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Chicago based author, Terri Lee Ryan, is a career coach and writer, having authored four books.  She is a popular public speaker and radio guest host who has been featured on numerous radio shows, including WLS-AM 890, “Woman's of Mass Discussion” in Chicago and The Dating Coach:  Deanna Lorraine show in San Diego. 

In her latest book, Life Is One Big To-Do List: A Woman's Life After 40,  she urges women to start paying attention to their own lives and to practice saying  no to others as to free up their time to focus on their own needs as they enter middle age. She says, “The to-do lists never go away, but how we manage them is what we need to learn.”

Thank you Terri for taking the time to answer some questions for us!  To start, please tell us about your latest project.

My latest book is, Life is One Big To-Do List: A Woman's Life After 40, is an amusing, yet thoughtful look at women's lives after 40, who are attempting to survive their daily to-do lists as they deal with managing their mates, needy parents, ungrateful children, surviving a painful divorce and dealing with the aging process as they watch the cellulite on the back of their legs grow like a virus!

Have you received any awards for your work?

Not yet, but I did get a wonderful review form the Editor -in-Chief at Today's Chicago Woman magazine here in Chicago you said, "Your book is great!"  Along with a wonderful interview/review in the Chicago Sun-times Newspaper.

Do you also do speaking engagements, or seminars?

Yes, I do both speaking engagements and seminars.  I am speaking to the Roosevelt University alumni this September about the "hidden job market" and tips for surviving their careers.  I also spoke at the Woman's Empower Hour at Metropolitan Capital Bank giving women tips on better managing their to-do lists, which is really their lives.

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 education was in communciations and journalism.  My training was helpful in terms of putting together a grammatically correct sentence.  I thank my journalism teacher's for this.  My ability to write has always opened doors for me whether it be in writing an essay for a college term paper, getting a job as a radio reporter, or writing marketing presentations to get new business.

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

This is my first published book, but I have had articles published in trade magazines.

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

By speaking to groups, I am able to intimately touch their lives and to learn more about their issues in life.  I can also do this on radio shows when the callers share their own lives with me.

What will your next project be?

I am working on a number of projects simultaneously, so I am not sure what will be out first.  But, I have started another Life Is One Big To-Do List  book and  have an agent  shopping a suspense novel I co-authored with an other writer.

Who inspires you on a personal or business level?

My handicapped sister inspires me in the deepest way to make sure I utilize my talents.  She struggles every day, but still survives.  I have been given so much and I am appreciative of this.  I am also inspired almost every day by individuals that work hard to succeed in their mission and at least get in this game of life.

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

I love to write.  I love to communicate and touch people's lives.  This is why I like speaking and coaching in addition to writing.

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

An accomplished writer friend of mine who has supported himself his entire career as a writer always tells me that "writing  is rewriting."  I'd suggest that a new writer just keep writing and they will improve.  It is also important to live your life and do different things, rather than just writing, so you have something to write about.  The bottom-line is that it takes time to build your career in writing.

How did you get started as a writer?

I was hired as a radio reporter at WIVK-AM radio in Knoxville, TN when was a junior in college.

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

I have many favorites.  I like Dean Koontz for suspense, Erma Bombeck for humor, Robert Palmer for mystery. and Thomas Wolfe.

What does a typical work day look like for you?

I am in the midst of promoting my book, so I am at my desk writing to media attempting to get reviews and also looking for speaking opportunities.  I try to also write every day.

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

No, I've always like to write since I was a child.

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

Anita Baker, "You're the best thing that ever happened to me."  I break out in song often, but that was the last one and it was at home, since my car is in the shop getting a new radio

Thank you Terri! Congratulations on your first book Life Is One Big To-Do List: A Woman's Life After 40!