Book: How to Survive Your 20s
Q1. Hello Ma’am, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
Hi, my name is Portia Ingram and I am the author of How to Survive Your 20s. I am a thirty-something born and raised in New York. I graduated from Temple University with a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and City University of New York with a Masters in Disability Studies. I’m active in my community and despite my diplomas ended up working for my local government and nothing to do with science. But as my book points out…life can be funny like that. Lol.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘How to Survive Your 20s’ book?
I must say the only real obstacle I had was understanding the publishing process. I had already authored two workbooks called The Helpful Planner & The Helpful Planner Kids however I self-published them through Amazon. Since I wanted to reach a wider audience, I wanted to go with a publishing company and was accepted by Mascot Publishing.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
I enjoy reading Napolean Hill’s books as well as Agatha Christi (And Then There Were None is an all-time favorite!). One author crucial to my development and storytelling ability was Shel Silverstein.
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
Being raised on Long Island, I loved going to our many parks and shores. There is a State park called Sunken Meadow that I enjoy going to when its warm. There are small microscopic crabs, horse shoe crabs, and a sand bridge by a beach less travelled that washes away with the high tide at noon. I think that’s so cool!
Q5. Is there lots to do before you dive in and start writing a book?
I would say depending on the book..yes. I wrote from experience so it took some honest reflection and even digesting of things I didn’t realize had such a major impact on what I wanted to write about. Once I got through that process it made the road to writing much clearer.
Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘How to Survive Your 20s’ book?
I would say I wrote it over the course of a few months. The content coming from lived experiences made it relatively easy to pen.
Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘How to Survive Your 20s’ book to buy?
The book is available for purchase online at Barnes & Noble and Amazon.com.
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘How to Survive Your 20s’?
I wanted the cover to be simple yet eye catching. The use of bright colors helped with this however I also researched books that had done well in my category and I saw how I could integrate what I wanted with what was a pattern amongst popular authors.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
That’s a great question. I think one can keep things fresh for themselves and the audience by introducing new and different perspectives. I come from a social science working background and like to analyze life from a meta perspective- qualitatively, quantitatively, and engaging all the senses. Thinking outside the box to explain the most mundane topics can spice things up : )
Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?
The book actually had several more chapter than were published. One title of a chapter that didn’t make it to press is “Do the Right Thing EVEN If it’s Unpopular.” In my teen and young adult workshops I discuss this but I believe especially in this day and time with so much potential for change it’s more important for people to hear.
Book Is Available On Amazon
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