When did you first know that you were a writer?
I can tell you that when I was in high school, I loved to write short stories, but I would have never predicted I'd be a professional writer. I had too many red marks on my essay assignments! I planned to be an engineer.
I went to college and got a degree in Civil Engineering, but soon figured out that it wasn't for me. I started a little jewelry business in LA and then moved to Florida.
In 1999 I hooked up with a friend and started producing low budget uplifting movies. I wrote a screenplay called In The Open, which I produced for $7000. A few years later I started picking up writing odd jobs here and there.
It was only in 2003, when I was nine months pregnant with my first child, that I received my first real ghostwriting offer. It was quite a surprise and I was thrilled. When I completed that book, I knew I was a writer!
What was your first published book?
I cannot tell you the title of my first book, because I am a ghostwriter. If the client doesn't give me a credit, I cannot mention it. So my first published piece must remain a mystery.
My first book, which bears my name, is Joshua's Missing Peace - A Mother's True Story. This is a story of a mother's search for the truth about her child's illness. I ghostwrote this book, but in this case I received my first cover credit.
The first published book that I personally authored is Chess Is Child's Play. This book teaches parents to teach young children to play chess, even if they themselves don't know how to play! Now parents can teach their preschoolers to play, giving them an advantage throughout their educational experience.
What did you do before you were a writer?
Just before I realized that I could make a living through my writing, I was a mortgage broker! I really enjoyed helping people get loans. My experience came in handy last year when I was hired to write hundreds of articles on mortgages and real estate. I could give insights and personal stories that few other writers could offer.
I find that as a writer I can use what I learn in other fields in my writing. Whether I'm writing fiction or nonfiction, my past careers come in handy!
What inspires you?
I find inspiration in many places, but one of my guiding principles is that I want to help people through my writing. When a client first approaches me with a concept for a book I ask them what their message is. It is important to me that any book I write benefits the reader in some way.
The next generation is another inspiration. I feel a strong duty to help children through my writing.
Please share one of your successful marketing techniques
I am just starting out in this area, but I have had a lot of success through Twitter, Linkedin and Facebook. I love social media! I have built many strong relationships through these sites and continue to receive a steady stream of book sales as a result.
Parting words
I believe that almost everyone has a book inside them. I encourage you to write and write and write. And then write some more! If you have a good idea for a book, but don't know how to proceed feel free to email me. I'm always happy to give a little guidance!
Laura shared some good news with me regarding her most recent book Chess Is Child's Play
Laura shared some good news with me regarding her most recent book Chess Is Child's Play
Hi! I have some good news! We just finished the Chess Is Child’s Play book trailer and the publisher has the book in his warehouse. I know that my interview will be coming out on Friday. I wanted to see if you might embed the trailer from youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5GRSuEgdeA
