Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am the proud mother of two beautiful daughters aged 13 and 10 years. I am very passionate about the subject matter of money problems contributing to domestic violence. This is because I am a survivor of domestic violence where money problems, as a result of money illiteracy contributed to the violence which I endured for many years. As such, I consider myself to be a subject matter expert in this area of domestic violence.
In addition, I am also a money literacy educator for kids teaching them about to prepare to become financially fit adults so that they do not fall into the same trap which I fell into.
I have written a book called, Play Your Cards Right for kids. It is a complete and basic money literacy system comprising six flashcards and a worksheet booklet. The complete system is a book designed for parents, teachers and guardians to help them teach their kids about money using a method best known as Bring Nice Wellies But Stay Indoors.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called Money: The Root “Curse” of Domestic Violence. I was inspired to write the book because I realised that although I suffered domestic violence because of money and money illiteracy by my husband. I realised that although I was always very savvy with money, I felt that there must be women like me out there who may not be in such a fortunate position as I was in who needed help in create their own wealth by starting small. I felt that this could help women do one of two things. First, creating their own wealth could be their get-out-of-jail-card, or, secondly, a means to help them repair their relationship.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I am one of those writers who jots down my ideas in several journals and even on scraps of paper. It’s a kind of organised chaos which works well for me. I’m also a procrastinator and will leave my writing to the very last minute. This works well for me as I am at my most creative when I put myself under such pressure – obviously, for no commonsense reason.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
The authors that have influenced me include but are not limited to Susan Jeffers – Feel The Fear And Do It Anyway. Alice Woods – Saving Is Sexy. Bukola Oriola – A Living Label. Troy Dunn – Young Bucks: How to raise a future millionaire and anything by Dave Ramsey.
What are you working on now?
As I’ve just released two pieces of material back-to-back, I’m giving me brains a breather – although I’d love to write something relating to the trials and tribulations of a businesswoman, a money literacy book of jokes and a survival kit for women who experience domestic violence.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I self promote my books using all social media platforms that I am signed up. My social media platform of choice is currently Facebook – but only time will tell what with the changes happening everyday on social media.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I would advice any new authors not to think too hard about what they will write – and to just write. I would also advice a new author that their first book will be a learning process and therefore, it isn’t the book where all has to be revealed – otherwise they will have nothing else to write about unless they are writing fictional books.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice that I’ve ever heard is to write from your soul.
What are you reading now?
I am reading the 4-hour Work Week which took me about one month to get my hands from my local library. That book is in such high demand.
What’s next for you as a writer?
As a writer, I would love to see some of my work relating to the kids money literacy turned into some sort of an app or game. I would also love to have my money literacy work showcased or incorporated into childrens’ prograames such as the famous Sesame Street.
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?
1. Money: The Root “Curse” of Domestic Violence
2. Get Sh*t Done
3. The Secret
4. The Magic
Author Websites and Profiles
Deborah Sawyerr Website
Deborah Sawyerr Amazon Profile
Deborah Sawyerr’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
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