Author interview with Alison
Blackman
I am a
freelance writer and creator of the Advice Sisters Online Publications. I have been providing content online
for 16 years and The Advice Sisters http://www.advicesisters.net is actually credited with bringing the
advice/infotainment genre, online! All of the content on my web site and daily
blog http://www.advicesisters.net/advicesistersblog.html focuses on providing lifestyle ideas to
an international audience of educated, upscale adults, focusing heavily on
fashion, beauty, and ways to make life easier, more successful and more
fun. My Web Site and my Blog are
my online portfolio. I am the author of The
Everything Dating Book 2nd Edition Adams Media 2006); Recruiting
Love: Using the Business Skills You Have to Find the Love You Want (Cyclone
Books, 1998) and contributor to several other nonfiction books.
1. Tell us about your latest
book. 
I am
working on a self-help book that I hope will help people stop being timid about
moving ahead with their lives and careers, learning and being inspired by real
life examples.
2. How did you get started as a
writer?
I have
been writing for so long, it’s hard to remember. However, I discovered that every job I had I ended up either
volunteering or being “volunteered” to write the newsletter or the
annual report or what have you, so when I decided I wanted to work for myself,
writing seemed like the natural choice.
3. What does a typical day look
like for you?
I get up about 8:00 and have much-needed
coffee. I talk to husband who his
dragging his feet going into his own office. I can’t do any work if there is noise or distraction so I
don’t even listen to music. When
husband leaves, I go through my emails and then start thinking about writing
reviews or my blog posts. I tend
to be distracted by email and sometimes, computer problems. I do all the
technical work on my web site and blog, myself. I wish I didn’t have to because for every little thing I
fix, ten more seem to crop up that I caused because I’m not technically savvy
enough! Sometimes I work through
lunch and sometimes, it’s dark outside before I finally turn around and stop
for a rest. I work out for an hour, or eat lunch. Then back to the computer
until husband comes home or I have evening events. I work on the weekends
pretty much the same way but with mor breaks.
4. Describe your
desk/workspace.
My
workspace is a very old, beaten up computer hutch from Ikea. I have a photo of my husband and I when
we were a a Matsuri (festival) in Japan that always makes me smile. I have
beauty review samples and business cards scattered everywhere!
5. Favorite books
Don’t
really have any
6. Tell us 3 interesting/crazy
things about you
I am a
twin (my twin sister was part of the Advice Sisters before she died) and that’s
why i am still known as: “The Advice Sisters” I am a genuine redhead, and I have
never met a cat I haven’t loved!
7. Favorite quote
“From
the moment I could talk, I was ordered to listen” (Cat Stevens–i think he
changed his name but this quote was the one I had in my school yearbook many
years ago)
8. Best and worst part of being
a writer
The
best part of being a writer is being your own boss and being able to share your
thoughts with others. The worst part? No Money!!!!!
9. Advice for other
writers:
Don’t
quit your day job unless you become a celebrity
10. Tell us a story about your
writing experience.
I once
met an agent early on in my career. He had just repped a best-selling book in
my field, and somehow he took a bit of pity on newbie me, and helped me revamp
my proposal document. Alas, he was never home and I had to pitch (literally) my
work over the fence of his house so it would land near his door. I’d just leave
it on the street! He never did
become my agent, although I did sell books after that. (grin)
Where can people learn more
about you?
The Advice Sisters Web site is http://www.advicesisters.net/ My Blog is
http://www.advicesisters.net/advicesistersblog.html the Feed is: http://feeds2.feedburner.com/advicesistersblog and you can follow me on Twitter “
Advicesisters” Please check
me out!
Alison
Blackman, Publisher/Writer-AdviceSisters Publications
The
Advice Sisters http://www.advicesisters.net
AdviceSisters
Guide to Life, Success & Happiness Blog:
http://www.advicesisters.net/advicesistersblog.html
What
Works Beauty, Cosmetics & Fashion review column: http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html
Twitter:
“advicesisters”
Facebook
Me: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=732170494
Ask Wendy-The Query Queen 