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Parenting expert and encourager, mom, conference speaker, educator, author of The Birth to Five Book, and frequent media guest on regional and syndicated programs, Brenda Nixon lives in Ohio. She offers a menu of presentations for program planners, and articles to parents on her website www.BrendaNixon.com.

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

My latest - and current - project is a media tour about The Birth to Five Book: Confident Childrearing Right from the Start (Revell). As you know, writing a book is only part of the success equation. The other part is strong promotion and marketing. My wonderful publicist booked me for 30 radio interviews about The Birth to Five Book since its January release and we've several more lined up. I'm also doing booksignings and blab (not blog) about my book whenever appropriate. The media tour project also includes speaking engagements, expert quotes in magazines, and author interviews like this one.

How has your education, profession or background helped you in your writing career?

Honestly, I didn't major in writing or journalism in college. In fact, I never thought of being a writer until I'd been a professional speaker for a while. Growing up, I enjoyed letter-writing and expressing myself through the pen, but never entertained thoughts of being an author. The impetus of writing parenting articles and books came from having a passion for helping parents understand their child's development and to feel confident in their childrearing abilities.

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

I've written two parenting titles, co-authored the holiday book, A Scrapbook of Christmas Firsts (Leafwood), and contributed to 23 books. Many of the compilations I've contributed to are in the Chicken Soup For The Soul book series. Magazines such as Mothering, and regional parenting publications buy my articles. Some of my work is "evergreen" like "Father Facts: How Dads Make a Difference," which can be published anytime of the year so "evergreens" make for great reprints.

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

Yes, I offer a Discipline Tip e-service to parents and professionals who work with children. Feedback on my Tip lets me hear from my readers. Also, I enjoy receiving emails from readers of The Birth to Five Book. I always ask them to post a review on amazon and other e-commerce sites because reader reviews can help influence potential book buyers.

What will your next project be?

I'm currently writing two book proposals; one is a compilation of answers to parent questions and the other is a child discipline book. My agent is patiently waiting for me to get these proposals to him so he can shop them around. But, as we all know, with the economy many publishers are in a "wait and see" mode and not eager to buy new mss (manuscripts).

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

Building stronger families one parent at a time is my mission. Whether I"m writing a childrearing article or a book or speaking to moms and dads, I'm most satisfied when I'm giving out to this audience. In fact, I feel useless and aimless when I don't have a writing deadline, speaking gig, a class to teach, or a radio or TV interview.

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

Be patiently persistent. It's taken me over 14 years to become a "success." Everyday do some marketing of your writing skills; contact editors, read online writer's chats, go to a writers conference, make writer friends through social networks, or read a book about writing. Remember, success is a result of resilience.
 
How did you get started as a writer?

I started as a conference speaker on child development and parenting issues. After tons of audience members kept asking for my book, (dah!) I realized the marriage between speaking and writing. People wanted something beyond the platform!

In 2001, I published my first parenting book. Since then I've contributed to 23 books and sold articles to 80 family magazines. In 2008, my co-authored holiday title, A Scrapbook of Christmas Firsts (Leafwood) released followed by the January release of, The Birth to Five Book: Confident Childrearing Right from the Start, was published by Revell.

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

Hmm, I have many faves. I enjoy and learn from On Writing by Stephen King. This book is his memoir on the craft of writing. That may sound strange to read a fiction author's advice, but remember a good non-fiction writer uses fiction techniques.  On my desk, as professional inspiration, is Cross Creek by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, who proved that when you write what you know and have a passion about, it'll be accepted. I'm not crazy about her writing style, but more the person behind the book. And then, my personal and spiritual truth comes from reading the Bible.

What does a typical work day look like for you?

I'm an early bird; usually at the computer by 7 AM. some days even earlier. I read an interview about John Grisham in which he said he's an early bird too. So I guess I'm in good company.

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

Writing is a lonely profession. I encourage writers to connect either online or in person with others in this industry. When I began writing I joined a local writers group for the education and fellowship. I took on a mentor for my speaking profession, but haven't had any one person mentor me as a writer. I do humbly ask for critiques from my writer friends when I've a WIP (work in progress). Just as iron sharpens iron, professional writers need a second - or third - pair of eyes from other writers who will be honest in their evaluation and critique.

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

Joy to the World by Three Dog Night.

Thank you Brenda! We wish you great success with your new parenting books!