23 Mar 2018 Aidan Eslinger: Talented writer and actor

Aidan Eslinger is a multi-talented sixth-grader at Carl Stuart Middle School in Conway who has already published a book, created an online blog and written, produced and directed two stage plays. At age 12, he is the youngest 501 author to date presented in this monthly feature.

At the age of 5, Aidan wrote his first version of “The Colorful Sky.” After many revisions and a successful Kickstarter campaign that raised more than $1,100 to assist with printing costs, illustrations and promotions, Aidan finally saw “The Colorful Sky” in print last February.

It’s a fanciful tale of a boy named Justin who, on his way to a friend’s sleepover, loses the juice he was taking there. Something crazy happens the next day, but you’ll have to get the book to find out what.

Since the book’s publication, Aidan has held book signings in Conway, West Memphis, Jonesboro and other locations. “The Colorful Sky” may be purchased online at Amazon or from Aidan’s website, aidaneslinger.com.

Aidan’s success is due in part to the support of his family, friends and teachers. In fact, his book is dedicated to two teachers: Mary Smith, his first-grade teacher from Nettleton Intermediate in Jonesboro, who gave him his love of books; and his fourth grade teacher, Sarah Tyler at Carolyn Lewis Elementary School in Conway who made him love writing more than he thought he ever would.

Aidan’s creative ventures extend beyond mere book publishing. Like many children, he always enjoyed performing for his family and friends. After being cast in “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” in Jonesboro, where his family lived at the time, Aidan took it a step further. He decided to write, direct and produce his own play, “Steve Comes Home,” which was produced in West Memphis in December 2014. His second play, “Grandma’s Easter,” was completed in March 2016 and had two live performances. He is working on a third stage play, “Sister Secrets,” about a divided family forced to deal with secrets.

Aidan’s parents, Nadia and Lamar Eslinger, relocated in 2015 to Conway when Nadia, a University of Central Arkansas alum, was hired as an academic advisor at the university. In 2016, Aidan enlisted the help of his younger sister, Ariah, to work with him on a YouTube vlog. They launched their “Sibling Rivalry” channel, which documents family events and fun sibling challenges.

Aidan still enjoys performing and has had starring roles in local Red Curtain Theatre productions. He appeared as Simba in “The Lion King Kids,” as Brom Bones in “Sleepy Hollow” and the King in “Cinderella.” He was also a guest soloist for UCA’s MLK Prayer Breakfast and has/will perform the National Anthem at UCA and Hendrix basketball games. He was a featured soloist in the school choir and became vice president of student council.

Government? Acting? Writing? It seems like this amazing young man can do just about anything. It’s no wonder that the next book he is working on is titled “What I Can Be from A-Z.” Look for it soon.