About Liz Parker:
Liz Parker was born in Northern Ireland, just outside of Belfast on the banks of the Lagan. Leaving Ireland at 17, she travelled for a few years. Eventually moving to Africa with her new Glaswegian husband and staying for 14 years. Her family finally settled in Australia, and with 2 children and 1 grandson their home is south of Brisbane. Now an empty nester they live with 2 lively puppies and 5 acres of garden to keep busy.
After 20+ years in senior management and CEO roles, Liz decided to start her own home-based business in 2006 and she never looked back. Passionate about helping women in business and a very keen interest in the online world. She wrote her first book in partnership with 3 others which was for the solopreneur. She then branched into a children’s non-fiction book on crocodiles and alligators because her grandson loves them so much and she wanted to make sure she had all the “right” answers to his questions. She enjoyed that experience so much that she decided to continue to write on a range of eclectic topics, from business to blogging and more children’s books.
What inspires you to write?
After years of writing technical and board reports, I started blogging for my business. I was very nervous the first few times I published because I thought that no-one would be interested. After the first couple of articles I realized that I was writing for myself rather than an audience and if people enjoyed them then that was a bonus. My first book that was published was a joint effort with 3 other writers and that got me started. My most recent book is a picture book on crocodiles because my 2 year old grandson loves them and I wanted to do the research so that I could answer all his questions.
Tell us about your writing process.
I brain storm topics and do some online research to see if there are any gaps in the category I want to write in. I also have a look to see if there is another way to present the book which is why I went with a picture book because the other books were all factual.
I then break down what I want to say into main heading which become my chapters and after that a break down each heading into sub headings. Then I do the research again on each of the sub-headings to make sure I am covering everything. I sometimes outsource sections that I find are a bit boring and then edit that.
After that its the images – I like to use www.fiverr.com to get the images done in a similar format.
What advice would you give other writers?
Just start – I found it the hardest part because I was so nervous. Once I started writing it seemed to flow.
Allocate time each day to do some writing, even if its just a paragraph. If you miss one day, then make up for it the next day. Be consistent.
Don’t be afraid to outsource – it can help you get your book on the shelves quicker.
How did you decide how to publish your books?
I wanted to experience self-publishing to see how difficult or easy it was. Now that I have done it twice I would definitely go down that path again.
What do you think about the future of book publishing?
I think books will be around for a very long time. eBooks will develop and more and more people will use electronic readers.
What do you use?: Ghostwriter, Co-writer, Professional Editor, Professional Cover Designer
What genres do you write?: business, children, non fiction
What formats are your books in?: eBook, Print
Website(s)
Liz Parker Home Page Link
Link To Liz Parker Page On Amazon
Your Social Media Links
Twitter
