Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have written 3 books. They are all non-fiction books with an advocacy theme. I have won 12 book awards. In addition I have authored hundreds of articles for 18 years on health related topics. I also have been a regular blog contributor on 2 caregiving sites and an infertility site.
I love writing and also love doing workshops and speeches helping patients, family members, and healthcare professionals learn about coping with catastrophic illness and the challenges that brings.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called Role Reversal How to Take Care of Yourself and Your Aging Parents. It was inspired by my father. I wanted to write his life story. He was a member of the greatest generation, a World War II vet, and an extraordinary man who touched many lives. I began writing his story and then expanded it to include information on the universal challenges caregiving brings based on my 40 years professional experience as a medical social worker.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I do like to write about things I know about and have had personal experience with. I wrote my 2nd book while my baby daughter napped. Before I write a book I spend about 3-4 months doing research to see what has already been written on my topic of interest. It doesn’t make sense to me to write a book that has already been written. I want to be sure I have something new to say and a fresh perspective to offer my readers.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I really enjoy a wide variety of authors. Barbara Kingsolver, Harper Lee, Elizabeth Berg, Alice Munro, Wallace Stegner, Anthony Doerr. I enjoy both fiction and non-fiction. To Kill a Mockingbird is my favorite book. The writing and character development was just perfect. When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi was incredibly powerful and moving
What are you working on now?
I am doing speeches, radio interviews, and workshops on caregiving related topics. I also am a regular blog contributor on http://www.intentionalcaregiver.com/ and http://thecaregiverspace.org/ I also write articles on aging and caregiving topics.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use my Facebook and Twitter pages to post articles I have written or articles I find that offer information and resources for caregivers. I also have entered a number of contests and won book award which got me a lot of free publicity.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
You need to find a great editor to work with to get the best possible final book you can. Be patient and be prepared to do multiple drafts before you will have a final product. There are many ways to get a book published today everything from major publishers, to hybrid and indie publishers, and self publishing. Figure out what is best for you. You also must build a platform to promote yourself and be prepared to market yourself in creative and countless ways.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Jane Friedman is someone I read all the time. She has incredible advice for authors and people trying to get published. I think she is an amazing resource for authors.
What are you reading now?
Men we Reaped by Jesmyn Ward.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I am trying to decide what is the next direction I want to go. Thinking about potential topics for a book. In the meantime I continue to write original articles on infertility and caregiving toics.
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?
To Kill a Mockingbird, All the Light We Cannot See, Animal Dreams
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