Author Interview – Clare Ford – Lollipops and Rainbows

Written by JJ Barnes

www.jjbarnes.co.uk

I interviewed author and parenting coach Clare Ford about her career, what inspires her, and the creative process behind her latest book; Lollipops And Rainbows.

Tell me a bit about who you are.

Clare is an education expert with over 15 years’ teaching experience, runner up of the 2019 MPower Legacy Award, international best-selling author and Founder of SwitchedON!, a cutting-edge global education platform offering inspirational education and parenting solutions.

 Clare has spoken on 3 radio shows, 4 international summits, the Teen Toolbox podcast and Brand Builders TV about redefining education beyond academic success with her unique methodology, to support kids, teens and parents.

 After 12 years of ticking boxes and battling the system in mainstream education, she burned out, becoming seriously ill, depressed and hit rock bottom.  She had to find an alternative to do what she loves – teaching, in a way that makes an impactful positive difference and allows the potential of each and every one of the children and teen she teaches to shine.

 In 2016 she launched her well-being business, online programme and wrote her first book, “How to Have a Positive and Empowering Pregnancy”.  Subsequently, Clare started the Mind, Baby Soul movement, running her first public event, “Loving Mothers”.

 In 2020 she launched “SwitchedON!” in response to the situation that parents found themselves in, who had to suddenly educate their children at home.  Her Facebook group, the Home Education Hub, has gone from strength to strength, supporting a global community with a huge range of resources, trainings and experts.  During the summer of 2020, Clare collaborated with children from around the world on another book, “Lollipops and Rainbows – Teaching Literacy with Soul”.

Clare is passionate about giving families the opportunity to learn in a way that unlocks their passions and potential in her unique online learning academy, SwitchedON!.

 You can contact Clare at clareford68@gmail.com

When did you first WANT to write a book?

About three years ago.

When did you take a step to start writing?

I just felt like going to a book writing workshop to see what would happen!

How long did it take you to complete your first book from the first idea to release?

I wrote it in four days, but my editor and graphic designer took a long time getting it to print. – around 6 months.

How long did it take you to complete your latest book from the first idea to release?

First idea – April to release on Amazon – November so 8  months

Focusing on your latest release. What made you want to write Lollipops and Rainbows?

I created this book in response to lockdown learning – to inspire children and empower parents and also to show what can be achieved in a short space of time when people think outside the box.

What were your biggest challenges with writing Lollipops and Rainbows?

Collating the stories and illustrations from 20 different children and making it all work in the template.

What was your research process for Lollipops and Rainbows?

I have been in education for 20 years and a lead in literacy so I knew what I was talking about when it came down to the content.

How did you plan the structure of Lollipops and Rainbows?

I structured  my books around the courses and programmes I was teaching and then just went with the flow.

Did you get support with editing, and how much editing did Lollipops and Rainbows need?

No I didn’t.  It took me a long time to do it myself.

What is the first piece of writing advice you would give to anyone inspired to write a book?

To just start and don’t worry about all the details of publishing and marketing until the end. 

Can you give me a hint about any further books you’re planning to write?

Possibly a second edition with some different children’s writing and some new teaching resources.

And, finally, are you proud of your accomplishment? Was it worth the effort?

Yes, and it definitely was! Especially as I collaborated with young writers and got them to be published on Amazon too.

Pop all your book, website and social media links here so the readers can find you:

Links to Books

http://bit.ly/lollipopsandrainbowsuk

http://bit.ly/lollipopsandrainbowsbook

http://bit.ly/BirthingSouls

Social Media Accounts

https://www.instagram.com/switchedonacademy/

https://www.facebook.com/switchedoncollective

https://www.linkedin.com/in/clare-ford-switched-on-education-and-parenting-expert/

Tweets by ClareFordCoach

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