Author Spotlight – Linda Rossi

Linda Rossi was born in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, and now lives in Pittsburgh. She is a mother of two adult children, a hairstylist of 40 years, and a Certified Health and Nutrition Life Coach. She obtained her Associate Degree in Human Services, which led her to a 16-year career as a family service worker. There, she continued to work by helping families in need with encouragement to succeed and skills to utilize their resources. She’s a writer across various artistic styles, including self-help, poetry, and personalized quotes. She has a passion for helping people to improve their lives and empowering them with simple techniques towards change. She is the author of a three-book series that includes the titles Zest for Life: Simple Adjustments to the New You, Get Your Zest on: Healthy Lifestyle Changes, and  Zestful Minds: A Positive Approach to Life.

A conversation with Linda:

When did you decide to become an author?

While spending much time over the years delving into plenty of reading, writing, and researching various forms of psychology and philosophy, one day I was on a jog, and in my mind I asked myself, why did it seem that I had a knack for being positive and happy most of the time. The word “zest” popped into my head, and that was the start of the ideas that led to my books. It was at that point that I also realized something interesting. All these years leading up to this, I was always picturing myself standing up at a podium speaking to people. I asked myself what is this about, then when this idea of the books came up, there was my answer: Writing books is my podium to speak out, a way to help others.

How long have you been writing, and what was your first book?

I have been writing all kinds of forms, including poems, short stories, and quotes, since middle school. My first book of the series is called Zest for Life: Simple Adjustments to the New You.

What genres do you write in?

All my books are written in the genre of self-help: inspirational and motivational.

How many books do you have out?

I have three books out that are part of the series called Achieve Your Zest for Life.

Are you trade published, independent, or a combo?

I am a self-published author

What is your writing style? Panster or plotter or?

I use the Plotter style of writing because I spend time breaking down my ideas into each What Can You Do Question?, listing in certain orders what people need in order to make their life better.

Do you write more than one book at a time?

I like to focus on writing one book at a time. After each book, I gather more ideas to put the books into different categories.

How much research is involved in your writing?

There is a lot of research done before I can get the book up and running. I had already been schooled on much of the subject matter that I write about. Over the years, I attended several web classes, read countless books, and even attended in-person conferences that touched on psychology and included motivational speakers. Taking my past research and life experiences to combine a system of ideas that have changed my own life, and passing this information on to the readers.

Where do you write? Do you have a home office, write in a coffee shop, or what?

I write at my desk in my home.

Do you use any programs like ProWriting Aid, Grammarly, or ?

I use Grammarly to check spelling and grammar. I also use Canva to design my book covers.

How do you promote your books?

I promote my books by using various forms of marketing, including social media accounts, Facebook ads, Amazon KDP promotions, community author book signing events, and presenting myself as a vendor at craft and market days events. I also pass out my business cards and hang them at several locations when applicable.

 What are your writing goals, long and short term?

I have future goals for my next writing projects. At the moment, I am spending time writing a draft full of ideas for future books. My long-term goals are to write at least two more books, one more self-help book geared towards inspiration, and one personal memoir.

Any advice to new authors or someone who wants to become an author?

My advice to anyone who loves the art of writing and has had even the smallest thought about writing short stories, poems, or a book would be to write as much as you can. Start with ideas written in a list form, then break down each idea into the most important ones. At this beginning stage, you cannot worry about it being perfect. Get it written, then go back over it time and time again to re-read and make changes.

My goal with these books has always been to help people find simple ways to improve their lives. I hope that my inspirational and positive outlook will be felt amongst my readers and that they truly gain a new perspective on a life full of zest.

People can find my books on Amazon.com. All three books are available in either Paperback or Kindle form. The Kindle forms are available free to those with a Kindle Unlimited monthly subscription. My first book, Zest for Life: Simple Adjustments to the New You, is also available as an audiobook for those who prefer listening to books. They can download the Audible app and search for the title to find it there. Two of the books can be found at Walmart and various other bookstores with a Google search.

You can find links to all of Linda’s social media accounts and books at linktr.ee/lindasbooks67

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Did you know that you can find all of my books and sign up for my free author’s newsletter on my website at www.nickrussellbooks.com?

And finally, here’s a chuckle to start your day from the collection of funny signs we see in our travels and that our readers share with us.

Thought For The Day – You are capable of more than you know. Choose a goal that seems right for you and strive to be the best, however hard the path. — E.O. Wilson