Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Dr. Trina Boice is a #1 best-selling author of 31 books and was named the California Young Mother of the Year in 2004, an award which completely amuses her 4 sons. She teaches online for Brigham Young University and Arizona College of Nursing, in addition to creating online courses for professional development at LifelongLearningEducation.com. She’s a movie critic at Movie Review Mom.com and has a daily podcast called “Daily Inspirational Quote Hosted by Trina Boice”. She’s an author coach at FromBook2Business.com
She worked as a Legislative Assistant for a Congressman in Washington, D.C., and was given the “Points of Light” Award and Presidential Volunteer Service Award for her domestic and international community service. She was selected by KPBS in San Diego to be a political correspondent. She taught classes at the famous Le Cordon Bleu Culinary College and says she has the weight gain to prove it. If she told you what she really did she’d have to kill you.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“The Ultimate Guide to Mystery Shopping: How To Get Paid To Eat, Shop, & Play”. I’ve been doing mystery shopping for many years in three different states where I’ve lived and I still get a kick out of it! Companies pay me to pretend to be a “real” customer while I’m evaluating a restaurant, store, theme park, hotel, or some other venue. I make money and get free merchandise. What’s not to love? People ask me about it all of the time, so I finally wrote a guidebook and an online course to show others how to get paid to eat, shop, and play!
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
To get into the writing zone, I listen to music. The type of music depends on what kind of a book I’m writing and what mood I want to get into. Sometimes I light a candle and I almost always have a delicious snack on my desk to much on. Before typing, I do a lot of research on the topic and begin brainstorming in outline form.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve read many books that had a powerful influence on me, so I don’t have a favorite author. I love many of the writers from the past, but I’m also inspired by living authors who are out there creating books, engaging their readers, and living their dream. That energy definitely rubs off on me and I want to do more! I would be thrilled to be called someone else’s favorite author some day!
What are you working on now?
I’m always working on several books at a time. Once I have a deadline for one of them from a publisher, I then focus on that one book until I finish it. Right now, I’m working on a book with a school principal in China. It compares the educational system in China and America. It will be a guidebook for Chinese parents who are interested in having their children study abroad.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use a variety of social media sites every day to share what’s happening with my books, which ones are on sale or being offered for free, and posts that feature reviews. Targeting my posts to specific Facebook groups where people who are already interested in my topic are gathered has been the best method for marketing so far.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just do it! If you truly believe in your project, don’t give up. Writing a book and getting a book published can be hard work, especially in today’s economy. Persistence in this industry definitely pays off.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Wow, I can’t pick just one! I absolutely love inspirational quotes that fire me up and give me good advice on a variety of topics. That’s why I created my daily podcast called, “Daily Inspirational Quote with Trina Boice.” I share a quote that inspires me and then I talk about a story that illustrates the point.
What are you reading now?
I usually have several books on my bedside table that I’m reading simultaneously! Right now, I’m reading an adorable book about “Hygge”, which is a wonderful concept I was introduced to on my first trip to Denmark. It’s a word that describes that cozy, warm feeling when you’re sitting by a fire, drinking hot chocolate, surrounded by loved ones. I’m trying to create more of those kinds of magical moments in my life.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m always working on a few books at any moment! I teach at a couple of universities, have a daily podcast, and 4 YouTube channels. I’m obsessed with movies and share my reviews on my Movie Review Mom YouTube channel. I will also continue to create online courses at Lifelong Learning Education. I’m always open for new opportunities and an adventure!
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?
Author Websites and Profiles
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