Tell us about yourself.:
Hi everyone! Dave and I are Canadian authors with published 6 books to date (2021) and are working on a trilogy, followed by 2 other manuscripts sitting on the side, waiting for our attention. We operate 2 popular blogs and a music studio as well.
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?:
I grew up in an unstable and sometimes abusive home, was on my own at 13.5 years, and built a business by the time I was 25. My mom had a series of issues she dealt with, including choosing the wrong men to spend her time with. This upbringing led me to publish Towards Understanding a poetic journey, telling my story.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write in the silent hours of the morning or tune into meditation music before getting creative with words. The music calms the dogs down and gives my brain a chance to delve into the magic of playing with words.
What authors have influenced you?
I grew up in an unstable and sometimes abusive home, was on my own at 13.5 years, and built a business by the time I was 25. My mom had a series of issues she dealt with, including choosing the wrong men to spend her time with. This upbringing led me to publish Towards Understanding a poetic journey, telling my story.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes – be polite, respond quickly and never make anyone work for anything – it is your job to ensure the process is as easy as possible for those you work with.
What is the best advice you have ever been given?
Be patient with the process; be patient with others.
What are you reading now?
Ack! I'm not! I'm so busy right now doing the early book release promotions (we released 2 books this Spring), maintaining the office and studio, managing the 2 blogs and dealing with garden harvests… I don't have the time. However I do tune into audio books while doing mundane chores or when trying to drift off to sleep at night.
What’s your biggest weakness?
Stressing out. I have an anxiety disorder but I'm also I am prone to over preparedness, over thinking, and anxious fretting.
What is your favorite book of all time?
Shibumi – without a doubt – is my favorite book. At one time I thought Friday was my favourite, but upon reading it again I found it just wasn't as crazy good as I had thought years ago. It has a fantastic story line – a genetically engineered female agent is the main character and it started with a few sentences with her killing someone who was following her. …Honestly though, we have numerous book shelves filled with our favourites, read numerous times.
When you’re not writing, how do you like to spend your time?
Any time I get on the deck or in the yard to leisurely enjoy the dogs, the clean air, the breathtaking views and beautiful gardens… any stolen moment is spent there.
Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
No but I do own a book that was given to my mom by her aunt, or great – aunt ( I forget now, which). I recall reading the story about an industrious chicken that was stolen by a heavily-nagged fox, but she outsmarted him and he ended up destroying his own den.
What has inspired you and your writing style?
For me, it is about making a difference. If I can help people by sharing my story, my life experiences… or aid them in becoming more environmentally conscious, help them promote their books, or increase conscious and proactive living – well, that is an amazing legacy to leave behind.
What are you working on now?
The trilogy that I mentioned earlier is currently on my to-do list. The content was written by Dave's late father, it is just a matter of organizing it and getting it ready for formatting right now. Frank's Ponderings will contain his poetry and photography, Frank's Wanderings will be his photo collections "double take" of odd signs and things he found humorous, and old, abandoned and interesting churches. The third book will be of his short stories, as well as his and his mother's memoirs – both are fascinating stories told in their own voices. I'm excited to do this for dad now that he's passed on – a way to honour him and celebrate his life.
What is your favorite method for promoting your work?
Well, I am a huge proponent of networking… and I have gained a reputation for being a networking and marketing guru. I really enjoy the challenges in coming up with creative responses to interviews, and we really do use our Purple Snowflake marketing techniques. Between May-Aug 2021 we had well over 100 appearances in the media, got our books in 2 stores, arranged for a non-profit to use our cookbook as a fundraiser, got it in a non-profit cooking class, and much more. Yes, we are tired lol – but also very pleased with the marketing results so far this year.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Well, I have a backyard garden manuscript that my master-gardening mom and I started back in '90. Since then it has undergone a heck of a lot of revisions and additions. I hope to start on this project this winter.
How well do you work under pressure?
I relish being busy, so "pressure" from the office is invigorating rather than depressing. I do find that choosing something means I have to let something else go – at least temporarily – until the project is complete. I keep records of marketing, promo and networking opportunities so that as time allows, I always have something to follow up on.
How do you decide what tone to use with a particular piece of writing?
Oh that totally depends on the audience I am writing for. My personal style, however, is to write in a conversational way – readers feel like they are having a coffee with me, listening to a conversation – rather than being talked "at" or "down" to.
If you could share one thing with your fans, what would that be?
Dave and I are passionate about the environment and have employed the skills we share in our Trash Talk series around our home and business. We have gained certificates for bee, butterfly, bat habitat and organic certification on numerous properties, including our current home. Our 2 blogs are where people can learn more about the world of writing, the music industry, living consciously, green business, and more.
Lillian Brummet’s Author Websites and Profiles
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