Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi everyone! I’m Lillian Brummet, my husband (of 30 years) and I run the BrummetMedia.ca business which features many different services, products, a music studio, a popular blog and – of course – our books.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The latest publication is Rhythm and Rhyme, a book of poetry that features both Dave and my poetry. We have actually collaborated on 6 published books with a 7th in the works now. This latest book of poetry talks about adult topics from the meaning of life, purpose in life, the environment and grief.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
No, not really. I’m a bit, perhaps, over committed at times… as I have some difficulty shutting my mind off. I’m a voracious reader and a tenacious when it comes to writing, business activities and marketing. My husband and I work as a team, each with their special gifts. For instance, I’ll gather information and resources, put together a rough manuscript and do the first edits… he takes it from there using his magic to make the words sing, the images tantalize and the intriguing book covers. He also manages the website, provides promo images and does all the teaching. Meanwhile, I handle the office, marketing, communications, interviews and managing the blog. We meet in the middle in some areas of our work, others might be more his specialty or mine… but no matter what we always give each other the space they need, understanding and cheerleading when it is required and patience and understanding when they are experiencing struggles.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I am influenced by almost everything I read. Sometimes, I find myself analyzing the work so much – the method the writer used, why they chose to write in this way, interesting techniques they used – and then I find that I’ve not absorbed the content and have to go back a few pages. I try not to be intimidated by other writers, it is easy to fall into the trap of thinking I as a writer can’t possibly contribute to the world when there are so many much greater writers out there. Instead, I focus on learning from other writers and seeing where they could have improved or done something different – and this, in turn, improves my work too.
What are you working on now?
I just finished working on our “From One Small Garden” cookbook and it is now in Dave’s capable hands. He has a lot of work ahead of him re: images, book cover design, tweaking the wording, proofing, formatting and all that jazz. I’m so excited to have this book published as it has been in the working stage for many, many years.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My blog (ConsciousDiscussions.blogspot.com) is an awesome tool for me. You’ll notice several tabs just under the header image that will take readers to special pages… one page was created to celebrate and inspire volunteering in our area and offers a list of places for people to consider volunteering at. I promote this free resource every chance I get – to new comers to the are, tourists, locals, via FB groups from this are and I use it to network with others. I also have a page created just for musicians/artists offering resources, articles, interviews and resources. You’ll see an About Us page, Media page where I list the most recent media appearances, an endorsement page and the home page where I place fresh content nearly every day. This is a very popular blog and I’m often receiving queries, article/poetry submissions and author interview requests.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Marketing your brand, building a strong platform, having a flexible and recent business plan, constantly reaching out and finding new contacts, new readers, new resources can be exhausting. Be patient with the process and realize that you don’t have to do everything all at once. If you find a resource, make a note of it and come back to it when you can. I have a file with nearly 40 pages listing resources for me to follow up on that I refer to occasionally as time allows. Keep detailed records, follow up, reconnect with contacts every year or so and always thank those that work with you.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Be patient with the process; be patient with yourself.
What are you reading now?
I’m actually studying sign language at home, by myself, via books and youtube videos. Just for fun, not for any other reason. I’m also going through my personal library trying to reduce the number of books I have and clear some space on the shelves… I’m about 1/2 way through that. I also listen to audio books to fall asleep – falling asleep can be an issue for me.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I have several short stories, as does my husband, that we’d like to do something with one day but right now we are working at releasing our cookbook, followed by a gardening guide book… in a few years.
What is your favorite book of all time?
Shibumi (Trevianian) is my favourite book. I’ve burned through several copies, wearing them out. Lord of the Rings series of course is up there with favourites, as is Clan of the Cave Bear (J. Auel) but On Stranger Tides (Tim Powers) and Startide Rising (David Brin) are so very different, so imaginative that I’ve read them again, and again… and again.
Author Websites and Profiles
Lillian and dave Brummet Website
Lillian and dave Brummet Amazon Profile
Lillian and dave Brummet Author Profile Other Bookseller
Lillian and dave Brummet’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account