriminated in opposition to, and the way did you cope with that?
I used to be a finalist to present a TED speak in Asheville a number of years in the past however was instructed I used to be, “too white” to be chosen for the ultimate stage. I didn’t argue about it.
What’s the very best sensible joke you’ve ever performed on somebody?
I posted an April Fools submit in regards to the Las Vegas duo Siegfried and Roy on my “I Love Brevard” weblog a number of years in the past, and a few individuals began spreading the information they had been relocating to Brevard (due to their love of “white tigers” and “white squirrels”).
Of all of the stuff you’ve been via, what are you most proud that you simply overcame?
I escaped and healed from a really poisonous relationship and was capable of flip that unhealthy expertise right into a constructive one by writing a bestselling guide that’s helped others do the identical.
Are you concerned in any volunteer work?
Solely within the type of sometimes giving talks and speeches for numerous civic teams, ladies’s golf equipment {and professional} organizations.
Talks about what subjects?
Learn how to get unstuck and conducting your targets, productiveness, how you can reset your life. I additionally give a chat in regards to the first lady who ran for president of the US, Victoria Woodhull. She was referred to as “Mrs. Devil” within the press. It’s a enjoyable have a look at a colourful lady who was forward of her time. Earlier than I used to be married, my maiden identify was Woodhull.
Do you’ve got a narrative of ever standing up in opposition to odds for one thing you actually believed in?
I made a decision to homeschool my son the final two years of his highschool. I used to be instructed I used to be ruining his life. He ended up successful a full-ride school scholarship primarily based on his educational achievements and his efforts in talking out about home violence from the angle of a teenager and what he witnessed.
In the event you had been catching up with a pal, what would you say is new in your life?
I simply bought engaged over Christmas.
What makes you content?
Checking issues off my to-do record, staying busy, cooking, journey, pals, household, and the truth that I lastly discovered the love of my life (I had given up on discovering love).
Have you ever ever gotten out of a dashing ticket?
Sure. I can’t assist it, however I all the time begin crying once I get pulled over.
What’s a current pattern you actually can’t stand?
Cancel tradition and wokeness.
When was the final time you cried?
Completely happy tears the evening my fiancé proposed.
If there was a fireplace at your home, what one factor would you you should definitely seize and save?
My chocolate Labrador, Mac — he’s my child.
What’s the very best shock you’ve ever gotten?
Waking up one morning to the information {that a} well-known YouTuber endorsed my self-help guide and instructed all her followers how a lot it helped her. I heard from individuals all around the globe.
Issues I like: scorching tea, figuring out, my morning routine, comfortable beds, canines, leisurely meals, scorching baths.
Issues I don’t like: egocentric individuals, greed, visitors, loud eating places, unhealthy manners.
Favourite magnificence product: CeraVe pores and skin merchandise
What are your goals for the approaching yr?
Journey to Brazil, see the Eiffel Tower, get married, host a “Johnny Money” river cruise in Germany, develop a nationwide “American of the Week” profile, end my subsequent guide.
How would you wish to be remembered in life?
That I genuinely cherished individuals and helped them achieve life, and helped make their goals come true.
