Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
In brief, I am a practicing anesthesiologist who does locum tenens work, which is a temporary placement for physicians. I have worked all over the country doing this type of work and have been doing it full-time for over ten years.
I currently live in Washington state which I now call my home as I have lived here for over fifteen years. Prior to that, I have lived in California, Missouri, North Carolina, Minnesota and France. I love to travel and have incorporated that into my current practice of medicine.
I have just published my first book, so this is all rather new to me!
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
In my life as a locum tenens physician, I have found many who have no idea what it is or how one finds work. Even fellow physicians are mystified by the idea as well as the process involved. Many are surprised to learn that locum tenens is a $2 billion dollar industry in the United States and continues to grow. Think you’ve never met a locum tenens physician? Think again! They are found in virtually every specialty in medicine and all over the United States – all over the world, in fact.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
As a physician, my days start very early and end at various times, so it is hard to schedule writing time. I tend to have ideas that occur during the day and write them down into Evernote. Then when I have time, I pull those together and try to make sense of them!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I am a voracious reader and am seldom without at least two or three books that I am reading at one time. I have always enjoyed Agatha Christie – first as a young girl – as a physician, I appreciate her attention to detail to the medical details. Her mysteries have cost me many nights of sleep because I could not put them down. I have even read most of her books in French as well – they love her!
I love someone who can tell a great story, so one of my favorite American authors is Mark Twain. Growing up in Missouri, there was a lot of emphasis on his books, and I have never regretted the time spent reading his works. From the French side, Victor Hugo and Alexander Dumas are some of the best storytellers out there – their stories captivate you and it seems like you are right there with the protagonist.
What are you working on now?
Since my first book has just been published, it is my primary focus. Although, one of my colleagues has suggested a book on medical missions. He and I have been on several – but not together. He thinks the collection of stories would make a great book. I just might have to agree with him!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Early in the process, Awesomegang was mentioned to me as the best place to start.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write! It seems simple, but it isn’t. Trying to write on a consistent basis takes real discipline. I have new found respect for those who make their living from writing.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t take yourself too seriously. It is easy to get caught up in the flurry of day to day activities and feel that everything is life or death, but it really isn’t. Sometimes, you have to step back and take a long look at what is going on; take a deep breath and then restart. Having a dog is a great reminder of what is really important – I use mine as examples of how to manage the stress and live life more fully.
What are you reading now?
Just finished Jeff Goins’ book, The In-Between. I have just started Eighty Days which is about Nellie Bly and Elizabeth Bisland’s race around the world. To encourage another fellow first-time author, I am also reading Write Your Book at Fifty by Jeanette Martin.
What’s next for you as a writer?
There’s the idea for a medical missions book. I will certainly give it some thought. I have also thought about compiling a book for anesthesia providers who work with Spanish patients. There are a number of books on medical Spanish, but almost none on anesthesia, and we work in an environment where interpreters are typically not allowed.
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?
Well, that would be a tough decision – I would bring the Bible, of course, because as many times as I have read it, there is always something new – plus it has adventures, mystery, poetry and advice – all in one book. I would bring Robinson Crusoe; I would scour it for advice on living alone on an island. I would also have to take Mastering The Art of French Cooking by Julia Childs. I know I might not have access to all the ingredients, but her cookbooks tackle almost every kind of meat and fish that I would encounter on an island!
Author Websites and Profiles
Elizabeth Noel Lumpkin Website
Elizabeth Noel Lumpkin Amazon Profile
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