Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a first-time author who never even thought about writing a book until I was forced to keep a blog during breast cancer. It was the easiest way to keep everyone informed. The feedback from the blog was that I should write. But I hated writing! I like spreadsheets and numbers! Nevertheless, I eventually couldn’t get rid of the nagging feeling in my gut, so I started to write. And unlike many other things in my life, I actually completed this one!
I am a Decision Support Analyst by day at a community hospital in Monterey, California. I live alone. I enjoy being outside and getting to visit family (all of who live in different states and even countries!) I am a self-diagnosed personal development junkie and at almost 42 years old, I’m still trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow up.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Carry On and Ditch the Excess Baggage! A Journey through Depression, Divorce & Cancer.” The title is somewhat self-explanatory, but I was inspired to write it, as I mentioned above, because of the feedback I received from a blog I kept during breast cancer treatment. I wanted to be honest about the hard times, but also include some humor.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m a huge snacker, and I switch between salty and sweet. My laptop keyboard bears the effects of my nervous eating habits.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I read Elizabeth Gilbert’s “Eat, Pray, Love” as well as Cheryl Strayed’s “Wild” and Stacy Morrison’s “Falling Apart in One Piece.” Each of these shaped my journey through my own tragedies and helped me find ways to put a positive spin on negative things. I also love the writing style of Tina Fey and Mindy Kaling. I want to be able to admit my foibles with laughter rather than embarrassment.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently looking at getting my book into print and possibly an audiobook. I’m also testing my hand at a website with a blog to see if anyone wants to continue following my journey toward healing.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I had no idea how to do any type of promotion. I joined Self-Publishing School, an online course, and hoped for the best. I learned that there are a myriad of options out there, but most charge for their services. I’m hoping that just getting myself on as many of the free promo websites as possible will jumpstart me into a paid promo.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep writing. Put one foot in front of the other. If you need to take a break from the process, do it. But always come back. Always. The feeling on the other end is worth every drop of sweat. It was helpful to be part of a community (for me that was Self-Publishing School) that can keep you focused and give you a format to ask questions and get guidance. I also highly recommend and accountability partner who is on the same journey.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Expectations lessen joy
What are you reading now?
Books from other authors in my Self-Publishing School course.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I want to take a crack at a website/blog and then hopefully have some life experiences that will give me more to write about.
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 novel to help me lose myself
A self-help book on things to do when stranded on a desert island
A how-to book on building a raft and/or signaling for help when I was done with being stranded
Author Websites and Profiles
Tiffany Allen Website
Tiffany Allen Amazon Profile
Tiffany Allen’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account