Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a design consultant, entrepreneur, and author of books for children and adults. It’s an odd combination, but it works! I’m also the founder of Aespire, (aespire.com), a branding and digital agency; the principal designer of type and letterforms at Altered Ego Fonts (AlteredEgoFonts.com); and write the blog EntreWorship.com. I’ve written two books; the first is entitled “Raise Your Voice: A Cause Manifesto,” a guidebook for branding nonprofit and social impact organizations. I publish thought leadership content on my agency’s blog, aespire.com/blog.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is my first children’s story book, “Luckey Haskins and the Zoo Adventure.” I told this story to my children at bedtime when they were growing up. We invented them together. I created the character, they suggested the situation. I’ve carried this story in my heart for many years, and now that both children are grown and I have more opportunity to write, thought it was time to share it with parents and guardians who love to read with their children. A friend created the whimsical illustrations to make what was originally an oral story come alive with images that kids love!
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
For the last several years I’ve been rising early on the weekends to write before everyone else is awake, when my mind is clear and I can drink lots of coffee. I think while I cut the lawn, and it’s not unusual for me to stop cutting to pull out my smartphone and add some content to a chapter or article in Evernote.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have a lifelong love of reading! My first love is science fiction (I grew up on scifi classics). Ray Bradbury, Robert Heinlein, Isaac Asimov, and Ursula K. Le Guin are favorites. Now I read a wide variety of leadership and business books, travel-related nonfiction, and inspirational literature.
What are you working on now?
I’m beginning to plan the next book in the Luckey Haskins Adventures series, to be released in Fall 2016. Looking into 2017, I will be compiling the articles from entreworship.com into the first volume of an EntreWorship series.
I’m working on new content based on core principles from my first book, “Raise Your Voice: A Cause Manifesto,” and writing a new book focusing on how leaders can make their brand meaningful through four dimensions of communication and culture.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve found the most effective method of promotion is to write articles that are guest posted on websites other than your own. The articles should support your own unique perspective, but also contribute in a meaningful way to the content of the site upon which your article will be posted. In exchange, I request a link to my website, and to my book. I have found that sales and awareness are raised when a sustained period of social media promotion about the new article is launched.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Be a friend to other authors; be generous with your ideas; build audience far ahead of any publication date; and begin to promote far in advance of publication.
There are two things you should pay for: editing and design.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best writing forces you to agree or disagree with it.
What are you reading now?
I just finished quote “Beginning French: Lessons from a Stone Farmhouse” by Les Americains, which is a delightful travel, food, and love story. Other books I’m currently reading include Sinek’s “Begin with Why;” Addington’s “Deep Influence,” and “Die Empty” by Todd Henry.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Besides more writing? Exploring the integration of design and writing in my own work and in the work my agency does in helping authors and courageous thought leaders publish and promote their work. Words, images, and letterforms have always been inseparable to me. I’ve spent over 30 years as a designer of words and letterforms that make words beautiful, and only a few writing. It’s taken me that long to be prepared to write and to understand the power of words.
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 take my New Living Translation Bible, Bradbury’s “Something Wicked this Way Comes,” a picture and historical book about Gaudi’s masterpiece of architecture Sagrada Familia, and a blank hardcover notebook for journaling. Assuming, of course, that I’m allowed to take a writing instrument!
Author Websites and Profiles
Brian Sooy Website
Brian Sooy Amazon Profile
Brian Sooy’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account