Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am an entrepreneurial artist that focuses on the cross between pragmatic and creative solutions. I believe this is important because by using various ways of thinking and problem solving people can solve any problem in any discipline!
I am a new author, however I have been writing for my self for about two years. It’s time to get my stuff out there!
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Communications Crash Course: 11 Strategic Conversation Frameworks for Everyday Scenarios to Enhance Your Conversations and Confidence”
I really enjoyed writing this book because it touched a very personal part of my life. I was a very isolated, timid, and reserved person that after moving away from home decided that I wanted to have friends – I was sick of coasting along in life by myself! However, socializing was something that I was horribly afraid of. The question that constantly came to mind (and I suspect many others in my situation) was “what should I say?”
I had to chronicle various instances and look back in time to some of the things I had to do and realizations I had to make in order to become a better conversationalist. This book is part “how–to” and part “here is my story.” I never want to preach to anybody – that is not my objective. I simply want to lay things on the table in a way that says, “Hey, this is what I did and maybe it will work for you.”
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I cannot write my first draft on a computer. I always need a good pen and paper. Seriously! The pen is super important. For some reason my thoughts flow a lot easier onto paper and I will use words that I didn’t even know I knew! It’s a crazy phenomenon.
However, if I want something that I write to be a bit more accessible, I will hop straight to the computer. When I go directly to digital, my writing comes off as more simple and concise.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I really enjoy philosophy books or books that have an element of philosophy in them. However, my favorite book is “War and Peace” by Leo Tolstoy.
What are you working on now?
I will be making an audio version of “Communications Crash Course: 11 Strategic Conversation Frameworks for Everyday Scenarios to Enhance Your Conversations and Confidence” over the next few weeks.
I am also building my business via books, public talks, and workshops!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
That’s a good question – I am still learning! To answer this fully would be a very long answer.
In short, I have a list of promotion recommendations that I have been following, so the answer varies depending on what kind of audience I want to reach.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Put something out there. I am very new myself, yet I found out that actually writing the book is only about 1/4th of what goes into making it successful!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“You can’t go through your life alone”
My mother constantly drilled that into my head, even though I didn’t want to listen for the longest time. However, when I made an effort to connect with people I found out that I was a much happier person. It’s why I am so passionate on writing about things like talking to people!
What are you reading now?
“Discipline and Punish” – Michel Foucault
What’s next for you as a writer?
I will be researching the next book to write in my series “Communication Skills 101”. I’m debating on public speaking versus nonverbal communication. Let me know which one you would like to learn more about!
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?
An encyclopedia – I love learning new things!
A dictionary – To assist me with words I may not know in the encyclopedia
And War and Peace – I would read that again!
Author Websites and Profiles
Alixander Laffredo-Dietrich Website
Alixander Laffredo-Dietrich Amazon Profile