Interview With Author Anne Scottlin
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi, I’m Anne Scottlin… nature lover, mountain-hiker, foodie, doting dog mama to my three adopted Mini Schnauzers, award-winning actress, and best-selling author. There’s more. I grew up in an isolated and unusual religious environment. I was homeschooled until I was fifteen. My nerd side is obsessed with Medieval history. And, I love people. Whenever I can, I hop on a plane to explore more of our planet and meet more people. What am I like? My friends and clients know me for my warm empathy and joie de vivre.
You want more? I’ve been working in the industries of personal empowerment and emotional wellbeing for over a decade. I help you start celebrating your life again! I teach you how to infuse your life and work with joy, resilience and a healthy mental lifestyle.
I am a frequent guest on radio, television, and podcasts to share my unusual life journey and my Principles of Joy. I speak at personal development events and retreats. My best-selling book, Live for Joy, is a full-color experience supporting personal empowerment and building a sustainable lifestyle of joy.
I’ve written two books for publication. The first, “Live for Joy”, which was published in 2021, and the second, “The Chair of Joy”, which will be released in fall 2022. I have three more books in varying stages of completion, and the next one will be published in 2023.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Both of my books, “Live For Joy” and “The Chair of Joy” were inspired by our great need to bring more joy into our work, our lives, and our families. I love creating books that deliver an experience, not simply a read, so both books are fully illustrated to support their message. They teach through nature, art, and imagination… in addition to words.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
My writing habits violate all the rules. I don’t have a habit of writing at the same time every day. I often don’t use outlines. I edit as I write, although I’m getting better at restraining myself. Worst of all I write in a drag and drop fashion, in lumps. I put them together, then I dissect them, then I reorganize the sentences, somewhere between ten and one hundred times. I am fastidious and writing takes me FOREVER. Except when it doesn’t… sometimes inspiration just strikes.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
One of my favorite authors is Ken Follett. I love finding myself immersed in one of his great masterpieces, from “Pillars of the Earth” to “The Century” Trilogy. They are remarkable and deeply inspire me as an author.
What are you working on now?
I am working on a third book for release in 2023 on personal empowerment and emotional wellness for Gen Z.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
They each have their advantages and disadvantages. I printed and distributed through Ingram and Lulu for maximum digital distribution. So my book landed on Amazon last.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Know your audience before you start writing your next book. Be very clear on your avatar. Then write directly to them. Right now I’m working on the book I just mentioned for Gen Z. So I had to become very familiar with that audience and what is important to them and the style of books they like to read. You can’t write for everyone, especially when you’re starting out.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write what moves you, and it will move others. Write in your authentic voice.
What are you reading now?
“IQ84” by Haruki Murakami, “Psycho-Cybernetics” (again) by Maxwell Maltz, and “The Tao of Happiness” by Derek Lin. My favorite so far this year? “Segaki”, by David Stacton.
What’s next for you as a writer?
As I continue to write, I am planning my books more strategically in order to build on my existing brand. I’m exploring which risk I want to take on my next book, traditional publishing or self-publishing. It could go either way.
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?
Oh wow. That is a tough one. I would probably throw out a few toiletries and pack something immense to let my imagination get lost in, like “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, an anthology of Shakespeare, and some exquisite inspiration like Basho’s “The Narrow Road to the Deep North”.
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