Author Name:
Lucinda Jackson
Book Titles:
Just a Girl: Growing Up Female and Ambitious
Project Escape: Lessons for an Unscripted Life
Social Media Links:
linkedin.com/in/lucinda-jackson
What is your latest book about?
Both my memoirs focus on my journey to a “remarkable life”—both personally and professionally. The books relate compelling stories loaded with reader take-aways on how to meet obstacles, buck societal norms for career women, and come out the other side with our own definition of success.
What inspired you to write your book?
As a PHD scientist and corporate executive for many years, I saw the unfair treatment of women in male-dominated professions. I wanted to tell my story for my own catharsis and to provide tips to other women on how to navigate the rough waters that are unfortunately common to women (and girls) today.
You’ve been successful in turning your book into speaking engagements. Congratulations! What is your recipe for success that you’d like to share with fellow NFAA members?
One of the best ways authors can reach more readers, sell more books, and eventually increase revenue is by speaking to groups of people. My recipe for success in this area is for an author to:
1. Identify speaking topics based on your book—what are the “larger themes”?
For myself, although both my books are memoirs, I found early-on through writing groups, book events, and conferences that people were interested in the topic—not just my story, but in the actual topic. The first book I wrote before the #MeToo movement, and it was about sexual harassment and succeeding in spite of it in a male-dominated career. When my book came out, interest in this topic was rapidly growing. Corporations, organizations, and universities were struggling with how to address harassment, women empowerment, girls in STEM, female retention in the workplace—and men and women were discussing how to deal with it—so I realized it was a hot topic.
The second book, also memoir, is about leaving a career and dealing with “unscripted” time. Again, as I wrote to tell my story, I realized there was a bigger topic here: retirement. And lots of baby boomers were retiring and wanted to hear more.
2. Take the first steps to get started as a speaker.
Who wants to hear about these themes? Who is your audience? Start with who you know! I am a scientist, so I decided to focus first on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) and research organizations that I knew about. I had been on the board of several STEM organizations, so I contacted them, for example.
3. Locate venues where you can speak locally and nationally.
Reach out, ask, ask, ask. Ask people you know first, “Do you need a speaker? A podcast guest?” Be prepared: “Here’s what I can talk about.” Start small and free. Put together a GREAT presentation with engaging slides to enhance your story. PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE. NEVER leave the event without getting your next gig if possible! In my experience, one gig leads to another and then I do not have to market anymore!
Now that you finished your book, what are your plans for it?
I continue to market my books, and I have expanded my books into workshops that I give all over the US.
What else is next for you?
I am always thinking of new topics that I can speak about. It is fun to keep it fresh, both for myself and for my audience.
Is there anything you’d like to add?
Your book has a wider audience than you might imagine. Brainstorm to get to those “larger topics” that you can take on the road to public speaking and podcasts!
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