Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a proud mom of two adult sons and two rescue kitties. I’ve always loved learning and creating ever since I was a little girl. My first book, though unpublished except in my own home, was when I was about 12 years old and was about a kingdom that lost its color until a princess and her prince brought it back.
I’ve written under contract a book on pregnancy and childbirth, a book on preventing cancer through diet, exercise, and positivity, and a book on how to be successful at work. I’ve also written over 100 articles for various publications and industry magazines over the years.
I’ve a proud geek who loves movies, Star Wars, Star Trek, Lord of the Rings, Marvel, Harry Potter, and other awesome things like that. 🙂
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is the “My Happy Life Jump-Start Guide” and it was inspired by my own journey from a health crisis to transforming my life in easy steps into one that I had dreamed of. Being in control of my weight, getting more movement into my life (through walking and just doing stuff instead of vegging out), moving away from an incredible stressful environment at work to one that was more fulfilling, and just generally being happier.
Once I found that path, I wanted to naturally share it with others, but in an easy way that wasn’t overwhelming, so they could begin living their happy life too.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really, other than being diligent about writing “something” even if I’m not “feeling it” at that moment. I’ll sometimes jump to a different area of the book when I hit a creativity block on one.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
The Seven Laws of Spiritual Success by Deepak Chopra, Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien, and The Celestine Prophesy by James Redfield.
What are you working on now?
Currently, I’m working on promoting this book and writing complimentary blog content for my website. Next, I have planned to go more into depth into each of the four key areas of happiness that I wrote about – Eat Happy, Move Happy, Work Happy, Think Happy – and do a book about each one separately.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Searching for magazines in your genre.. all over the world and sending them a press release. For example, if you wrote a book about pets, you’d want to search “pet magazines” or “pet magazines (country)” and send your PR all over the world. I got an answer back that one health and wellness website would promote my book on their website the same day I had sent a press release to them.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Have your trusted friends/family take a look at your first draft. They can provide valuable input and often one person will come at it from a different way, so by asking more than one, you gain valuable advice.
Also, I created four different covers for my book and posted them on Instagram and Facebook for votes. The one I just put in at the last minute because I thought I needed at least four choice, was the one that actually was the most popular.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Push past your doubt. I was listening to an Oprah Super Soul podcast with Eckert Tolle and they mentioned that right as you’re about to achieve greatness is when doubt and second-guessing about whether you can do this come at you the strongest. Push past those doubts and keep believing your truth and in yourself!
What are you reading now?
At the moment I am doing a lot of research on new nutrition studies that have been released this year. One that I highlight in my book is a 27-year study, and there is so much more data to drill down into on what is lacking from our diets and actually causing major health issues and early death. (Who would’ve thought not eating enough whole grains would be a big issue!)
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m really looking forward to engaging with my readers, hearing how the book (hopefully) helped them, and being able to learn more about happiness and the journey to a happier life through their experiences.
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?
Lord of the Rings, A book on medicinal uses of herbs, a book about survival (gotta be practical.. I’m a Virgo!), and one of the Happy Potter Books (probably the first one because it introduced the whole world HP).
Author Websites and Profiles
Francesca Crolley Website
Francesca Crolley Amazon Profile
Francesca Crolley’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account