Book Description:
How Writing a Book Can Benefit Your Business –with Jennifer Swanson on The Successful Author Podcast
Author's Bio:
Interview
1. When
did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
I started telling stories as a little girl, and
started writing them down in longhand at a very young age. I always imagined
I’d be a novelist, so this first non-fiction book was rather a surprise!
- How long does it take you to write a book?
Well, having never done it before, it took me the better part of a
year by the time I researched, rewrote, sucked up my feelings after the editor
got a hold of it and revised again.
- What is your work schedule like when you're writing?
With two jobs, a husband, four kids and a puppy…it was all over
the map. I took a leave from one job, so there was time to work, but it was
pretty much a “squeeze it in whenever there was a free hour or six” situation.
- What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I don’t know if this is a quirk, but I seem to work best in
sunlight and open spaces, so the kitchen worked best. Oh, and I like to snack,
but that’s probably common.
- How do books get published?
I had a publisher who walked me through the process and handled
the actual publication details. My work was in keeping up with the emails, the
production schedule and learning how to market. Fast.
- Where do you get your information or ideas for your
books?
I’ve been teaching in the subject area for 21 years. I also sent a
survey to some of my recent graduates, and asked them what they would have
wanted to know before starting a new job. I did research and I wanted to make
it non-textbook-ish (new word!) and accessible.
- When did you write your first book and how old were
you?
Well the first book I wrote that got a lovely rejection slip was
during recesses and lunch breaks in Grade 6. 35 years later at the age of 47, I
finally got it done.
- What do you like to do when you're not writing?
Sleep, garden, cook, read books, hang out with my family and
attend theatre events. The list is long!
- What does your family think of your writing?
I think they think it’s pretty cool. I have an incredibly
supportive husband and my kids are amazing. My mom is also one of my biggest
supporters.
- What was one of the most surprising things you learned
in creating your books?
How hard it is to say what I want to say succinctly. I tend to
want to tell all sorts of stories, because I love to talk…so writing it down
was an exercise in restraint. Although there are still stories!
- How many books have you written? Which is your
favorite?
Just one so far, although I had a request to write another one
that would compliment this one. One book at a time- LOL!
- Do you have any suggestions to help me become a better
writer? If so, what are they?
Share your passion. Make sure whatever you are writing about has a
lot of you infused into it. People want to hear YOUR story and your perspective
because it’s utterly unique.
- Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of
things do they say?
I continue to be surprised at the response and how positive it has
been. While I aimed this at teens and young adults, I’ve had middle aged people
tell me they learned stuff and were reminded of things they had forgotten, so
it’s also a good refresher. My readers are very generous and enthusiastic!
- Do you like to create books for adults?
Yes, and for young adults especially, because I was one once and
wish I had this information starting out. I want people to be inspired to be
the best they can be…it’s my life’s work.
- What do you think makes a good story?
Something relatable…that people can see themselves in. I love the
question that is used in a program I am trained in called Godly Play that asks,
“Where do you see yourself in this story?”
- As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
An actor and a writer. And maybe an air-traffic controller. One
out of three ain’t bad.
- What Would you like my readers to know?
That it’s never too late to try something you’ve never done before
and to turn life into an adventure. There is lots of help out there, and life
is too short to be doing what doesn’t light you up. Risk a little, and make
things happen.
Connect with Jennifer: Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
My Review:
This was a great book about how to give a better impression about yourself. I liked that the author included a list of resources so I could read further into key points in the book. For instance time management and communication etc. I never really thought about the non-verbal cues before. It was very informative to read about different cues and ethics. There is also a 30 day challenge at the end and I think that it is great to try out, What I liked most was that even though the book is for people starting new jobs, first impressions happen all the time. This is definitely a book that anyone can use. I am giving this book a 4/5. I was given a copy to review, however all opinions are my own.
My Review:
This was a great book about how to give a better impression about yourself. I liked that the author included a list of resources so I could read further into key points in the book. For instance time management and communication etc. I never really thought about the non-verbal cues before. It was very informative to read about different cues and ethics. There is also a 30 day challenge at the end and I think that it is great to try out, What I liked most was that even though the book is for people starting new jobs, first impressions happen all the time. This is definitely a book that anyone can use. I am giving this book a 4/5. I was given a copy to review, however all opinions are my own.
I'd like to read this book so I can give my son in law pointers and tips for starting a new job!
ReplyDeleteI want to win because this looks like an interesting book.
ReplyDeleteRunning low on new books to peruse :D
ReplyDeleteI want to give this book for my Niece. She many job interviews and hardly has a second interview. She says that she is not doing anything wrong but maybe she can find a better or different way to do interview for her to get a better job for her and her kids.
ReplyDeleteI teach high school English and this will be so helpful to junios and seniors.
ReplyDelete