Q: When did you realize you wanted to be a writer?

A: I knew I wanted to be a writer when I attempted to write my autobiography at the ripe old age of seven. I thought my life had been thrilling to that point, an exciting tale that would engage the reader to want more, much more considering there has been a lot added to the story since that time. Otherwise, I can’t think of a time when I didn’t want to be a writer.

Q: How and when did you make this dream a reality?

A: My first book was published in 2001. It’s a Christmas story called God Didn’t Send His Son to Cause Me Stress! The next year, I had a murder mystery published, then my work appeared in 2 entertainment books. In addition, I write for our online magazine Simple Joy.

Q: What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned so far in your writing career?

A: There are actually 2 important lessons:

1. Be careful which experts you listen to. One of my professors in grad school told me I would never be published because my writing style was too casual. He recommended I learn to write more professionally in order to have my work published. Then a few years later, an editor told me to write as if I were talking to one person. When I told him what my professor had said, he told me the professor was wrong. If I wanted to write books that would impact the lives of people, I should maintain my casual style.

2. Never give up. As we have worked to get our publishing company going the last 2 years, it has been one obstacle after another. I get frustrated and discouraged but I won’t give up. If you really believe in the work you are doing and you feel driven to do it, then you should let nothing get in your way. Keep going no matter what.

Q: What are you working on right now?

A: Besides preparing for the release of new books from our company, I am personally working on a book for authors called Auntie Diva’s Guide for the Un-Author. It is designed to help authors recognize and break the small bad habits they have that prevents them from being published. I am writing part of it as “Auntie Diva” offering would-be authors advice to help them avoid all the work of getting published while still enjoying the benefits of calling themselves “authors.” Then, as myself, I offer more practical advice to help them eliminate their bad habits. The book is based on my presentation How Not to Get Published: 10 Steps to Guarantee Your Book Never Sees the Light of Day. I am working on a new podcast based on this material.

Q: Name some authors or books that have influenced your writing life in a positive way.

A: Stephen King (his book On Writing is one of the best books for authors to read), Agatha Christie, Norman Vincent Peale, John Maxwell.

Q: What have you recently read or what are you reading right now that you would consider an outstanding work?

A: Seth Godin’s The Dip.

Q: What excites or ignites your soul?

A: Mentoring authors and speakers. I love helping them grow their businesses, to show them how to approach writing like a brick and mortar business, to run the company called “YOU” in a professional manner. When I think about all the frustrated authors out there, unsure why they haven’t gotten published, wondering what they are doing wrong, I keep working so we can reach as many of them as possible. I am passionate about helping authors improve their work, grow professionally and achieve the success they desire, whether we publish their book or not.

Jean Ann Duckworth, The Extreme Diva, is the pink and orange haired CEO of Extreme Diva Media, Inc. As an author and speaker, Jean Ann wanted to create a company that would mentor authors and speakers, helping them to grow professionally and achieve their goals. Jean Ann is a veteran of the United States Navy and a Master of Divinity. Jean Ann lives in Southern California (the pink hair didn’t clue you in!) with her husband of more years than either of them can count, Terry. You may visit her personal website at www.theextremediva.com or business site www.extremedivamedia.com