Lisa Swift-Young
Pre-Interview:
Lisa Swift-Young Is a marketing maven, authorpreneur, philanthropist, and global wanderer. She is the author of Pause 2 Praise: 30 Days to Happier and Healthier Relationships with Your Adult Children. The COO of 4Curls, a hair-care brand and co-founder of Change We Seek, giving foundation. When she’s not on a new adventure with her family, she’s bingeing international independent films.
Author-Interview:
1. What inspires you most to write? I am inspired to share hope. I define "hope" as recognizing the blessings of the present and expecting greater blessings in the future. I want readers to imagine a life of possibilities. No matter what the circumstance, I want readers to recognize their own strengths. My writing is very personal. I write about subjects I want to learn more about. I like investigating and asking questions. Consequently, I research scientific journals to better understand concepts and thought processes that help me improve my understanding. I want readers to have activities and exercises that will help them build their confidence and inspire them to grow. 2. What is your favorite genre? I write and coach authors who write in nonfiction and fiction. Presently, I am working on publishing works in personal narrative, self-help, and realistic fiction. My favorite genre is nonfiction self-help. 3. Who is one author you admire, if any, and why? Wow, choosing one is hard. Maya Angelou's quote, "There is no greater agony than an untold story inside you'" is what motivates me to write. For me, this quote summaries how I feel about all the untold stories of my ancestors. Our history is passed down through stories. Many of the stories are triumphs are buried. I feel empowered and liberated whenever I discover untold stories of ancestors who have achieved. Maya Angelou told her stories. I believe that she freed herself, and she most definitely inspired me. 4. How do you overcome blank writing spells? One of my techniques for breaking blank writing spells is to change writing venues and times. I generally write in my office in the morning. When I find myself drifting, I try writing using the Pomodoro method. The method helps me to focus my attention. Additionally, I try writing outdoors, at the library or find a writing challenge via social media. 5. What legal publishing advice can you give? Purchase your ISBN's number from Bowker. Many authors allow Amazon to generate ISBN's on their behalf. Although it is convenient, it may limit your distribution publishing rights in the future. 6. How many books have you written are any a bestseller yet? I have personally written two books. The first became a best seller in less than 24 hours. I am hoping to beat my record when the second book is released. Additionally, I was a collaborator on my daughter's book, which became a bestseller in four categories. 7. If you had the opportunity to rewrite one movie script which would it be, why?
I would rewrite the old Tarzan movies. The old version presents a false and negative narrative of "The Continent." I believe many people today still carry those images of the indigenous people of Africa. I would rewrite the script to reflect the rich culture and traditions of the Masai. On a recent trip to Tanzania and Zanzibar, I found the Masai to be proud warriors who were revered and respected in the bush and urban areas. Ultimately, the movie would tell the authentic stories of our people.
8. What are some difficulties you've experienced in your writing career; how do you handle book critiques/criticism? One of my difficulties in writing has been imposter syndrome. I feel like my "inner me" (enemy) is my most formidable critic. I published my 1st book at 53. I had written many articles, essays, and workbooks that I never published because I thought I was not ready, or it wasn't good enough. Regarding critiques and criticism, I access who is doing the critiquing. I make it a habit of only acknowledging constructive criticism offered by those who have experience in construction. (i.e., fellow authors or those with expertise in the subject area). I am learning to trust my instincts and take critiques as opportunities to develop. 9. What are the best experiences in your writing career? There is nothing like hitting the publishing button for your first book. The sense of accomplishment and fear all rolled into one moment is indescribable. 10. Do you prefer to write in silence and or have some sort of sound in the background? I prefer to write with non-lyric noise background music I generally write best in with classical piano ballads or spa mediation music. 11. What are some encouraging words you'd give to another author/writer? Your story is important. I believe we all have a story to tell. It doesn't need to be salacious, or an expose. I think people have questions, and the answer is among us. "When we let our light shine, we unconsciously give others the same permission." - Marianne Williamson
12. How did you decide the pricing of your material; how did you go about promotion/advertising and distribution of your work? To price my books. I research how other books in my subject are priced. I generally revisit my price, keywords, and categories every quarter. I have found the most marketing success by giving interviews and podcast features. 13. Why should anyone read your book? Someone who wants to connect to loved ones on a more personal level. Someone who is committed to leaving a legacy while they are living. Someone ready to refocus and reset their perspective to see problems as possibilities. If you desire to reach any one of these goals, my book is for you. 14. Did you have a book coach? I highly recommend a book coach. I had two coaches for my first. They helped me stay focused on completing the process on time and encouraged me along the way. 15. What was your favorite subject in school? I enjoyed science. I liked learning how things work and how they came to be. I am still fascinated by modern medicine. 16. Are you self-published or have an established publishing contract elsewhere? I am self-published.