How to still have a life while launching a book!

Interview with Lisa Steadman –  Author of  It’s a Breakup, Not a Breakdown

Q: What is your name? Lisa Steadman

Q: Company name and website? My company name is Woohoo, Inc. and my site is LisaSteadman.com.

Q: What is the name of your new book? It’s a Breakup, Not a Breakdown Workbook: A 21-Day Action Plan to Plot Your Revenge, Spoil Yourself, and Find Out How Good Your Life Is Without Him

Q: Who or what was the inspiration behind becoming a writer? I’ve always been a writer, since I was a kid. It started with a love of storytelling, which I think was the reason I became fascinated with relationships and eventually became a relationship coach. Relationships are the most interesting stories to me.

Q: How do you cope with being alone a lot of the time?
I use voice software so it’s kind of like having an ongoing conversation with myself all day. I’m also lucky because my husband works from home, too, so when I need a break and someone to talk to, I just knock on his office door. Plus, I have many solopreneur friends and we make time out of our busy schedules to have lunch, meet for coffee, or just have a quick phone call to check in with each other.

Q: What do you do to stimulate new ideas and keep your creativity flowing?
Honestly, I don’t have time to NOT be inspired or creative. Writers’ block is a luxury I haven’t afforded in years. Having said that, the best way for me to keep the juices flowing is to start my day by going for a hike. Something about moving my body and connecting to nature really gets me going. And I take plenty of breaks throughout the day so I don’t feel drained or over-worked.

Q: What significant obstacles (if any) have you faced & how did you overcome them?
A few years ago, I developed tendonitis in my arms. It was an occupational hazard that could have sidelined my career. But I don’t believe in giving up so I found a new way to work using voice software. Now, I can actually write faster!

When I was first shopping around my book idea, I got a lot of rejection. That was disheartening. I’m glad I didn’t give up when I wanted to. The no’s eventually came less frequently, and the yes’s more easily.

Lately, looming deadlines have been my greatest obstacle. I’ve written 2 books back to back, with only a break for a honeymoon in between. My coaching practice is full-on, AND I’m in the process of re-launching my website. So time management is my greatest challenge these days. It’s an ongoing ebb and flow of mastery.

Q: Do you ever feel like giving up at times? If so, what keeps you going?
Yes! When my publisher is non-responsive or I struggle to get clients or the writing feels stale, I think about giving up. But this is my passion and what I’m meant to do with my life. So it doesn’t last very long. I’m lucky that I’m very self directed and positive.

Q: What qualities (i.e., family support, discipline, time management) do you think are necessary for a women entrepreneur?
Time management and the ability to self direct are essential. And having family or friends to support you when the going gets tough. Also, understanding that you can’t do it all on your own and may need to invest in a team. That was a major moment of clarity for me. Now I have an incredible assistant and web developer who support my business.

Q: What is the one thing (book, website, coach, mentor, tool, blog, service, etc) that you value and can say has contributed to your success?
Surrounding myself with forward-thinking people, either through a coach or coaching program, mastermind group, networking group, etc. As a female entrepreneur, we cannot succeed as an island. I learned a long time ago to embrace my community!

Q: What was the worst advice someone gave you?
When my first book came out, I had two website redesign quotes for $10,000. I’m so glad I didn’t actually spend that kind of money! My husband is my tech guru and we relaunched my site for less than $500. That was based on his GOOD advice.

I’ve had people who tried to convince me that a stable day job was a wiser career choice, but after working for myself, I just can’t imagine going back to work for someone else.

Q: What are your business or personal goals for the next year?
Taking a relaxing vacation is high on the list right now. Hopefully in September I’ll go to Montana or Costa Rica for a month of R & R. As for business goals, to double my income from last year, build my coaching practice, continue promoting my new book, and have a successful launch of Book #3, due in bookstores late 2009/2010.

Q: What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about writing a book?
Don’t listen to the naysayers. If you’re passionate, do it. Follow the voice inside that says This is the way to your dream life. Believe in your dreams and take action every day to move forward.  If traditional publishing doesn’t work out, e-publish or self publish. Don’t take no for an answer!

Q: is there anything else you wish I had asked?
No. 😉