Lisa, a cancer survivor and public speaker, was one of my freelance graphic design clients. I always offer my clients that are authors a chance to speak on their writing process and experience on my blog. This is hers.
What inspired your book?
The fact that I am a 17 year breast cancer survivor and I want to help people understand that cancer isn’t a death sentence. I want to encourage people with my 8 steps that they cannot only survive cancer and any other challenges/obstacles that they are faced with but they can thrive and live a great and prosperous life.
Did you start with an outline or did you make it up as you went along?
I just started writing from my head and my heart. I remember it all like it was yesterday. I did attempt to create an outline when I struggled how to align my chapters. That didn’t work for me. So I kept moving forward knowing what I wanted to say and I named my chapters accordingly. This made it easier to stay with the flow and write of each chapter.
What researching methods did you use?
I didn’t use any formal methods. I looked at many self help books that help me create my own lane to follow so that my truth would come out through my writing. I also researched bible verses and breast cancer statistics.
Did you draw on personal experience?
I totally drew on my personal experiences throughout the entire book. I felt like no one could tell my story like me. My goal was to be transparent so that someone who may have a similar experience could draw from my positive outlook on my situation.
How did your publish?
I used a black-owned publishing company. They edited, formatted and published my book. (Rubio Publishing Consultants)
Why did you do it that way?
My sister, also an author, used and recommended this company. Her book, cover etc. are amazing and I wanted the same-if not better results. I also liked that they are a black, christian publishing company.
How long did it take to land representation?
It took about a month before we were really able to connect and get the ball rolling. Contracts etc. had to be in place.
Who did your cover and marketing?
Cover by graphic designer named Veronica, Logo by my nephew (junior in college) Malik and I do some of my marketing, J.D. Williams definitely helped me with marketing by creating my awesome website and Client Impact also helps me with marketing.
How many revisions did it take to get a publishable book?
There were multiple revisions before the book was placed into the cover. After being placed into the cover, it took 2 revisions.
What is the ratio of time you spent researching to time you spent writing?
I started writing first, then I started to research to get some guidance. Afterwards my writing was smoother. I spent a lot of time doing both but I wrote most of the time.
How did you make time to write?
It wasn’t easy but I etched out 3 hours a day without the phone, television, kids or any other interruptions because early on I let any and everything detour me from writing. I started writing in December, 2017. I stopped writing for all of 2018 and began writing again in January 2019 (my new year’s resolution) but things happened and I didn’t begin writing again until late June, 2019. That’s when I realized I had to etch out time to get it done so that’s when I implemented my 3 hours a day until done rule. I finished in late August, 2019!
How does your published book enhance your other ventures?
It’s pushing me to do more and to know that I can do anything through Christ that strengthens me! I focus on being positive and helping others discover their truth and their purpose. I am now creating facebook live segments based on my 8 steps to healing, just partnered with the American Cancer Society and I can’t wait to do my book signings and speaking engagements after Covid-19 is over!
How did you decide what order to present your topics in?
I didn’t determine the order. My experiences and my truth determined the order. Meaning that I just told my story exactly how it happened and my topics mirror that and the steps I used to overcome my challenging times.
How did you ensure that your advice, memories, and recollections were accurate?
It’s so surreal because I remember each incident like it was yesterday. If I felt that I was a little foggy and it involved someone else then I asked them what did they remember and we often agreed.
What would you like your readers to gain from reading your book?
We all have a story. We all go through various challenges but it’s how we deal with them that will determine if and how you will come out on the other side. We all have a purpose and it’s important to find out what that is so that you can work to fulfill the purpose God has for your life.
What are some of the methods you have used to generate interest in your book?
Facebook and Instagram posts, website, Amazon. Refer to #12.
Did you use beta readers? How did you secure them?
I did, I’m an educator so I reached out to my siblings and friends who are also educators and they acted in those roles. I felt confident with this method because I knew they would keep it real with me.
What aspect of the book writing process did you find the most challenging?
The most challenging to me was just sitting down to write and having the emotions all over again from recounting everything.
What are you writing now?
I started writing my book about relationships. I also want to do another book based on survivors and their families. I also have an educational book in my brain that will talk about how it’s not about the educators, it’s about the students (It Ain’t About You)
What is your advice to other writers?
Don’t worry about the format or the alignment of your book just start writing! Get your book out of your head on onto paper! There is a whole other process that will give you structure to move your book forward. Yes, outlines are nice and some people use them with success but my method works for me. Stay positive, stay purposeful and stay focused!
be sure to download her book “The Survivor In Me” at her website www.lisaamcdonald.com.
