Theresa James is a proud veteran of the US Air Force. She is also the survivor of a traumatic, life-altering event. Through her writing, she shares her story to inspire and help others in their own life struggles. James lives in the Chicagoland area with her husband, Todd.
What motivated and inspired you to start your own business?
I have always enjoyed writing and felt, even at a young age, that I would publish a book one day.
Tell us about your business.
I am a published author. My first book, Healing Tears, was published earlier this year on February 14, 2017. I am currently working on a series of children’s books now.
List awards/certifications/accomplishments.
My Hay House Radio interview was released mid-June on www.hayhouseradio.com. The mp3 recording is available on my website www.theresajames-author.com.
Where is your business based?
I write from home.
What were the first few steps you took to get your business up and running?
My first book was written almost 18 years ago, but it wasn’t until the summer of 2016 that I reopened the pages and began the editing process. At the suggestion of a friend, I contacted Balboa Press to publish my book.
What has been the most effective way of raising awareness of your business and getting new customers?
Through Balboa Press, I was connected to Lavidge, a publicity company. They have begun my traditional media marketing campaign as well as assisting with my social media exposure.
What have been your biggest challenges so far?
The biggest challenge is the lack of public awareness of my book and my story.
How did you overcome these challenges?
I still have the challenge, however, I continue to work with my publicists, add to my website blog and Facebook posts. I continue to investigate and contact additional websites, blogs, and bookstores to reach more people.
How do you keep motivated through difficult times?
The love and support from my family and close friends keeps me motivated. I also remind myself that my children would want me to experience a life filled with happiness, accomplishments and love.
How do you distinguish yourself from your competitors?
My book is a memoir of a tragedy from July 1998 where my ex-husband broke into my house and murdered my three children before killing himself. Healing Tears is my journey of grief and healing. My wish for publishing my book is that it gives others hope and inspiration as they work through life’s struggles.
What is the best advice you have received recently?
“Remember, Theresa, it all doesn’t have to be done today.”
My husband, Todd, and I are in the process of moving back home to Indiana. I changed jobs and have been traveling back and forth packing up our house in the Chicago area, all the while still working on my social media for Healing Tears, finishing touches on my first children’s book, and I just gave the next children’s book to my illustrator. When I start to get overwhelmed and stressed, Todd reminds me that it all doesn’t have to be done today.
What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?
Never give up on your dream. You will have setbacks, but they are just a part of life. Learn from any setback and begin again.
What are your favorite business tools/resources and why?
I am always learning about the publishing business and stay open for all opportunities. AuthorLearningCentral.com has been a great resource for me as an author.
What is a good article or book you have read recently?
The Book of Joy. His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu with Douglas Abrams.
I found this book to be a beautiful reminder of what joy truly is and how to obtain it.
What are you currently learning about for your business or looking for help with?
The marketing side of self-publishing a book requires time, commitment and thinking outside of the box, all of which I am trying to balance along with my family and career as a financial advisor.
What are your goals for the next few months and how are you striving to achieve them?
One goal is to publish my children’s book, I Love and Like You, and have it available later this summer. The other primary goal is public awareness. I will continue to follow up on leads, submit applications to have my story on bookshelves, and work with my publicist on media opportunities.
What social media outlets do you use? List them below.
Facebook www.facebook.com/TheresaJamesAuthor
Website www.theresajames-author.com
Email theresa@theresajames-author.com
Elaine Rau
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