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Debra Berndt is an internationally-recognized hypnosis expert, Relationship Coach, Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, and Motivational Speaker. She is the author of "Let Love In: How to Open Your Heart and Mind to Attract Your Ideal Partner" (Wiley) which will be in stores March 1, 2010.

Berndt is the host of the "Love Coach" show on BlogTalkRadio and has been featured as a regular guest on ABC News in Denver. She has been interviewed on radio and television extensively about the power of self-hypnosis. She has over 80 audio products available on her website AttractRealLove.com

Thank you Debra for answering a few questions for us!  To start, please tell us about the latest project you've worked on.

My first book, Let Love In: Open Your Heart and Mind to Attract Your Ideal Partner published by J. Wiley & Sons. This is the first book on using self-hypnosis to help singles clear subconscious blocks so that they can attract the love of their life.

Do you also do speaking engagements, or seminars?

Yes, I do motivational speaking at writers' conferences, singles expos, health and wellness events as well as virtual teleseminars through my website.

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?

My writing success (getting published) will open doors for me as a motivational speaker as well as business success for my products and services. By going through the process of hiring a writing coach, I am able to deliver high-quality articles on my blog that get picked up by other website for additional promotion.

What kind of other works have you had published?

I self-published over 80 audio programs - self-hypnosis scripts that I wrote and and performed. These programs are sold to people across the world.

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

I do private phone sessions as well as answer dating and love questions via email. My blog allows for comments so I am able to get feedback on my work immediately.

What will your next project be?

My second book that I am co-authoring with my life partner. It will be about dealing with anxiety.

Who inspires you on a personal or business level?

My life partner is my biggest inspiration and my biggest cheerleader. On a professional level, I really admire Marianne Williamson.

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

The writing that I do about the deeper meaning in life. I don't like writing about tips and tricks in dating but more substantive dialogue about the reality of life.

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

1. Fine tune your skills by getting involved in a local writers' group.
2. Start a blog, a great way to make sure you keep writing everyday. Also gives you exposure that you may not have realized.
3. Focus on a niche. Be the expert in one area and you will find it easy to develop material and attract your niche audience.

How did you get started as a writer?

My parents gave me an old typewriter when I was nine years old and I started writing science fiction stories. As a introvert, it was easy to
hide away in my room with my stories and my imagination. I put it aside until I started taking writing classes at NYU and wrote my first novel (which took about  10 years to finish and I never got it published). When I became a hypnotherapist, I reawakened my dream to be a published author and hired a business coach who knew the process of dealing with agents and publishers. I went to the San Diego Writers' Conference and met my agent who found my awesome publisher.

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

Let Love In: How to Open Your Heart and Mind to Attract Your Ideal Partner (my only book). I wrote this book because it was what I needed when I  was frustrated with dating and searching for love. I found that many women have the same struggles in love and i hope that this changes millions of lives.

What does a typical work day look like for you?

Workout. Meditate. Go to my computer and work on my online marketing, blog, social media marketing. In between, having phone sessions with clients and possibly some meetings in NYC.

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

Yes, my business coach Robin Hoffman was a great mentor (authors101.com).

Who is your favorite writer/author?

I love Marianne Williamson because of her content. I used to read a lot of Michael Crichton because of his science fiction themes.

Finally, a most important question: what was the last song you sang out loud when you were by yourself?  :)
Tracy Chapman - "Fast Car"

Thank you Debra! We wish you great success with your new book Let Love In!