Interview With Author Carol Ann DeSimine
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have published 4 books so far. The first was a branding book on December 31, 2019, that I had a good deal of success selling on my own. But I did not want to be known as a branding coach any longer so I figured I’d upload to Amazon so the world could now buy it! I sold 2 copies! When I decided to become a serious author I used that as a measure of what NOT to do! Even though I had been in publishing for 30+ years I never really wanted to become an author. But, in 2024 I retired from business coaching. I had created so many resources and processes that turning them into books seemed like the best way to get my work out into the world. So, I rebranded as an author and self-publishing specialist. I published two books in 2024 about my STAGES Life Purpose Formula – one geared toward women 50+ that includes my story. I did not feel complete after that, so I published an expanded workbook version for entrepreneurs to create a purpose-based business. I take a practical-spiritual approach to business and to writing.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Write Your Soul’s Calling Story: The Healing Power of Sharing Your Life Legacy is my most recent book. It is based on a process I developed as a branding coach to help clients create a signature talk. I revised it with more of a focus on using stories to accelerate the healing process. It’s based on a workshop I used to offer called, Your Mess is Your Medicine. While my book is not just for entrepreneurs, it does provide a structure to craft a powerful story along with guided journal prompts. If the reader follows the prompts at the end of each chapter, s/he should have their story basically written.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I wrote Soul’s Calling Story, 24,060 words, in 27 days, including editing and formatting. I think that’s pretty unusual in itself, and I have an unusual skill set in that I am adept at all aspects of the publishing process! I also manage my time well, set goals for each week, and if I fall behind, I play catch up on weekends.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I drew on inspiration from Brene Brown, Kelly Notaras and Tracy Reid of Hay House, and also from Human Design and my Richard Rudd’s Gene Keys.
What are you working on now?
Now, I am working on a companion journal for Write Your Soul’s Calling Story.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
That’s a good question. My last two books were best sellers in several categories. One even beat out a NYT best seller in Women & Business, which I am very proud of! I am still experimenting with finding the best promoters, but one of the sites I used is Robin Reads, which got me pretty good results. I have an email list of about 3,100 so that helps.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
If I had to choose just one thing, I would tell them that self-publishing does not mean DIY. Writing a good book is not enough, and if you’re not a professional editor/designer, plan to invest in those services. You do not want to compromise on quality, but also make sure to choose the right keywords/categories, and then promote, promote, promote!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Keep it short (er). Even in this last book, I knew I could have included so much more. What I see with most authors is what I call “kitchen sink” writing. They feel they need to include everything they know in their book. In non-fiction, shorter is better and it’s better to write 2 books than try to cram everything they know into one book.
What are you reading now?
Dale Roberts’ books on launching and publishing wide.
What’s next for you as a writer?
To publish a journal to accompany Soul’s Calling Story. I also have 3 other books in the works. One is about my own Soul’s Calling Story – a spiritual awakening that lasted about 3 years. It’s a tough one to write because it’s so personal, and even painful, but without having have gone through it, I would not have come up with the Soul’s Calling Story process or my STAGES Life Purpose Formula. I would probably still be helping others publish their books, while I remain invisible in the background…
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 hard one to answer… I have not read fiction in a long time, and if I were on a desert island, I would have no use for learning anything from non-fiction! I would find the biggest books of crossword puzzles to bring along and make sure I have enough pens!
Author Websites and Profiles
Carol Ann DeSimine Amazon Profile
Carol Ann DeSimine’s Social Media Links
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