Interview with karen Hood-Caddy

Author of Find Your Inner Gold

Where are you from originally and where do you reside now?

I live north of Toronto in Canada in a house surrounded by huge trees.

If you currently reside somewhere besides where you were born, what’s the story that lead from there to here?

I have always had a deep affinity for trees and nature and although I love cities, I only like to visit them.

What made you decide to write and publish your first book?

My first book explored the idea of a woman getting thrust into a battle to save some ancient trees. I have always been intrigued by the idea of what gets people to step out of their comfort zone and do something radical so they can live their truth.

How would you describe your books to first time readers?

Whether my characters, as in my fiction works, are saving turtles or trees, or as in my nonfiction books, I’m tellin gstories about people and teaching them tools for being brave and self-masterful. I am committed to helping people be truthful to themselves and live courageously.

Who do you feel is most likely to connect with the topics you write about?

People, women mostly, who want to live fully and feel more in charge of themselves and their lives. If these women love nature and animals, they will be all the more intrigued.

What unexpected or surprising thing did you learn during the process of writing and publishing?

That I have to live courageously myself, putting myself out into the world to speak and teach and sell my work. Not easy for an introvert.

If you could, what advice would you give to your past self before embarking on this journey?

Plan more, particularly marketing issues, earlier.

How many people would you ideally like to reach with your books?

Thousands upon thousands.

What has been the biggest challenge and frustration during the process to date?

Not knowing the best ways to market my book.

What’s your biggest strengths when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

a) I love writing enjoy it so much it doesn’t seem like work.
b) I went with a hybrid publishing company this time, so I shared a lot of the decision making, title, cover etc and I have good taste in this area.
c) I know I need support and have hired some people to help so I don’t feel as if the whole responsibility thing is on me.

What’s your biggest weakness when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

a) I often don’t feel I’m creative enough.
b) I don’t think I know enough about publishing to make the best decisions.
c) I haven’t developed a strong skill set in marketing, yet! But i will.

When do you think you will write your next book?

I am already thinking of ideas for my next nonfiction book, but I will wait several months so I can give all my attention to Find Your Inner Gold, my current new book.

Are you self published or did you use a hybrid publisher, or a traditional publisher?

Although I have 8 other books out, all published by a large Toronto publishing company, this time I used a hybrd publisher just to experience this. I won’t do it again.