Denise Shiffman
Author of The Age of Engage: Reinventing Marketing for Today's Connected, Collaborative, and Hyperinteractive Culture
(Published by Hunt Street Press)
Read the review here.
Please visit the author's website at www.ageofengage.com .
When did you start reading, and what did you like to read as a kid?
I didn’t become an avid reader until my early teens. I got hooked on fast-paced novels from Ludlum and Grisham. I loved books that grabbed my attention on page one and made it impossible for me to put the book down. When I began my career in the computer industry, I switched to non-fiction. West of Eden: The End of Innocence at Apple Computer, Inside Intel: Andy Grove and the Rise of the World’s Most Powerful Chip Company, and Positioning: The Battle for Your Mind taught me that real life can be more engaging than fiction!
When you were growing up did you have books in your home?
My parents are both avid readers. Growing up there were books all over the house. Stacks of them. I remember my mother telling me, “You can never spend too much money on books.” So, books were “free” while any other extras I wanted (a stereo, cowboy boots), I had to pay for myself. My father writes medical malpractice law texts and medical journals. I’ve always been around a love of reading and writing.
When did you think about becoming a writer?
I can’t remember when I didn’t want to be a writer. Early on I was very focused on building my career. I couldn’t sit still long enough to write a book. I finally left the corporate world behind and decided to embark upon this journey. I took a creative writing course at Stanford University. I figured out quickly, my skill isn’t in writing fiction. I don’t have that natural ability to write dialogue in a believable voice. I decided to focus on what I know best which is business management and marketing.
How do you write? Do you have a daily routine? What’s good about it? What do you hate about it?
I’m a morning person, so I think more clearly and write more fluidly at the beginning of the day. I block out time each day to write, but if I just can’t get motivated, I give myself the day off and focus on other activities. I don’t make it a chore. The best part about writing is the flexible lifestyle. I don’t have to get to the office first thing in the morning. I can go out for a run with my dogs, make a cup of tea, then sit down to the computer when I’m ready. I make my own hours so I can leave in the middle of the day and pick up my son from school.
What is some good advice that you’ve received concerning writing? What’s some advice that you could offer young writers?
The best advice I read was not to plan on making a living from books, but to use books to enhance other revenue streams such as speaking or consulting.
Timothy Ferriss, the author of The 4-Hour Workweek, stated in a blog post that he put everything he had into his book to make it the best possible book he could write just in case he didn’t write another one. I agree with that. Make your book the best it can be.
How did you find the publisher for this book? What has your experience as a publisher been like?
I produced a printed ARC (advance review copy) from the manuscript and mailed it to smaller publishers. Greenleaf Book Group called me right away and said they were interested. I like working as a team and being involved in every part of the book’s development and distribution.
What are you working on at the moment?
Since The Age of Engage launched, I’ve been booked for many speaking engagements and workshops. I’m in the middle of writing speeches!
