Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a writer and life coach based in New Zealand. I have a passion for helping people create meaningful lives based on their own values.
I’ve had a crazy career path including working as an x-ray technician, English teacher, University lecturer and a policy adviser for the New Zealand government. I get bored easily and it’s taken me a long time to work out what I really have to offer others.
I love travel and adventure and I’ve lived in six countries including Russia, Turkey and Japan where I taught English. I learned to ride a motorcycle in my late 50’s and I love riding and taking photos in big open spaces. I’m the proud mother of three daughters and grandmother of six grandchildren.
This is my first book but the second is on it’s way.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Name: Superhero Me: How to Have a Great Life and Make the World a Better Place
A Superhero is a person who understands what makes them unique and how to overcome limiting beliefs, fears and habits. A Superhero exercises their special gift to make the world a better place.
This is the book I wish I’d read when I was a young woman starting out in life. I had an OK life, but felt disappointed in a way I could explain. It was only when I started to be honest with myself that I came to realize I was unique and I needed to live my life according to my values, not the values and beliefs of others. I also learned that I would only find meaning in my life by exercising that unique ability of mine that would are exercising your unique gift. I believe every person can be a superhero because we all have a special gift that will make a difference to others.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
No – although I’ve only just discovered the delights of working in the corner of a cafe!!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Tama Kieves, Brene Brown, Wayne Dyer, Natalie Goldberg, Julia Cameron, Clarissa Pinkola Estes. All have been a bit part of my life at various times, particularly when I’ve been making life-changes that no-one else understood. I felt like I had a cheer team standing alongside me during those very lonely times when I felt like a misfit.
What are you working on now?
My next book – ‘I’ve Hit a Brick Wall – Now What? How to Overcome Obstacles in Your Life’. Planning to have that published by early next year at the latest. I’m also working on a Workbook to go with SUPERHERO ME.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m a beginner at this, so I’ve reached out to my personal contacts and friends as the starting point. A lot of people have shared my book on their social media links. I’m really hoping Awesomegang is a big help.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I’m a new author – my advice is take one step at a time. Focus on what needs to be done today whether that’s writing 1,000 words, or learning how to upload in Createspace or getting to grips with social media marketing. There’s so much to learn that at times it feels overwhelming, but by doing 1 thing each day, you make huge progress.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Focus on the one thing you can do today and remember, you always have choice, even if it’s the choice about how you respond to a situation. I thinks that’s really two bits of advice.
What are you reading now?
I always have fiction on the go – at the moment its John Le Carre’s Night Manager for a change from contemporary fiction which I adore. In the non-fiction field, I’m reading a lot about social media marketing.
What’s next for you as a writer?
To publish ‘I’ve Hit a Brick Wall – Now What? How to Overcome Obstacles in Your Life’. Then I’ll be focusing on the book after. My goal is to bring 1-2 books to market each year.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Tama Kieves – Inspired & Unstoppable: Wildly Succeeding in Your Life’s Work! I find everything Tama does is inspirational…
An old favorite is The Far Pavilions, after that, I’d struggle to choose – there are so many great contemporary books out there.
Author Websites and Profiles
Glenda Spackman Website
Glenda Spackman Amazon Profile
Glenda Spackman’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account