Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
In Search of the Fun-Forever Job: Career Strategies That Work is my first.
I’m a career management consultant in private practice in New York City; I also am a retained consultant at Columbia Business School, and provide executive coaching and training to corporate clients.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
In Search of the Fun-Forever Job: Career Strategies That Work is the title.
I hate to admit it, but it was not my idea. I was harangued by family, professional associates, and my close friend (and publisher) to put together a combination of current thoughts on career management plus new versions of many articles I’d written over many years.
I thought it’d be a good idea, so that I could provide basic information to clients and students, and focus more on tailoring those ideas – rather than start from scratch each time.
Never imagined that it might even sell; it really was not a consideration at the beginning. (Maybe just a tiny fantasy.)
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Probably not. I like the initial draft part, and conceptualizing the structure. Hate the editing, and lose interest in that very quickly. Fortunately, I’ve had great people around me who are skillful in editing, and, ultimately, Lorraine Fico-White, who was a genius in making the thing work.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
There is a great deal of material out there on my subject. Lots of it free, too.
I don’t mean to sound negative or competitive, but I don’t like most of it. I particularly dislike when writers in my field make a job search or any kind of professional transition sound like a spiritual quest. The way I see things, it’s not. And there’s one enormously successful writer who actually infuses religion throughout his work, which I find not only offensive, but irrelevant.
Many of the books pad with a great deal of irrelevant fluff. If I’m reading those books, I just want answers, and I want them fast.
One of the best writers in my field whom I’ve read is Martin Yate, whose Knock ‘Em Dead series is terrific. I like how gets to the point at hand, and answers the questions that those in transition are going to ask. I tried to do that in my book, as well.
What are you working on now?
Trying to learn how to promote the book, and enjoying that more than the actual writing. I particularly enjoy the blogging part, and answering questions from readers.
I have a few ideas for a second book, but nothing concrete quite yet.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve found that my book website (isothefunforeverjob.com) has been an invaluable resource, along with the blog on it. I’ve learned, mostly through my incredible publisher, Bacon Press, how to drive traffic to it. Not sure if Twitter is worth much, but LinkedIn definitely has been showing results. (It may be that, due to my profession, my comfort with LinkedIn is greater than with Twitter, so I’m not yet sure.) Haven’t used Facebook much at all, because the whole notion of Facebook makes me uncomfortable. I’m trying to break through that.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I think that might be presumptuous at this point. Maybe after a second book?
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Get over yourself.”
What are you reading now?
I’m on vacation right now, and that means fiction time for me. Just completed Michael Chabon’s Telegraph Avenue, and thought it was brilliant. Love his work.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Continue blogging and promoting the book. That’s it – for now.
What is your favorite book of all time?
Can’t answer this. I could come up with a top 25, maybe, but my tastes keep changing. One that always makes the list is something I read as an adolescent and loved again – twice more – as an adult, The Once and Future King. No idea how I’d respond to it now.
Author Websites and Profiles
Ellis Chase Website
Ellis Chase Amazon Profile
Ellis Chase Author Profile on Smashwords
Ellis Chase’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account