My First Interview...
Today I had my first first face-to-face interview as a "published author"--I had phone interviews for some pre-press promotions, but this was my first "real" interview.
Was I nervous? Of course! As I drove to the local restaurant to meet the reporter I thought I would hyperventilate! But I solved that dilemma: I decided to practice what I teach! I thought to myself, what would I say to a client who was faced with a similar situation? I would remind them to 'breathe'...yeah; breathing is ALWAYS a good thing! After breathing was mastered, I gave myself a little pep talk...I said things like, "I am Awesome!", "I am a Divine Being of God.", "I am an Intelligent, Gifted, Extraordinary Person!" and "I Deserve this Success!"
OOoo-rah!! {Ahem, any Marines here? If so you know what OO-rah means!}
As fate would have it, I pull into the parking lot at the same time as the reporter; we actually parked next to one another! Happily I soon discovered that Lisa was down-to-earth, very friendly, and we connected immediately! My life is truly blessed--God knew exactly the appropriate person to send to conduct my first interview.
Like a parachute jump, it is scary and exhilarating at the same time, to know that you have achieved a goal, won a prize, or published your first book! So I decided to stop feeling nervous, go with the flow, and enjoy myself. The interview was fun, exciting, and truly exhilarating! I enjoyed talking to Lisa, answering her questions, letting her know more about my writing, the book, and my Life Coaching Services business. In return, she shared some information about herself, her writing, and her personal life. I really had a great time!
Here's a few of the questions & answers that I can recall...
Reporter: When did you know you wanted to be a writer?
Me: Well, to be honest with you, I didn't decide to be a "writer" per say. I have always enjoyed writing; expressing myself on paper, allowing my imagination to gallop freely from my mind, to the pen, to paper. My writing is really just "me" on paper. It's like all this "stuff:" is inside of me...and I have to get it out somehow--writing is my release, my tool.
Reporter: Tell me a little about your new book. Such as, what's it about, what was your inspiration, and your favorite piece from the book.
Me: Ramblings from the Heart, was written after the sudden death of my finance’. It is a collection of poems, anecdotes, and inspirational messages drawn from my own life and personal heartbreak.. Basically it is my personal journey as I traveled through the grieving process and learned to live again. My favorite piece would have to be, Love Endures, as it was written specifically for my finance' after his death.
Reporter: How did you select that particular title for the book?
Me: That's was easy...as you can tell I tend to be somewhat of a 'chatterbox' and tend to "ramble" on, and on, and on! And since every piece written for this book flowed directly from my heart...Ramblings from the Heart, was the only choice for a title!
Reporter: I read that after finishing your military career you changed careers and now your chosen profession is listed as Life Coach; exactly what does that entail?
Me: (At this point we discussed my Life Coaching Services business; explaining what a Life Coach provides; my methods, my qualifications, and of course if I had plans to continue doing what I am doing--naturally as I love what I do I answered yes!)
We then discussed the book I am currently working on, a daily devotional containing 365 messages intended for daily enrichment, enlighten, and spiritual nourishment. Also, we discussed some personal background information...the standard place of birth, my children, my family’s reaction to the book, etc etc
Just when I thought things couldn't get any better, Lisa informed me that not only is her editor promoting the book signing event in several publications this week, Lisa will be attending the book signing event with a photographer--they will cover the entire event! The week following the book signing they will run the full story about me, the book, and the book signing event. Not only is this awesome publicity for my new book, it gives me the chance to meet new people and explore new opportunities!
Bottom line is that I really had a great time and am feeling upbeat, positive, and excited about this upcoming event!
Thanks for letting me share this part of my life with you....I am truly blessed!
Melody "Lil Mel"