Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I started writing books in 2009. I had so many divorced friends who were struggling to let go of the past and enjoy life. Since I had also been divorced, I decided I would write about it and perhaps it would help others. It is titled, You Lost Your Marriage Not Your Life, How to Create the Life You Want Your Way, and I am still doing radio shows about divorce. I have written five books. My second book, Dancing in Rhythm with the Universe, 10 Steps to Choreographing Your Best Life, was written to encourage readers to embrace the present moment and step out of the past. Each of these two books have a separate journal. My latest book, How to Write a Book and Tell Your Story, Easy Steps to Write, Publish, and Promote Your Book, was written to help ‘newbie writers’ get their story out their head and down on paper. So many have shared with me how they wanted to share their story but didn’t know how to go about it. This easy read provides step-by-step directions to bring their story to life.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book, How to Write a Book and Tell Your Story, Easy Steps to Write, Publish, and Promote Your Book, was written to help those who really want to write a book but don’t know how. I believe there is at least one book in everyone, but sadly only 2% actually write their book. Books enrich our lives and the world needs our stories that only we can present in our own words. This book lays out simple steps from choosing the subject to the actual book writing process. Writing your book is an amazing process-your book in print!
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t know that my writing habits are so unusual, but I do my best writing in the early morning. I also am blessed to live in sunny Naples, Florida, where I can walk to the beach. I get my greatest inspiration while sitting on the beach. Writing takes discipline and while writing my first book, I was working fulltime. I would get up at 5 am every day to write for an hour before getting ready for work. I also took my notebook to work so I could write during a break or at lunch. I suggest deciding what works best for you and sticking to it.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love Wayne Dyer’s book, Excuses Begone, and Eckhart Tolle’s book, The Power of Now. I am also a big fan of Mike Dooley and his Notes from the Universe.
What are you working on now?
I have just finished writing a book on accomplishing goals. I have not released it yet, but it will be out soon.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I love Awesomegang and the way it helps authors and readers connect. Writers need all the help they can get and this website is amazing. I also take full advantage of Fiverr gigs. Each time I have a promotional for my books, I purchase several Fiverr gigs to get the word out. I also think every author needs a website to share with fans. There are several people on Fiverr who will get your WordPress website up and running in 24 hours for five dollars, or in Fiverr words, ‘five bucks.’
Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advice to new authors is do not be intimidated by promoting your book. No one knows your book better than you and creating a website and blog and a Facebook fan page is an absolute must. After all, how will you create a following if you are hiding. Help people know, like, and trust you through social media channels. The internet is not going away and the sooner to get familiar with it the better.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I think this quote from Mark Twain says it all: “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed at the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sales. Explore. Dream. Discover.”
The time will pass anyway and when the moments are gone you cannot get them back, so you had better pick up your pen and write that book!
What are you reading now?
I love Rhonda Byrne books and just reread The Secret. I purchased her book, The Magic and The Secret Gratitude Book, which is a journal to write what I am grateful for. It reminds me that whatever life deals us, there is always something to be grateful for.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I am toying with the idea of writing a novel. Even though from everything I have read about staying true to your genre, I think every author should write what inspires them and now worry about what ‘they think.’
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?
I would definitely take Eckhart Tolle’s book, The Power of Now, because if I were alone on a desert island, I certainly would need encouragement to cherish the moment. I would bring Rhonda Byrne’s book The Magic to keep me inspired that I am alive. My third choice would be Mike Dooley’s book Infinite Possibilities.
Author Websites and Profiles
Barbara Miller Website
Barbara Miller’s Social Media Links