Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a researcher and author. During the day I run a small market-research business, but in the evenings and weekends, I love to write. I’ve written 5 books and edited one.
I have several areas of interest–one of them is how animals and people help one another. One of my books, Heartfelt Connections, explores the human-animal bond and how animals help us–even those we wouldn’t imagine like pigs, horses and even llamas. In my book, Community Cats, I explore the Cats at Work programs throughout the country and how feral cats are a green solution to rodent problems. These cats also become beloved members of communities.
Other books I’ve written are related to my career. Reading the Hidden Communications Around You: A Guide to Reading Body Language in the Workplace is a book about my approach to reading body language. And my book, Strategic Market Research: A Guide to Conducting Research that Drives Businesses, is about my profession and our approach to research.
My most recent book, Cinderella Didn’t Live Happily Ever After, is about the hidden messages in fairy tales.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is Cinderella Didn’t Live Happily Ever After: The Hidden Messages in Fairy Tales. I was inspired to write this book when I started thinking more deeply about fairy tales and how people are affected by these stories. Women will talk about finding “Prince Charming” and about having a “fairy tale wedding.” The recent successes of movies like Cinderella suggested that these tales are still very popular and an important part of our culture.
I decided to conduct a data analysis of the 200 Grimms’ fairy tales to see if some major patterns would emerge. My suspicion was correct! I found that beloved tales have very specific messages about who has power, who is good and evil, and who causes suffering to others. And these messages vary by the gender of the character in interesting ways.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really. When I get an idea, it takes hold of me and I eat, sleep and breathe it until I’m finished. But I have regular periods during the week when I write.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Because I read so widely, all authors influence me in small and large ways. Most recently, reading Cinderella Ate My Daughter, I enjoyed Peggy Orenstein’s narrative, journalistic style and used some of her techniques. But if I had to be completely honest, it’s the authors I read long ago and still enjoy like Jane Austen, Charlotte Bronte, Virginia Woolf, and Edith Wharton who have had the largest impact on me.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on my first book of fiction which is in the magical realism genre, I’m also working on a revision of Community Cats, and I’ve started writing a book of magical, meditation journeys designed to reduce stress.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
The best method for me so far has been word-of-mouth.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just write. Sit down and do it and don’t worry about whether it’s good or bad. You can go back and fix it later. Don’t let self-doubt get to you. Just write!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
My father told me that you should never worry about what you’re writing and just to let it flow even when you know it’s garbage. I’ve lived by that advice and I don’t get writer’s block as a result.
What are you reading now?
I’m reading The Best American Mystery Stories of 2018 edited by Louise Penny. I love it.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I think I may turn the Cinderella book into a course that I can give in public seminars.
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?
That’s a tough one! I’d probably take the largest collection of short stories I could find, Jane Eyre, a collection of Shakespeare, and a book of fairy tales.
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Anne Beall Website
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