Can you tell us a little about the process of getting
this book published? How did you come up with the idea and how did you start?
It all started about 30 years ago when I was sat at my
grandma’s kitchen table, writing stories on the inside of old Christmas cards.
I’ve always loved telling stories and I knew that one day I would write a book.
Fast forward to 2018, when I enrolled in a business program for new
entrepreneurs. Having been in business already for several years, I wasn’t
eligible for this program, but we got creative and found a way…I decided I
would start my book and become an author. As a boudoir photographer, I knew my
book had to be something that would help women beyond my studio. A lot of my
clients lack confidence and only so much can be done in one day in front of my
camera…that’s where my book comes in. It takes the reader on a 366 journey
towards loving exactly who they are.
What surprised you most about getting your book
published?
There’s so much to do…things I had absolutely no idea about,
like online book tours and how long formatting takes. It’s not just a case of
putting words on the pages, checking it for mistakes and done! I am so glad I
decided to hire a mentor to coach me through the whole process. I call myself a
recovering perfectionist. I’ve been working on letting go of my perfectionist
traits since 2018. I think all my hard work unraveled during this writing
journey. Oops!
Tell us a little about what you do when you aren’t
writing
This probably isn’t such a surprise…I love to read! I read
non-fiction books in the morning to get me psyched for the day ahead, and I
read fiction at night, to relax me. I will read anything that is recommended to
me, but if I have to pick a favourite, I will say mysteries and thrillers. Aside
from reading, I love playing the piano, singing with my fellow ‘Glee-club’
members (I’m not good at it, but I love it), pole dancing, kickboxing, and
anything creative, like photography, sketching, painting and art journaling.
As a published author, what would you say was the most
pivotal point of your writing life?
As a brand-new published author, my writing life has been short,
so far. Two things spring to mind though. First, journaling daily really helped
me to get the words onto the page when it came to writing my book…I didn’t
struggle with writer’s block as much. Also, hiring a mentor to talk me through
the process of publishing my book. I had no clue what format I needed to be
writing in or uploading etc. I didn’t even know where I was supposed to be
uploading my book. I’m not sure I could have done it without her. Thanks Kat!
Where do you get your best ideas and why do you think
that is?
I am inspired by the comments and interaction of the women
in my Facebook group (Be You. Uplifted) and my boudoir clients. I am inspired
by own journaling journey and knowing what works for me helps me to pay it
forward and help others. I just think there’s an overall lack of confidence in
this world and I want to contribute to changing that. I once lacked confidence
having been tormented and picked on throughout my school years, but I did the
work and I changed. I want that for everyone, including the bullies…especially
the bullies. Hurt people hurt people, so if we can help them too, there will be
less of that. It starts with us as individuals.
What is the toughest criticism given to you as an author?
I have a pretty thick skin…either that or everyone is being
too kind!! I was told to take out a lot of my content because it was just too
wordy. I didn’t take it as a criticism, but I guess I was a little surprised
that a book could have too much content. I did as I was told…for the most part!
What has been your best accomplishment as a writer?
Since this is my very first book, which was only just
published this month (January 2022), I would say that actually following
through on my dream and physically holding my book in my hands, and of
course, seeing it available for purchase on amazon.
How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have?
I have one other book idea in mind. I haven’t started
piecing it together, but I do have a notebook full of notes that I continue to
add to. Putting my first book together has motivated me to keep going and
commit to my second one right away.
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