Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a native-born Floridian. I love to travel, read, make others laugh, and save money. I am consummate teacher about life and personal relationships. I have varied interests with a career specialization in financial services while I enjoy motivational speaking and having daily adventures. I have written two books.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my latest book is, “Becoming Version 2.0”. It was inspired by my travels through China and Australia. Due to how much that trip transformed my life and was my (so far) ultimate journey, emotionally and physically, I wanted to write about that experience. It was my husband who encouraged me to share with others. I wrote blogs and took photographs consistently throughout my travels, so I was able to use them in the narrative.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t write often. Mostly when the mood strikes me. I am not a full-time or career author. With my full-time job, I often lack the energy and inspiration to write. Yet I enjoy reading, and whenever I read a good book, I feel tempted to write as well.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
One of my favorite authors is Liane Moriarty, who exhibits such amazing writing ability in detailing family and friend conflicts and relationships. I have read every single one of her books, and I find myself enjoying each one in its own way.
Elizabeth Gilbert is also an influence for me. Whether it is fiction or non-fiction, her writing is on point and poignant. In fact, Gilbert’s book, “Eat, Pray, Love”, I was reading for the third time while traveling through China; the book inspired multiple blog entries that made its way into my book.
What are you working on now?
The book I am working on now is called, “Becoming Version 3.0”. It is a follow-up to “Becoming Version 2.0”. It is about how motherhood has transformed my life and made me an even more enhanced version of myself.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I started working with Ebook Partnership that put my book on various book platforms outside of Amazon. They provide resources on book promotion, and they are international, which has been beneficial for me to promote my book to other avenues.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write what you know. Feel a connection to what you are writing. If you are writing, and there is minimal engagement with the book, it may not be the right story to share.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I do love quotes and quoting others, so this question is unfair. Through my life, I have received a lot of great advice. I would say the best advice I have received is to don’t prove yourself to anyone and no one else needs to validate your worth.
What are you reading now?
I read frequently, so let’s just say that I am currently reading a contemporary fiction novel and business book.
What’s next for you as a writer?
What’s next is to finish my sequel, “Becoming Version 3.0”, and continue writing books when the inspiration hits 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 bring the book I mentioned earlier, “Eat, Pray, Love”, “The Happiness Project” by Gretchen Rubin, and a book about how to survive on a desert island.
Author Websites and Profiles
Kai Yaniz Website
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