Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a mom, a wife, a daughter and a business person who balances making a living with caring for my family. My son has Crohn’s disease, my husband has a pre-existing condition and my mom is 85 years old and lives with us. One thing I’ve discovered is the hospital. I’ve written one book that is winning awards, I believe, because it shares my story and helps others cope with navigating the healthcare system and balancing life.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Questioning Protocol. When my son was screaming in pain in ER and no one came, I could not believe it. I am an engineer by training and when I worked in aerospace I used to lose sleep worrying about the least little design change. Now, I was in a crisis and no one came. I started taking notes so I could improve the patient experience. I thought I’d write a letter to the CEO of the hospital. Well, my son ended up with complications and I wrote a book to empower others to navigate the system with confidence. I share my tips, tools and tricks from my GE executive experience so everyone can learn how to build a high performing healthcare team focused on the patient’s needs.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Discipline. I worked everyday on my book and had an editor review my work weekly.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Jeannette Walls – The Glass Castle. I loved how her story helped me understand my life. My goal was every page or so, give the reader an “aha” moment.
What are you working on now?
Marketing Questioning Protocol and improving the healthcare system.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Not sure, yet.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Get an editor and build your fan base.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
You can’t walk a mile until you take one step. I thought that getting my book published was as hard as asking me to climb Mt. Everest without oxygen. Now, I did it and I’ve experienced that success is about each small step. If you slip, just try again with a different approach.
What are you reading now?
Overtreated by Shannon Brownlee
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’ve been writing articles in JAMA and other leading industry journals. I will continue to educate consumers about navigating the healthcare system.
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?
A blank journal, Walden, and a survival guide.
Author Websites and Profiles
Randi Oster Website
Randi Oster Amazon Profile
Randi Oster’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account