Categories

While his peers took to carving out a life in the mainstream after college graduation, Ian Coburn took to the road--once for an industry record 106-straight weeks! The job wasn't just a career; it was a way of life. He shares part of this life in his bestseller, "God Is a Woman: Dating Disasters ," which re-lives his various hilarious dating and sexual misadventures while touring, also sharing what he learned along the way. The book's site is godisawoman.net.

Thank you Ian for taking the time to answer some questions for us!  What are you currently working on?

I'm actually working on two things. The first is a kids' book entitled "Super Flaws." I originally wrote it as a screenplay and decided to release it as a book, first. It entertains while teaching kids the importance of teamwork; I feel there is entirely too much focus on show boating these days - T.O., Favre, Vick, Spears, etc, and kids are missing that when it comes right down to it, it's teams that produce, in all apects of life, including sports (Penguins, Steelers, etc). The second is a project on how to make good choices.

When I wrote "God," I wrote it because people seemed to struggle a lot in dating and not have learned what I learned (sometimes in painfully funny lessons). I've since come to learn that people in general need to learn how to make good choices; they need something they can grab onto. They look everywhere--to motivational speakers, life coaches, and even to cult-like organizations. I decided to share my own system for free and created the site www.bestpossiblechoice.com. I want to flush it out more and turn it into a book, as well.

Have you received any awards for your work?
 
Yes, my book was voted "Best Teen Book." The book has been a bestseller in various categories, reaching #1 in humor in Canada, #1 in relationships there and in the U.K., as well as some top 10 rankings here in the U.S. The real "awards" are the responses and questions I get from readers.

I've had numerous readers email me about what the book has done for them from as far away as Sweden and, now that the book is in Russian, Russia and the Ukraine. While it would be nice to make a ton of money from the book in order to have the freedom to explore all the projects I'd like to write, getting such replies is the best thing for a writer; it let's you know what you've written has been effective and is worthwhile.

Do you also do speaking engagements, or seminars?

I just started getting into that, primarily on how to make good choices, in everything from business to dating to choosing colleges and careers. It's great to bring the two together as a comedian-turned-writer--presenting in front of groups on a topic that so many need.

How has your education, profession or background helped you in your writing career? Or conversely, how has you writing success helped you in your profession?

Being a comedian shaped me entirely, as I started at 19. Later, the writing has led to, and continues to lead to, more professional opportunities.

What kind of other works (books, scripts, poems etc.) have you had published?

Articles on dating or sex for magazines like "Seventeen," and "Men's Health." I have an article coming out in September in "AARP The Magazine." I"ve also written several screenplays for hire.

Is there any aspect to your profession that gets you in touch with your readers directly?

Yup. I'm very accessible via email and people ask me questions about dating and relationships all the time. I answer them all for free. (A lot of authors charge; imagine! I'm just flattered to be asked in the first place.)

What type of work is the most rewarding or satisfying for you?

Helping others achieve their goals. I've been very fortunate in achieving mine and now my goal has switched from comedy to helping others achieve their goals, which is why I wrote "God."

What can you recommend for writers who are just getting started and are trying to make a name for themselves?

Write and don't over think it. Most writers who fail (and usually become managers and agents or publishers, it seems), can seem to et past page 10. They keep going back and "fixing things." Stop it! Let the writing take its own course and see what happens. You can't be so married to your ideas once you start the project that those very ideas choke the life from the project.

How did you get started as a writer?

People bugged me to do it. They said people needed my dating wisdom. So I provided it in an entertaning fashion. I'm very big on  sharing my own experiences to make my point and illustrate advice.

Which is your favorite book/work published? Is there a favorite?

I like "Decade of the Wolf." It illustrates what happens when a process for making good choices is put into play.

Have you ever had a mentor, or someone who sparked your passion for writing?

I read George Washington's farewell address and it made me want to share my formula for making good choices.

Who is your favorite writer/author?

George Washington.

Finally, a most important question: what was the last song you sang out loud when you were by yourself? :)

I'm never by myself; the voices are always with me... "Don't Stop Believen'" by Journey.

Thanks Ian for a great interview! We wish you good luck with your upcoming projects!