Wednesday, June 24, 2015

What They See by Jennifer Swanson Interview, Review & Giveaway


Book Description:

First impressions DO count, and so does what comes afterward! Learn how to stand out, shine and make a stellar lasting impression as you enter the workforce. We send messages constantly—through our body language, actions, what we carry with us and what we wear...and most of this has nothing to do with what we actually say. Being aware of the messages you send is the first step in learning how to build an overall (and sustainable) image of professionalism that will assure others that you are capable, competent, and right for the job. In an easy-to-read format, and with simple and actionable steps, this book will help you discover how others perceive you when you make a first impression, and will show you how to ensure that the world sees you the way you want it to. An expert in the field of communications and human relations, Jennifer Swanson has written a must-read book for students, new graduates, job seekers or anyone looking to fulfill their professional goals.

Listen to the PODCAST: 
How Writing a Book Can Benefit Your Business –with Jennifer Swanson on The Successful Author Podcast

Where to buy the book:


 Amazon  ~   Barnes & Noble   ~   Chapters Indigo   ~   Book Depository


Author's Bio:

Jennifer Swanson has been teaching Communication and Human Relation skills since 1993 to college students entering the medical field. She is also the creator/host of the Communication Diva Podcast, which has an international audience and helps people in deepening workplace and personal relationships through more effective communication. In addition to teaching young adults, Swanson is an ordained minister in the United Church of Canada, has worked in the Youth and Family Ministry for 3 years, has a Master's Degree in Public and Pastoral Leadership, and is a certified conflict coach and Master NLP Practitioner. She is also a mother and step-mother to two young adults and two teens. Swanson draws upon years of expertise as she shares her passion for inspiring others to reach their full potential with readers and audiences worldwide.

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!
  1. 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.
  1. 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.
  1. 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.
  1. 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.
  1. 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.
  1. 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.
  1. 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!
  1. 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.
  1. 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!
  1. 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!
  1. 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.
  1. 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!
  1. 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.
  1. 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?”
  1. 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.
  1. 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. 

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5 comments:

  1. I'd like to read this book so I can give my son in law pointers and tips for starting a new job!

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  2. I want to win because this looks like an interesting book.

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  3. Running low on new books to peruse :D

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  4. I 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.

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  5. I teach high school English and this will be so helpful to junios and seniors.

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