Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Life Giving Dementia Care is my first published book. Life brings lots of challenges that might steal your joy. Being a caregiver is among the most difficult. The key to overcoming these challenges is having an optimistic perspective and positive attitude. My writing encourages you to look beyond the obvious, to see truth that lives in the ordinary…and extraordinary.
I wear several hats: wife, mother, friend, CPA, entrepreneur, private school administrator, non-profit volunteer and board member. But it was as a daughter that I had the privilege of being my mother’s caregiver during her years-long battle with dementia. I’m passionate about helping others have greater confidence and experience joy in their caregiving journey.
I live in Indianapolis, Indiana with my husband, Dan. We are blessed that all three of our grown sons live in town. When I’m not writing, I like to read, learn, watch movies (especially historical series) and listen to Disney or acapella music. But I have lots of interests and experiences. I’ve traveled to Europe and China, learned to make stained glass art, love Broadway and flower gardening, have sung in an ensemble with a top symphony orchestra and am a CPA. I’ve got that right brain/left brain thing going and it makes life so much more interesting!
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Life Giving Dementia Care is my latest, and first, book. I was inspired to write it after caring for my mother for several years during her dementia battle. I made some good decisions during that time, and some not so good. A few years after her death, I decided to document my caregiving experience for my sons, so they would be better prepared if they have to care for me someday. It can be easier than I experienced.
Over time, though, I realized that many of my friends and co-workers were dealing with being caregiver to a loved one. I was often able to help them by sharing my experience. I decided to publish a book about caregiving to help more people in addition to my boys.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Most of the guidance I’ve read about writing encourages you to write in the morning, every day. But for me, I still have a full-time career outside of writing. Mornings are just not good – I’m not getting up at 5 am to write. I stay up too late for that. I don’t know how unusual it is, but I start writing after dinner, usually for 1-2 hours. I accomplish a lot and don’t have to get up before dawn.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I am drawn to authentic, conversational writing. Text that exposes the humor in life and isn’t especially “uppity” sounding. Stories that engage me. Mark Twain, Shel Silverstein, JR Tolkien, JK Rowling, Erma Bombeck. And I love books that challenge my thinking – Ton Clancy, John Grisham. The most influential book – the Bible.
What are you working on now?
Companion pieces to my book. I promised readers of Life Giving Dementia Care that I would follow up with a workbook containing various checklists caregivers can refer to and use throughout that journey. What to ask doctors, care facilities, your patient. I’m also developing a 20 day devotional for readers – one chapter per week to support the book chapter they are reading. Somewhere in there I’ll record the audiobook myself and have the file professionally produced.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m new to the promotion game. But I believe going wide, expanding beyond Amazon, is the best option. I am working with Draft2Digital and IngramSpark, in addition to Amazon. I have my first post-launch promo week coming up soon and have several days of paid and free promotion scheduled. We’ll see how that works. I also believe YouTube is the promotional wave of the future and will be diving into that mode.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Absolutely! First, be faithful to write daily, whether that is 500 words or 1500. You will finish if you keep at it. I started writing my book in late May and finished in early September, writing 1-2 hours per weeknight. Second, promoting your book never ends and is much more challenging that writing the book. Don’t give up. There are lots of free resources online and on YouTube to guide you, plus a number of great paid couching sources.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
As it relates to writing and publishing…You eat an elephant one bite at a time.
What are you reading now?
Countdown 1945 by Chris Wallace. It tells the story, day by day, of the atomic bomb during WWII. Fascinating account of history.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’d like to write additional books – I’m considering children’s books, Christian devotionals, education administration topics. My interests are quite varied, as is my experience (nearly 40 years in accounting and consulting, 20 also in K-12 school administration, 30 years working with Fine Arts non-profits). I could write on many topics, so I’m honing that list. I also plan to further expand the reach of my dementia caregiver book through blogs, podcasts, speaking, etc. And then to develop my business as a writer to include content creation, particularly in education, parenting, caregiving.
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?
My bible for comfort and hope; an Erma Bombeck book to laugh; a survival guide like SAS Survival Handbook; a good world history book.
Author Websites and Profiles
Toni Kanzler Website
Toni Kanzler Amazon Profile
Toni Kanzler’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
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