Which city or town did you grow up in?
I grew up all over the world; in Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia and in Australia. Crazy right? But it's one of the reasons I love meeting new people and why I wrote this book.
Were you a big reader as a kid too? If so, what were some of your favorite books then?
YESSSSS. Lying in bed on a Saturday morning reading until after 11 am was one of my favorite pastimes. I was a total book worm and I remember loving everything by Judy Bloom. And yes, that dates me.
Who is the most supportive person in your life when it comes to your writing?
My mom. She really believed I had a unique perspective and wanted me to share it with the world. Moms are great like that right?
What made you realize that you wanted to be a writer?
I just wanted to have a legacy that was really personal.
Do you remember the first novel you ever read?
Not entirely sure but the first one that really moved me was Charlotte's Web.
How long did it take you to complete your first memoir?
I wrote the first draft in around 6 weeks then re-wrote it in about the same amount of time.
How long did it take you to finish writing "The Big Power of Tiny Connections"?
Once I'd finished the second draft I probably took another five months to get early reader feedback, get the developmental editor's feedback, the copy editor's input, the proofreader's contribution, and get it into layout etc. From the time I wrapped the manuscript to the time I published was a total of 10 months but I was going through a lot of personal upheavals so that could have been a lot more streamlined.
Who do you usually reach out to for writing advice?
I've been writing for 44 years (I started writing letters and journal entries when I was just a little kid) so I don't need much in the way of support.
What do you think is the importance of studying fictional work wherein in fact, it is just a product of the author's imagination?
I think it's super important. Knowing how the masters craft their sentences, their storylines. How can that not be important?
What are some important elements of good writing?
Structure. Pacing. Humor. Color. Insight and wisdom. But I mean excellent use of tone and a great sense of narrative. I'm a very intuitive writer so I don't feel like the best person to give guidance frankly. I just do it. You know... the classic: "...a writer writes" Faulkner adage.
How has been your experience of supporting companies to build connection and community?
Did you know that 62% of employees would turn down a competitive job offer if they had 5-7 good friends at their current job? Building community and a connected work environment is one of the best things companies can do to slow the great resignation that's happening right now. I run amazing learning opportunities which I support with group coaching initiatives that change the way people engage with their reports and shift company culture in exciting ways. I'm reducing attrition rates for my clients and it's amazing.
In what ways do you think becoming a ICF certified coach helped your career?
I had been mentoring people for years but hadn't really stepped into a proper coaching container. Since I've worked with the Coach For Life team to become an executive and life coach and become ICF certified, I have personally shifted a great deal. I have been able to deeply support people and powerful shifts in their lives. I increase positivity, and awareness and have helped people double their income, regain their personal lives, and improved their personal relationships. It's amazing, and as far as my career it's exceeded my expectations. I used to be a top strategic consultant for Fortune 50 companies, which was an amazing opportunity to shift powerful brands, and now I'm shifting people's lives. Either in groups at companies or one on one.
Which is the next project you are working on?
I'm 100% focused on my keynote speaking and corporate training initiatives. I love inspiring people to be better communicators, connect on more human and empathic levels—and doing this is keeping me very, very busy for a long time. I'm blessed to really love what I do and I get a tremendous sense of fulfillment from being able to help companies and my private coaching clients.
How did you first come across the AllAuthor website? What do you like or dislike about the site?
My book editor told me about it and it seemed like it would be helpful when I was publishing my book: The Big Power of Tiny Connections.
