An Author’s Perspective

BY BETH RUSSELL

Why do you feel you needed to write a book?

There were really two reasons I wanted to write my book, the first being that I had an incredible and unexpected experience that I wanted to share with others; the second being that I wanted to bring awareness to the plight of orphaned children in China and elsewhere. The story I had to tell was essentially about opening your heart, and I feel in these times, that is the most important kind of story to tell.

How has your book helped you be more credible or competitive?

Being the author of a book has given me a platform from which to launch into many other areas. Speaking about issues related to my book, beginning a company to develop product lines inspired by our story, starting a charitable foundation, and giving me a chance to have subsequent work published have all sprung from completing and publishing my book.

How has your book enhanced your career or life in general?

Being the author of a book has connected me to thousands of people whom I would otherwise have had no contact with. It has enriched my life to hear feedback from readers who share their own stories and appreciation for the experience I recount in my book. Someone once said to me that my book will still be on shelves when my grandchildren have children … and realizing the truth of that has given me a sense of continuity.

How do you use your book as a calling card?

I send copies of my book to those who I would like to share information about our work with our foundation and our company. The book gives an added credibility to those endeavors. I also send books to people I meet who are interested in the story; people never forget you when you send them a book that you yourself wrote. The book has solidified many otherwise passing acquaintances into real connections.

How has your book enhanced your reputation?

I think others realize how hard it must be to write a book, and even if they don’t enjoy the subject matter, they respect the fact that you had the ability to see it through. People admire the accomplishment of that. And also, the power of the written word cannot be underestimated … others know that one who has sufficient command of words that they can write and publish a book has some measure of power at their disposal.

What advice can you give to someone who wants to write and publish a book?

"Just Do It." One page at a time … one step at a time; keep at it until it is done.

Beth Russell is author of Offspring of a Deathless Soul. She can be reached at ERuss62859@aol.com