Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve always admired people with a strong work ethic – people who juggle more than one job or people who really push themselves to the limit because they know others are counting on them. As a scientist and an author, my work is dedicated to helping those people get through their struggles by providing realistic advice – not just the “get more sleep”, “cut back on caffeine” advice, but the real, practical advice that acknowledges how hard it can be to make ends meet.
In 2003, two magical things happened: 1) I was accepted to UC San Diego to study biochemistry and 2) Monster Energy hit US Markets. Energy drinks are controversial to this day but you can imagine how concerned people were when they were brand-new. As someone who hated coffee and tea, energy drinks were my saving grace as I struggled to balance my college classes and TWO part-time jobs. I knew in 2003 I wanted to be someone who could provide realistic information to those in my same boat – the people who needed caffeine to help them get through their hectic lifestyle. I wanted to help people make decisions whether to drink energy drinks or not based on facts, not fear.
Since 2003 I’ve put my advanced degrees in biochemistry and food science to work to accomplish this goal. In 2013, I published my first book, “Are You a Monster or a Rock Star: A Guide to Energy Drinks.” In 2020, I published my second book, “How to Get Sh*t Done When You Feel Like Sh*t”.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My newest book is called “How to Get Sh*t Done When You Feel Like Sh*t: The Secret to Caffeine, Motivation, and Productivity for the Sleep-Deprived and Overwhelmed.” A wise woman once told me, “be the person you needed 5 years ago” and this book is exactly that. While my first book was focused mostly on energy drinks and their ingredients, this newest book is about fatigue in general and how to manage it – not just with caffeine but with other physical and mental strategies. This book is especially dedicated to all those who are commonly sleep-deprived or overwhelmed but still need to get stuff done. This book is a realistic guide to productivity and motivation.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write best at 3 am because I get persistent insomnia while I’m pregnant. This book was largely written thanks to Pregnancy Insomnia.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love the way Cara Natterson tackles science and misconceptions in her books – her format for “Dangerous or Safe” inspired the format I used for my first book. I also love the way Aaron Sorkin writes. There’s no way I could ever replicate his pace or cleverness of dialog but when I’m struggling with writer’s block, watching something written by Sorkin helps me relocate my passion for writing.
What are you working on now?
My main goals are 1) publicize the heck out of this new book – with the Coronavirus pandemic, there are even more people working around the clock and sacrificing sleep for the greater good – those are the people I feel my book can help the most! 2) Leading workshops with first responders on managing fatigue and caffeine use in the workplace; 3) publishing research on energy drink brand preference and recognition with the California State University of Long Beach.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Reviews and testimonials are a great asset because people want to know the book they’re about to buy is really worth it.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t let PERFECT be the enemy of the good.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Lauren Graham said in her book, “Talking as Fast as I Can” to set a timer for 1 hour and to not stop writing – you can oscillate between a word document diary and your work-in-progress but you don’t stop writing. This advice helped me minimize distractions and the millions of things on my to-do list and just focus on the task at hand. It helped me quiet my inner editor and just keep writing.
What are you reading now?
Boss Up! by Lindsay Teague Moreno; also “Huggy the Python Hugs Too Hard” – my son just can’t get enough of that book!
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’d like to accumulate the testimonials from the people who are using the 5 Levels of Fatigue system in my latest book and use them for a sequel. Mel Robbin’s book, “The 5 Second Rule” felt like it was 90% testimonials and only 10% content! I don’t want my next book to be that unbalanced but I do want to have a follow-up that describes all the people I’ve helped in person or through my books.
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?
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
Ms. Marvel Volume 1 – No Normal (Kamela Khan)
Fundamentals of Biochemistry by Voet, Voet, and Pratt
How to Get Sh*t Done When You Feel Like Sh*t: The Secret to Caffeine, Motivation, and Productivity for the Sleep-Deprived and Overwhelmed
Author Websites and Profiles
Danielle “GreenEyedGuide” Robertson Rath Website
Danielle “GreenEyedGuide” Robertson Rath Amazon Profile
Danielle “GreenEyedGuide” Robertson Rath’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile