Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have written over 100 technical and instructional books for the IT industry. In 2018, I started writing about topics that interest me personally like yoga, meditation, and vegetarian cooking. Today, I do both. I am a contract writer working for companies in the financial, scientific, and healthcare fields and I also write my own nonfiction books.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is Hygge- Living the Cozy Life: How to Use the ‘Danish Art of Happiness’ to Add More Joy to Your Life and Home. I enjoy doing research, and when I find something that I’m interested I like sharing what I’ve learned with others.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write for my business customers during the day, so all of my other writing is usually done between 5 and 7 am every morning.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
When doing research, I read a vast amount of non-fiction books about whatever topic I’m investigating. When I get the time to read for pleasure, murder mysteries are my favorite genre. I love Mary Higgins Clark, Sue Grafton, Martha Muller, Sara Paretsky, and Ed McBain.
What are you working on now?
My books are all about topics that interest me — activities that I want to pursue such as self care, exercise, and cooking. I am currently writing a book about how to get a good night’s sleep — something I personally struggle with.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My own website, http://bydesign-books.com. Twitter and Instagram. And making my friends promote my books on their social media accounts. 🙂
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep writing! The joy is in doing the work, or as Steve Jobs said “The journey is the reward.”
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Believe in the inevitability of your success.
What are you reading now?
Murder on the SS Rosa by Lee Strauss. It’s set in the 1920s, an interesting time period — and great clothes!!!
What’s next for you as a writer?
Writing about the things I want to learn and implement in my life — vegetarian cooking, bullet journaling, creativity. Then someday I’ll write my own murder mystery.
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?
The Alienist by Caleb Carr. The Other by Thomas Tryon. Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert.
Author Websites and Profiles
Brenda MacElroy Website
Brenda MacElroy Amazon Profile