18Q Robin Jay

Robin Jay

1. Did you choose the writing profession or did it choose you?

I absolutely chose it. I decided what I wanted to do based on the fact that wherever you are, you can work and everything you do is considered research.

2. What is your background? (education, work, etc.)

Some College; 25+ years in sales; great life experience – plus I studied those who have gone before me by reading their books, listening to their tapes and being inspired.

3. When did you ‘know’ you were a writer?

When I read something I wrote and thought, “Hmmm – that is pretty good.” Then others who read my stuff shared the same sentiment. However – if I read whatever that was today, I would probably not think it was very good, as my writing improves with each day. I can confidently say I am a much better writer now than when I began. Many writers, I have found, feel the same way – and even go back and revise their earlier works.

4. How would you describe your style of writing?

Right now it’s non-fiction, business – and I try to write as though I was speaking to my reader, one-on-one.

5. What is your writing process?

“Just do it!”

6. What was your path to publication?

Originally self-published; then found distributor. Then found agent. Chose to go with agent instead of distributor. Agent found publisher.

7. What is your favorite self-marketing idea?

Writing articles is always the best way to become identified as an expert.

8. What are the biggest surprises you’ve encountered as a writer?

Where do I begin? EVERYTHING has been a surprise! I guess the BIGGEST surprise is coming to terms with how slowly the publishing industry moves. Unless you have a book in July in an election year, you can pretty much count on it taking a year from the time you turn in your manuscript until your book gets published!

9. How do you inspire yourself? What are your sources of creativity?

I am honestly NEVER at a loss for creativity. There are so many exciting facets to publishing, promotion, advertising, marketing – and my speaking career.

10. What is your proudest writer moment?

Selling my book. Never sure if it’s the right thing to do – but as a speaker, the cache of it all seemed necessary. May self-publish next time.

11. What’s the best advice you were given about writing?

Write. So many people say they are “working on a book” – where; in their heads? Pick up a pen or sit down at your keyboard and START. I have about 10 “starts” in my computer from doing just that. Never finished those stories (yet!), but at least I began to jot down my ideas.

12. What is your most embarrassing writer moment?

Not knowing how many words are on a page. When my agent said can you write 55,000 words, I didn’t know how many pages that might be. (it’s approximately 300 words per page.)

13. What business challenges have you faced as a writer?

Just financial – and running a business! When you work for a company – you hand your stuff to your receptionist and say, “Please send this out today.” At home, it’s getting into the car and driving to Kinkos, UPS, USPS and Office Depot!

14. What is your writer life philosophy?

I borrowed mine from Donald Trump: “Think BIG and NEVER lose sight of your dream.”

15. When you’re not writing what do you do for fun?

Fun? Writing IS fun! I played golf just TWICE last year. I love writing and everything that goes with it. But I must admit I love to get away to go shopping whenever I can squeeze in the time or just plain need a break. I also love to cook – another creative outlet.

16. Who do you like to read?

Mostly self-help, motivational, or industry non-fiction. Right now, I’m reading Jane Atkinson’s The Wealthy Speaker and Catherine Ponder’s “The Dynamic Laws of Prosperity.” It helps to go to work well-armed.

17. What’s your advice for new writers?

Again, just write. You must love it – or you will never do it. Time should FLY when you are writing. That is how I know I am a writer. When I am on a roll, the words just fly and the time zooms past at the speed of light. I’m so focused on my word count or my story – and then I look at my clock and can’t believe an hour has passed! (Or two, three or four!)

18. What are you currently working on?

Marketing materials. Talk about creative writing! Good materials are the most important thing you will EVER write!

Robin’s 18Q