Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I live in the East of England (Hertfordshire). I am 45 years old, divorced with a daughter.
I was inspired to write by Professor Ukala (my university lecturer) and the books by Jackie
Collins and Jeffery Archer. I work as a PMO Analyst (Project Management Office Analyst).
This is my first book; OVERCOMING LIFE’S CHALLENGES.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
OVERCOMING LIFE’S CHALLENGES.
I was doing a lot of writing on my Facebook page and I kept being told I have a gift for writing, so
should write articles for a newspaper or become a writer. I was too focused on my career at the time and didn’t want to change my career path, so I decided to create a blog and write on topics that I was passionate about. I wrote over 35 articles which has attracted over 41,000 visits. Due to popular demand, I have now adapted my best articles into this book.
It is a thought-provoking self-help book, but with a personal narrative. It is a discourse of various
challenges we pass through in life, viewed from different perspectives and illustrated with various
personal experiences, including mine. It is filled with human triumphs and mistakes. I have been told the narratives are quite funny and very interesting. This sets it apart from other self-help books because it is fluid, entertaining and informative all at once. The book ends (i.e. the last chapter) with a beautiful short story which is based on true events.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write on the train while commuting to work.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
7th Heaven (by James Patterson), The 11th Commandment ( by Jeffery Archer)
and Drop Dead Beautiful (by Jackie Collins)
What are you working on now?
I have two upcoming novels;
* THE CURSE; sins of a father
* Diary of a wacky single mum.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Amazon
Facebook
Lulu
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Never give up on your dream. A lot of potential writers give up and never follow up on their dream of getting published. Some are not confident to share their thoughts and stories with the world for fear of being criticized. Do not let that stop you. Do a writing course if you have to and make use of a good editor. Just do what you have to do to get your book out there. Otherwise you may be depriving the world of a very good author and many wonderful books.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write for pleasure. Publish for success
What are you reading now?
IF YOU WERE ME by Sheila O’Flanagan
What’s next for you as a writer?
* To promote my book
* Do more motivational speaking or speeches
* Finish my 2 upcoming novels this year
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?
7th Heaven (by James Patterson), The 11th Commandment (by Jeffery Archer) and Drop Dead
Beautiful (by Jackie Collins)