Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am an avid writer, poet, equestrian, and world traveler, a dedicated mother and friend, a and true lover of nature. I hold a BA in communications/business management from Metropolitan State University in Denver and an Animals and Human Health graduate certification from the University of Denver. For more than twenty years, my career in Washington, D.C., revolved around senior-level logistical and management support to a U.S. Ambassador/philanthropist and technical writing at the U.S. Department of State. Upon my return to Colorado in 2014, I resumed her passion for writing and giving back to the world. I live in Littleton, Colorado, am the proud mother of my son Alexander Aziz, and relish my role as caretaker of my rescue horse, Dancer.
My previous works include:
Lucid Life: A Collection of Lyrical Poetry (Amazon)
Contact me at Sassypantspress@comcast.net
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is These Stories Are True… I S#!+ You Not: A Humorous Look at Online Dating for the Unsuspecting Older Human. This book was a labor of love, or shall I say the result of way too many ridiculously funny bad online dates. I also include stories from men and other friends, but wanted to focus on the humorous nature of human behavior when it comes to modern-day dating for older humans.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’ve been writing poetry since I was a young girl. My biggest inspiration was Emily Dickinson. The most unusual writing habit that I have is that I often wake up in the middle of the night and write an entire poem that just flows from where, I do not know.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
So many books have influenced me. When I was a young girl, I read The Diary of Ann Frank which, to this day, has impacted the way I view the world and the human condition; how human beings tolerate and manage through devastation by depending on their vision of hope.
What are you working on now?
I might just write a sequel to this last book because there are so many stories and so many funny adventures that people have related to me. Otherwise, my next book will somehow cover the need for levity and humor when dealing with death; whether due to illness or age.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have recently started using TikTok (#booktok) and Instagram to engage with people in my age range. They are good passive marketing avenues – plus they are fun!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Stay true to yourself. It is never too late to start anything. And…everyone has stories to tell. I’d also advise that if you are going to self-publish like I did, to hire editors, layout artists and publishing consultants (My Word Publishing) to help you navigate the process.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Risk it.
What are you reading now?
I did read You Have to Kiss A Lot of Frogs since it was similar to my new book. Laurie Graff, the author, has been tremendously supportive of my new book and even gave me an endorsement! I’m also reading, Sgt. Reckless, The Perfect Horse (I own a horse), and The Real Anthony Fauci.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Lot’s of marketing work, book launch parties and podcasts for 2022 to get the word out about my new book. It takes work, but it’s all good.
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?
Jane Eyre, Sense and Sensibility, Night, Rumi poetry
Author Websites and Profiles
Catherine Berra Website
Catherine Berra Amazon Profile
Catherine Berra’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile