Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am an entrepreneur, speaker, and life empowerment coach. She specializes in spiritual and personal growth, stress management, time management, and motivation for teens and adult women. I have two associate degrees, one in Sociology and the other in Business Administration. I am working to encourage women and teens to define their goals in life, eliminate any mindsets that may hinder their desire to grow, and learn the necessary skills to lead an empowered, focused and passion-driven life.
I have written two books, one is called Fearless Prayer and the other is The Path to Your Path.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is The Path to Your Path. This book was inspired by my life’s journey. I was not comfortable with the traditional 9-5 lifestyle, and was very unhappy with life in general. I experienced many difficult situations that impacted how I felt about myself. I had to do some self-improvement to begin the journey on the life I really wanted. The Path to Your Path explores the principles I used (love, truth, gratitude, forgiveness, thoughts, faith, and vision) to become whole, and I wanted to share these principles with others.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
After I am first inspired to write, I begin to brainstorm. I determine what the book is going to be about, then create the introduction. The introduction gives direction to the purpose of the book. Then I create the title of each chapter. After that, I brainstorm the topics each chapter will include.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Napoleon Hill’s Think and Grow Rich, Rhonda Byrne’s The Secret, and the Bible.
What are you working on now?
I recently started a program called C.O.P.E. -Creating Our Peaceful Existence. I am currently interviewing families that have survived traumatic experiences to include their stories in a book about coping.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My best method when it comes to promoting my books have been book signings and social media. I share my books on my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/SherondaLBarksdale?fref=nf.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Be patient with the process. Becoming frustrated will only delay writers block. Walk away when necessary. Celebrate your milestones (after the completion of each chapter, publishing, cover creation, etc.). We all want to become best-sellers, but you must also enjoy the process.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Do not worry about who will or will not purchase your books. The people who it is intended for will come.
What are you reading now?
Eckhart Tolle’s Living in the Now.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Next is working on the marketing strategy I have created for The Path to Your Path. I am searching venues for book signings, finding sites like Awesomegang, and partnering with non-profit organizations to donate a portion of the proceeds that come from online sales. Currently, I am partnering with an organization called JUMPSTART. JUMPSTART is a non-profit organization that targets young women ages 12-18 who are victims of the sex-trafficking industry. You can find out more about this organization on their GoFundMe page: http://www.gofundme.com/JUMPSTART2015.
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?
The Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield
Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
Lessons in Truth by H. Emilie Cady
The Bible
Author Websites and Profiles
Sheronda Barksdale Website
Sheronda Barksdale Amazon Profile
Sheronda Barksdale’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account