Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m Erin Thorp, an Author, Speaker, and Coach for leaders who struggle with conflict, communication, and performance during high-stress times. I support leaders in navigating difficult conversations, building powerful teams, and communicating with empathy so that they can lead confidently.
I have written and published one book – Inside Out Empathy and have three others in various stages of completeness right now. I found that once I had the first one done, SO many other ideas came flooding in, it’s sometimes overwhelming.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Inside Out Empathy was inspired by my career and parent journey over the past 2 decades. I found that my superpower as a leader and parent are my empathy skills and then I began to see and recognize them in others.
I used to be called ‘emotional’ and I’ve come to learn that it was my inability to deal with my own emotions and triggers that lead to my seemingly volatile outward expression of emotion … hence the “inside” part of the book title. Once I had my inner self tended too, I could then better tend to the emotions of those I was leading and working with … hence the “outside” part of the book title.
Empathy is a family and workplace value yet very few of us know how to practice empathy in everyday behavior. It is the precursor to engagement, compassion and inspiration.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I do most of my ‘writing’ when I’m walking and use voice to text apps on my phone. It makes for some pretty unusual editing and also makes my writing read as more conversational.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
SO MANY! I’m an avid reader. On average I listen to or read at least a book at week, sometimes I’ll have even more on the go. Some people binge Netflix, I binge on books. I can take them anywhere and they never bother anyone else. In the professional space I would say that I’ve been most influenced by Simon Sinek, Brene Brown, Tara Mohr, Ken Blanchard and most recently Adam Grant. Honestly though, I do like to read a lot and there are so many great thought leaders out there, it’s so difficult for me to narrow down the list!
What are you working on now?
Right now I’m working on a non-fiction leadership book about navigating new circumstances and a fiction novel which is still taking shape. I enjoy bouncing back and forth between the two as it’s stretching my skills as a writer.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I haven’t cracked this nut yet and am continuously trying new website, apps and social media campaigns. The pandemic has turned the book marketing world upside down and the way people are finding and consuming books is so rapidly changing that we as authors need to remain agile and adaptable.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just keep going! I thought that writing the book was a hard part when I first started out and after 4 years can tell you that it’s the easier part of being an author. The hardest part is the marketing marathon no one tells you about that is never-ending. Take it slow and steady. Focus on consistency over anything else when it comes to promoting and marketing your books.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I grew up with parents in Alcoholics Anonymous so I think the serenity prayer has had the biggest influence on my life. Wisdom is knowing the difference between what you can change and what you can’t.
Also from the program is “one day at a time”. As a working mom it is very easy to get overwhelmed by all the things there are to do. Being able to bring myself back to the moment and focus on what’s here and now, helps keep me grounded and able to keep moving forward.
What are you reading now?
Think Again by Adam Grant (for the 2nd time), Burnout by Emily and Amelia Nagoski and Anxious People by Fredrick Backman.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Oh I wish I knew! I’m going to focus on writing as that’s the only thing I can control and see where this lifetime takes me!
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 would take Rock Chicks by Kristen Ashley, The Sovereignty Knot by Marisa Goudy and the Alchemist by Paulo Coelho.
Author Websites and Profiles
Erin Thorp Website
Erin Thorp Amazon Profile
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