Karen Putz, otherwise known as The Passion Mentor, is an author and speaker whose mission is to help others unwrap their passions at any age. She is the author of several books, including Living with Passion. For fun, she walks on water.
Karen Putz talks about self-publishing, launching a gift book, and living a passionate life.
What inspired you to write Living with Passion?
I wanted a gift book that I could share with others to inspire passionate living. All around me, I was seeing people who were going through the motions each day and living for the weekends.
What was your process for writing it?
The book is a collection of daily posts from my Instagram feed. I added inspirational paragraphs to each photograph.
What was your favorite part of writing it?
The message for each photograph simply flowed. I become extremely passionate with every book I write, and this one was right from the heart.
In what ways is it different from your other books?
This is a gift book. It is meant to be given to others so that passion can ripple from one person to another.
Why did you go the self-publish route?
Selfish reasons–so that I could maintain complete control of each step of the publishing process and keep each book creatively unique.
Tips for writing non-fiction? For promoting?
If you’re falling asleep during your writing process, your reader will, too. Write with passion. Share your knowledge with passion. Don’t get hung up on perfection or you’ll never deliver.
For promoting, give away large numbers of your books. There are millions of people out there to reach!
Additional advice for writers?
Love what you do, even when you want to tear your hair out.
Favorite three tips for living with passion?
- Passion is unique. Own yours.
- Surround yourself with passionate people. Energy is contagious.
- Be clear on what you’re passionate about, and opportunities will show up. Stay open.
What do you now know that you wish you knew before you started writing books?
Put together a launch team, even for gift books. You need a team around you to spread the word about your book.
Karen was one of the characters who spoke at the #140conf/State of Now in Los Angeles earlier this week.
