Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a facilitator/speaker and founder of Master Trainer TMR & Associates, a training consulting firm based in Houston, Texas. I am also a wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend. For nearly 30 years I have coached and advised busy working professionals in the areas of pressures, priorities, and purpose. They all kept repeating the same sentiment. “Work-life balance. I don’t have it. I want it. I need it.” It was the exact same thing I had been saying myself more than 30 years ago when work was overwhelming me and threatening my health and my relationships with those I loved. Back then it took a lot of soul searching and a lot of courageous decisions and actions to reclaim my life. I decided that I needed to shine a spotlight on this very real issue for working professionals, and so the idea for the book was born. This book gives voice to what many experience but feel powerless to do anything about. To a large extent it’s about self-empowerment but it also let’s us know that we are not alone in what we face. This is my first book, and I am so thrilled with the response that it;s been getting that I am busily working on the sequel, You Versus O-Syndrome for Women, debuting summer 2018. This follow-up will specifically address the unique O-Syndrome challenges that women face and the strategies that we can employ to overcome those challenges. Please drop me a line at tmr@mastertrainertmr.com to share your experiences.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
O-Syndrome: When Work is 24/7 and You’re Not was inspired by the countless working professionals plagued with chronic busyness, who, over many years, helped me to shine a huge spotlight on O-Syndrome (overwhelmed and over-stressed by work) and willingly gave of themselves in sharing their greatest challenges, admitting their major regrets, exposing their biggest hurts, and revealing their deepest longings.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write on anything and anywhere the muse hits me — a scrap of paper, my smart phone, my journal, and even the back of a receipt! LOL I then cull together all of these into a coherent flow of ideas that eventually end up being chapters and sub-chapters.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I went through a period in my life where I only read fiction, and my all-time favorite author is Toni Morrison, her poetic use of words as instruments showed me that words help the spirit to sing even via non-fiction. I now have reached a stage in my life where I read only non-fiction exclusively. My tastes are varied and include works by Laurie Beth Jones, Philip Yancey, Malcolm Gladwell, Brene Brown, and Seth Godin.
What are you working on now?
I am working on You Versus O-Syndrome for Women, which is the sequel to O-Syndrome:When Work is 24/7 and You’re Not. It’s scheduled for a summer 2018b release and focuses on the special O-Syndrome challenges that women face and how to face and tackle those challenges.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
“Knee-mail” and word-of-mouth are my preferred methods for getting the word out.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Follow your instincts and be very involved with the process so that you can continue to learn and grow for your next book.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Do you!
What are you reading now?
Fervent by Priscilla Shirer
What’s next for you as a writer?
I plan is to continue with the O-Syndrome book series. Several more books are planned — You Versus O-Syndrome for Couples, You Versus O-Syndrome for Young Adults on the Autism Spectrum, You Versus O-Syndrome for Families, You Versus O-Syndrome for People of Color. I am also developing workshops and seminars for an in-person interactive approach to the books.
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?
Holy Bible. I have no need to take any other book than that.
Author Websites and Profiles
Theresa M Robinson Website
Theresa M Robinson Amazon Profile