Author: Gretta Krane

ISBN:  978 097775430 4

Today, Norm Goldman, Publisher & Editor of Bookpleasures.com is pleased to have as our guest Gretta Krane author of From the Ashes Flies the Phoenix: Creating a Powerful Life After a Suicide.

Good day Gretta and thanks for participating in our interview.

Norm:

Gretta, what motivated you to write From the Ashes Flies the Phoenix?

Gretta:

When I was sitting in my own well of despair I drew comfort in hearing stories from other people who have created happy lives after enduring a tragedy. I wrote this book with the intention that my story will give others, who feel stuck in their lives, hope and inspiration to move forward and create their dreams.

Norm:

What emotional and psychological benefits did you derive from writing your book?

Gretta:

Writing my book was a very cathartic process. It made me look at and deal with any unresolved issues surrounding Michael’s death.

Norm:

Why do you think your book is an important one at this time?
 
Gretta:

There are a lot of people feeling trapped or stuck in their lives. How a person falls into a well of despair is not important. It’s always very different and personal. For me, it was a suicide, for someone else it might be a divorce, or loss of a job, or the death of a loved one, or a natural disaster. What is important is that you get out. My book offers inspiration and hope, but also gives a game plan.

Norm:

Why is the topic of suicide not talked about to the same degree as child abuse or domestic violence?

Gretta:

Suicide is actually much bigger than most people are aware. Over 38,000 people committed suicide last year, while over 700,000 attempted suicide. There is so much shame and guilt put on people who feel suicidal, and on families dealing with the suicide of a loved one. I would like to create an open dialogue about suicide. A dialogue people aren’t afraid of, instead want to participate in. Because I believe if we can take the shame away from those who have suicidal thoughts, maybe more people would reach out for help. And if more people reach out for help then there will be fewer suicides.

Norm:

What has your experience been like with self publishing? Do you recommend it over traditional publishers?

Gretta:

There are a lot of benefits to self publishing. The freedom you have over content and timing of your book release, but also, how you want to market your book. There are also some difficulties, it can be quite costly. There is a lot of new information coming out all the time about self publishing that can be very helpful to any aspiring author. I would highly recommend doing your research, joining local publishing organizations. Networking is a great way to find out what is working and what isn’t. Since publishers do not pick up very many first time authors without a track record, I think self publishing is a great way to go. But do your homework!

Norm:

What challenges or obstacles did you encounter while writing your book? How did you overcome these challenges?

Gretta:

My biggest challenge has been in deciding the most effective way to market my book. For me, once I developed my platform, then how I would market my book, became clearer. My question was; what is my message and who is my audience, then how do I want to speak my message to that audience. I found a fantastic media trainer and she has been worth every penny.

Norm:

Will there be any unique ways you'll be marketing your book that is different from how others authors market their books?

Gretta:

I don’t know if what I am doing is unique to other authors or not. But this is what I have decided for me; I plan on developing myself as a skilled speaker because that is a very effective way to promote my message and book. I am also working on becoming a magazine columnist and radio host. I have a very powerful message, and I want to speak it in many different ways. I also write a News Letter on my website and have written articles for local papers. I probably have a couple of more books inside of me just waiting to come out. So, all this work I’m doing to get name recognition will certainly payoff for my other books as well.

Norm:

How has the feedback been so far?

Gretta:

 Fantastic! It is obvious from those who have read my book that I have accomplished what I set out to do. I hear all the time how my book has inspired others to make changes in their life, or to follow their dream. There truly is “nothing but possibilities” in our lives and I work to create that “vision” in others.

Norm:

How have you used the Internet to advance your career and to market your book?

Gretta:

I am doing many things to draw traffic to my website which not only sells my book but also shares my message with the viewers. Also, I am writing articles for ezinearticles.com to help draw viewers. I have developed lecture flyers and book information that is sent out through email.

Norm:

What is next for Gretta Krane?

Gretta:

Another book for sure, much more speaking and writing. I am very excited at the possibility of becoming a columnist and developing my own radio show. Both will focus on those who have climbed out of the well, and the many different ways in which one can climb out, turning their lives around and creating their dreams.

Norm:

Is there anything else you wish to ad that we have not covered?

Gretta:

Yes, one of my favorite sayings is, “You’re not stuck you only think you are.” When we are able to shift our perceptions and change the way we think then we are able to change our lives. It’s how I got out of my well and many others will be able to get out of theirs. I encourage everyone who feels stuck or unhappy to reach out, and discover why. Your answers are all out there.

Thanks once again and good luck with your book. May you also be spared further sorrow.

You can read more about Gretta by CLICKING ON HER WEB SITE 

The above interview was conducted by:  NORM GOLDMAN:  Retired Title Attorney: Editor & Publisher of Bookpleasures. Here are  Norm Goldman's Reviews 

To read Norm's Review of  From the Ashes Flies the Phoenix: Creating a Powerful Life After a Suicide CLICK HERE