Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born 1960 in Bamako in Mali. My father was a French ambassador, my mother worked as an Argentinian botanist. I studied art and art history at the Université Paris-Sorbonne. When I turned 25, I moved out to experience life and the new world. I established the gallery “Madame Missou’s World Arts” and played parts in many different musicals. At the beginning of the 90s, I sold my gallery and moved back to Europe. Before settling in Berlin in 1999, I moved around quite a bit spending considerable amounts of time in Lisbon, Copenhagen, Moscow and London. Now living in Germany, I’ve been happily and quietly living with my family for the past 16 years. My experience allows me to work as a writer, life coach, consultant, and artist. I have already published numerous bestselling guides in German, mostly about typical topics involving women.
I have also had someone translate a few of those books to English and am now reworking the old ones while simultaneously translating new books. I currently have 3 books on the English market with many more to come. You can expect approximately one new guidebook on the English market per month.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my latest book is “To Catch a Dream – What Your Sleep Reveals” and is actually inspired by my readers.
I often get emails asking me questions either about the things that I’ve already written about, or want to read about things that they haven’t.
I have gotten a lot of requests about dream interpretation and since I’ve had some experience with that myself, I decided to offer it for absolutely free on my website.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Even though I’ve settled to Germany after years of living all over the world, I still like to write when travelling. On trains, airplanes, boats and cruises. The movement relaxes me and gives me strength.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
In my personal life I have been influenced by so many great artists and authors, but since I am writing non-fiction books, inspiration mostly comes from science and studies that I find online or in libraries.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on the translation of a book called “Meditation for Beginners” which will come out in a few weeks.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
You mean other than awesomegang.com? In Germany, where most of my readers are, my favourite method is via email and social media. That way I can connect to my readers directly, ask about opinions and offer advice.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep at it! Write what you love! Don’t forget marketing! Writing is only the start! Remember your readers after you’re done writing!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Smart people learn from their mistakes. Wise people learn from other people’s mistakes.
What are you reading now?
This is a little embarrassing, but currently I’m re-reading for probably the 50th time “Le Petit Prince” by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. Such poetic writing and suited for all ages.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m not sure. I’ll keep releasing my little guides as long as there are people wanting to find out about new and interesting topics, but I’ll also focus on me and my family a bit more.
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?
As I already said, my favourite “Le Petit Prince”. I’d also want to take something useful like “Hammock: How to Make Your Own and Lie in It” by Dension Andrews, and something creative like a beautiful, handmade notebook and a pen to write down my thoughts and ideas. Last but not least, I’d want some guilty-pleasure romance like “The Princess Bride” or something like it to pass the time while figuring out how to get off this island.
Author Websites and Profiles
Madame Missou Website
Madame Missou Amazon Profile
Madame Missou’s Social Media Links
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