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On The Table Read, “The Best Book Reader Magazine in the UK“, self-help author, Kristin Larsen, talks about his new book, Joy Of Being, and how it helps his readers.
Written by JJ Barnes
I interviewed author and health coach Kristin Larsen about his career, what motivates him, and the inspiration behind his new book, Joy Of Being.
Tell me a bit about who you are.
My name is Kristin Larsen and I live in Ontario, Canada. I am 44 years old with aspirations of being a leader of transformational change in the world. My life has consisted of mental health challenges through anxiety and depression while discovering life purpose and awakening to living each day inspired.
I am a certified Transformational Health Coach and international author who creates ideas that ignite curiosity to love with courage. When I am not writing or coaching I am doing my best to live wholeheartedly in my life values of connection, exercise, being outdoors, helping others and being with family and friends.
When did you first WANT to write a book?
In 2009 I realized I had so many ideas in my head that I wanted to express them in the form of a book or novel.
When did you take a step to start writing?
I enrolled in a children’s literature book writing course to learn the basics of book writing which included grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and story creation. Learning about the process to publish a book through research, market needs, and pitching story ideas to print editors.
How long did it take you to complete your first book from the first idea to release?
The first published book was a collaboration between 6 authors including myself in 2021. The book is called Decision To Heal: Pathways From Suffering To Love. The initial idea and content for the book was 5 months of writing to complete a pre-edited rough draft.
The process of editing each author story with revisions was 3 months. Technical book design details were 3 months. Book formatting, pandemic disruption, alterations extended the process 4 months. The total time taken to publish the book from start to finish was approximately 18 months.
How long did it take you to complete your latest book from the first idea to release?
The second book I am publishing called Joy Of Being: Daily Moments of Becoming Present is scheduled to be released in April 2022. The total time to publish the book from start to finish will be 16 months. Although the idea for the book was born 7 years previous. Technically it will be 7 years and 6 months from idea to publishing completion.
Focusing on your latest release. What made you want to write Joy Of Being?
I have a desire to help people. As a Transformational Health coach I wanted to offer a tool that could help people see joy in their life and live in wholeness with gratitude, presence, compassion, and inner leadership in the midst of any setback, challenge or hardships. Helping to present the opportunity for change in many ways for someone with choices they couldn’t see before. Renewing a hope of possibilities by belief in themselves and what they can’t see yet. It also interested me to learn and grow through the process as well by practicing what I am sharing.
What were your biggest challenges with writing Joy Of Being?
Working a full time job while being in an intensive 3 month leadership training program presented many time boundary challenges. Ensuring that family time was respected and honored while taking personal self care into consideration.
The editing and proofreading process was long and arduous. It seemed never ending at certain points which created a feeling of being tedious. There were setbacks due to layout configuration and required edits which delayed the original release timeframe. Navigating the thoughts and feelings of disappointment was a challenge to keep maintaining momentum with motivation.
What was your research process for Joy Of Being?
Before starting the publishing process of the book I surveyed people to learn if the type of book would have interest. I reviewed similar genre books and compared the strengths and weaknesses from those books to what I envisioned. I really wanted to understand how my book would be different and unique from similar books.
Next I consulted an industry publishing expert for accurate market research while constructing a book launch marketing plan. It was important to explore potential publishers and understand how their publishing process worked.
Once I chose a publisher I decided to hire a business consulting agency to help implement my book launch marketing plan. Lastly, to promote my book and connect with the media I researched publicists to interview and hire to assist me with creating promotional opportunities to reach my target audiences.
How did you plan the structure of Joy Of Being?
First I wrote down all my ideas. I took the time to understand the sections that are typically in a book or type of book I wanted to publish. It was most important for me to clearly identify why I was writing the book, what the mission and vision of the book was and why it is important to the reader.
My thought process was to take the reader on a journey through the book. I asked myself the questions, “how do I want to guide the reader through this journey?” “What do I want to help the reader get at each stage of the journey?” “What will be most helpful to the reader to take away from each part of the journey as they read?” Finally I asked myself, “Is the structure of the book bringing the value I envisioned?” (If not, what can I change to ensure the structure meets the value I envisioned).
When I knew the topic sections of the book and had the content together I printed it and laid it all out to review the physical appearance to ensure it was the structured layout I wanted.
Did you get support with editing, and how much editing did Joy Of Being need?
I did get support with editing through a business by Sara Connell that supports authors in their publishing journey. Two rounds of editing were required to complete the book.
However, leading up to the final stage of publishing still required further editing as more required edits were noticed. Editing was also completed by pre-readers and proofreading multiple times.
What is the first piece of writing advice you would give to anyone inspired to write a book?
Know your purpose and why. Why are you writing the book? Why is it important to bring the book into the world? Throughout the challenges and setbacks this will be the motivation and resilience that assists continuing the journey to complete the book.
Can you give me a hint about any further books you’re planning to write?
There are 3 other books I am planning to write. In the winter of 2022 I plan to release book 2 of the Joy Of Being compilation which is all about living in presence and seeing the joy in life. Book 3 will be about living into our higher self consistently through challenges, setbacks, disappointment and failure. There is an idea to create audio books of these books as well.
And, finally, are you proud of your accomplishment? Was it worth the effort?
Yes absolutely, very proud of my accomplishment. There were many challenges and setbacks but I maintained focus on the joy in the process and acknowledged gratitude for the opportunity to write the book. It was worth all the effort because I believe in the book and know the value it will provide for others. It was a learning journey for myself and it was filled with growth that I can take with me as I continue to write more inspirational books that bring value while helping other people.
Pop all your book, website and social media links here so the readers can find you:
Author website with Blog
Courageously Connected In Heart Private Community https://courageously-connected-in-heart.mn.co/
Facebook Page – Kristin Sven Larsen
https://www.facebook.com/KristinSvenLarsen
https://www.instagram.com/kristinsvenlarsen/
https://www.meetup.com/joyofbeing/
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