Welcome to my blog Ginger. Thank you for taking the time to answer a few questions about yourself, your book, business, marketing, and publishing career.
Congratulations on your book ‘Presentational Skills for the Next Generation’
Q. Tell us about your latest work—title, genre, etc. — and why you wrote it?
A. Presentational Skills for the Next Generation - BUS; MKTG;
Why a book on presentational skills? Why would I want to author it? The answers to these questions are complex but it all boils down to the dire need for an authoritative source of information that addresses the issues of today’s technology.
Much has changed over the years in the public speaking arena. We have so many new and challenging tools at our disposal that we are no longer consigned to countless hours to travel from city to city to share our knowledge.
The Internet has opened the doors to people from all places and races. At the click of a button, you can share your information in many forms of multi-media. With the availability of hosting online conferences and collaborations in both text-only and A/V environments, as are offered by Skype Conference™, Hot Conference™ and desktop sharing applications such as Yugma™, as well as teleconferences, the modes and means are so plentiful that more and more savvy business owners are venturing into the public speaking arena.
Q What draws you to your genre(s)? Why is this type of story compelling to you?
A. Having owned and operated businesses from multi-million dollar surgical facilities to a local bar-b-que has given me over 30 years of knowledge on business and marketing. Sharing that knowledge gives me great joy.
Q. What is your writing process like? Do you map the whole thing out or do you just let it unfold?
A. For me, writing comes naturally. Many relatives on my mother’s side of the family are writers and public speakers, including both my mother and her stepsister, for many generations. Therefore, I would have to say the process for me is likened to the blooming of a rose; unfolding petal-by-petal until it is fully in bloom.
Q. You mention that many of your family members are writers. Did they write fiction or non-fiction?
A. Most all of the writers in my family history wrote, and some still do write, for publication such as magazines, newspapers and journals. Some also wrote historical and historical fiction as my mother has in her books Pioneer Potpourri & Footprints Under the Pines, both of which available at www.DawnCreations.net.
Q. What kind of research was involved in writing your book?
A. Surveys and interviews as well as Internet research are always very helpful in investigating new topics. For this subject I relied on the expertise of a few professionals in both the public speaking and technology arenas.
Q. How do you balance the need to have time to write with the needs of family, society, etc.?
A. As an Aquarian, I have a tendency to want to finish things with no interruption. However, that is really not feasible when writing a book. Therefore, I have to sometimes jot down a basic thought and flush it out later. Sometimes I find myself leaping out of bed in the wee hours to pen an inspiration or thought, so as not to forget. Yes, I’m of that age. *wink*
Q. Have there been any authors in particular, that inspired your writing?
A. While I enjoy reading, as much as writing, I could not pick just one or two from whom I garner inspiration. It seems I favor the classics and mysteries for reading and marketing gurus for my business writing inspiration.
Q. Is there a story you want to tell behind or about your work(s)?
A. While writing this book, I contacted some well-known authors in the field and was pleasantly surprised by their welcoming responses. One such reply was from not just one, but two, PowerPoint® gurus and For Dummy series authors. The takeaway here is don’t count yourself out before you ask.
Q. What other projects are you currently working on or about to start?
A. At this time of year, for the last four years, I have published my Weird & Wacky Holiday Marketing Guide. It is the most fun books that I write. It is a business-marketing calendar of ideas with suggestions & templates surrounding unusual holiday throughout the year. You will find it in PDF format on www.HolidayMarketingGuide.com.
Q. Have you ever wanted to or thought of writing a fictional book? If so, what in genre and what is/was your inspiration?
A. My forte is in business writing. As I am a 30+ year veteran of business ownership, and having owned a mom & pop bar-b-q as well as a multi-million dollar surgical clinic, my vast knowledge of personal & business growth serves as my inspiration. The closest I ever came to fiction was when I wrote a couple of poems. One of which I was told I should submit for publication.
Q Could you share some of your marketing strategies? Which ones are the most effective in your opinion?
A. Of course, the absolute best marketing strategies are found in my Weird & Wacky Holiday Marketing Guide. Other than that, I would have to say it is a matter of keeping at it. Usually, it takes motion to create momentum.
Q. What would be the top five, (or 3 or 1 or however many) things you would tell aspiring authors?
A. As a publisher and author, my suggestion to aspiring authors is to map out your marketing plan before you write your book! Begin promotion prior to your publication date and keep at it for two or three years if you want to see your book reach the masses. You are the one closest to your work, and unless you commit to sharing its availability, it won’t sell. So stay committed and you will be successful.
Q. When you are able to take time away from your business what do you do for fun and relaxation?
A. This may sound trite, but my business is my joy. I have the unique opportunity to help business owners from all walks of life with both their publishing and design needs. Designing marketing and business pieces, as well as book covers and layouts is both rewarding and fulfilling. However, I do enjoy pencil drawing, which means time out-of-doors for inspiration, and crafts in my free time. I have sold some of my artwork on CafePress at http://www.cafepress.com/documeant. The crafts I enjoy are macramé (yes, I know this dates me, *wink*), cross-stitch, crochet and knitting. Last but not least, singing and playing the piano have been a part of my repertoire of fun and relaxing things to do since the tender age of four.
Again, thanks Ginger for taking the time to share your knowledge with us. We appreciate you and your work.
Good luck with your current and future publications.
For more information: Ginger Marks
Email: ginger.marks@documeantdesigns.com
Phone: 727-515-8500
Purchase: Presentational Skills for the Next Generation
Amazon, www.GingerMarksBooks.com
Blog/Website: www.DocUmeantDesigns.com
Video: http://youtu.be/b7cc1yIGzGc
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