Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have written five books on human resources topics, but my most recent book is a real departure. The title is On Your Mark: From First Word to First Draft in Six Weeks, and offers practical tips and ideas for professionals who want to write a nonfiction book as a tool to promote their business, boost their career, or to leave a legacy.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is On Your Mark: From First Word to First Draft in Six Weeks, and was written in less than six weeks (of course!). At the time I was wrapping up employment with a HR consulting firm (a 40+ hour a week job), developing the business plan for my new business (another 40+ hour a week job), and writing the book. Yes, a book can be written in six weeks when you follow a strict process (and deny yourself a life during that time!).
How I came to write the book was a result of receiving a call from the National Speakers Association chapter president, who asked me if I had truly written a book in less than six weeks. I told him that I had in fact written four of my five books in less than six weeks.
“Would you be willing to speak to our chapter on how you did that?”
“I would be delighted!”
“But wait, there’s a catch,” he said. “Would you be willing to coach two of our members and then give a panel presentation about the process at the end of the six weeks?”
“You had me at ‘give a presentation,’ but now I’m totally hooked!” I responded.
So, I coached two of our chapter members, and during the process they said, “You could do this for a living, you know.”
And, after giving the presentation to an enthusiastic crowd and many of them suggesting I could/should do this for a living, I decided to embark on this new career direction.
In developing my business plan, I realized that the key to this business plan was to write the book on how to write a book in six weeks, and to do it in six weeks. I now have a new business, coaching professionals on how to write their books as a tool to build their businesses or boost their careers.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m not sure I would say that I have unusual writing habits, although I would say I am very disciplined. I schedule writing time on my calendar, and use a project planning process to get it all done within my time frame. I also don’t write conventionally–that is, I don’t start with chapter one, then move to chapter 2, and so on. I start with the chapter or point that is easiest to write, then move to the next easiest section, and so on. I also work very closely with my outline that I’ve detailed in advance of writing the first word.
I also love working with a coauthor. On Your Mark is coauthored with my nephew, Kevin Williamson, who is a brilliant writer. My third book was coauthored with my mother, Anne Dorton, and a book I’m working on now is coauthored with Lyle Sussman and Kevin Williamson. I like working collaboratively, and find that my creative juices flow much better when I’m working as a coauthor (it also suits my tendency toward extroversion!).
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love Stephen King’s On Writing. My favorite business book is David Rock’s Your Brain At Work. In addition to reading business books, I love fiction, and read voraciously when on vacation.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on a business parable that I began with another coauthor eight years ago. We’ve introduced another coauthor into the mix, and we’re excited about moving forward with this project.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
It’s been seven years since my last published book, so the playing field is very different now. My coauthor Kevin Williamson has built a stellar website for our book, and we’re both exploring our blog as a means to reach more people. I’m also becoming more savvy with social media, and have been promoting our book via LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter. I have a lot to learn, and am eager to figure out the best strategy.
I’m going to throw a virtual book launch party (in addition to a “live” party in my hometown of Louisville, Kentucky), and offer a way for my out-of-town friends, colleagues, clients, and prospects to join in the fun. The virtual party will be given via webinar, and will feature a behind-the scenes interview with the authors, a guest book (Like our Facebook pages), and party favors (download a bookmark!). I will also offer this virtual party as a graduation gift for any of my coaching clients who go on to write and publish their books.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I actually have a lot of advice, but once the book is written, it is time to celebrate your success with your friends, family, and author friends.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write, write, write! Develop daily writing habits. Don’t try to write and edit at the same time. Picture your reader and talk to that person. Figure out your purpose for writing well before you write the first page.
What are you reading now?
I’m not! I’m trying to get my book out there!
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m working on my next book project, coauthored with Lyle Sussman and Kevin Williamson.
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’d take my reader loaded up with as many books as I could!
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