Lillian and her husband Dave are the team behind 6 published books and a drum teaching studio, happily high-fiving each other as they cross paths to check off one item or another on their long to-do list. Her business includes Dave’s music studio and percussion accessory products and graphic design work, as well as numerous award-winning nonfiction books and popular blogs. Today we’re helping you celebrate the latest release of her book: From One Small Garden, with over 300 delicious and nutritious recipes!
Q: What are the biggest surprises you have encountered as a writer?
D: The surprise was that work only increases after your book is published. As a self-promotion team, we have to do everything possible so that the book attracts the attention of the audience we want to reach. Of course, this was different decades ago, when a publisher could be involved in this, but the world of books has changed. Unless you are a big name, you will be alone most of the time and it can be intense. You need to have a well thought out plan and stick to it to get noticed. Flexibility is the key – always be ready to adapt to whatever comes your way. It will keep you packable and ready for anything.
Q: What is your proudest moment as a writer?
L: Our Trash Talk series is probably the project I’m most proud of. Through this series, we have influenced people around the world to live more proactively, consciously saving money and reducing resource consumption, while helping their own communities. My proudest moment was when the British Columbia Recycling Council gave us an award for “outstanding use of various media in ongoing outreach work to reduce waste in our environment” and then we were recognized as Community Heroes. by the LiveSmart BC program. Words alone cannot describe how it feels to hear from our former radio listeners and our readers over the years…their stories of how we influenced them to become proactive and make a difference.
Q: What business challenges have you faced as a writer?
D: Learning new software and web design has been a great challenge for me. There is always something to learn in the realm of graphic design, but it is a challenge I love to take on as it only increases my knowledge and ability to do all of our own promotional projects for all aspects of our business.
Q: What is your writer’s philosophy of life?
L: Find a problem that affects people’s lives and the health of the planet, solve the problem, and provide a step-by-step guide for others to follow. For me, the task of making that information appetizing and enjoyable for the reader comes later. For me, writing is a way to leave a positive legacy, to make a difference for others, and to have a lasting impact on the environment.
Q: What is the wisest thing someone has ever said to you?
D: My African friend and percussion mentor David Thiaw once told me, “Share the information I have given you with others to perpetuate the craft of percussion playing. Volunteer and share it with anyone who will listen.” I take this approach with everything I write or teach my students. I founded my drum studio on the premise that absolutely everyone leaves with some knowledge of drums, percussion, or music that they didn’t know before.
Q: When starting a book project, do you choose the title first or does it come after?
D: Sometimes the title may be preconceived, but usually by the time the manuscript is finished the title has undergone some changes. It really depends on the market you want to sell to and also what is relevant to the times. Often by the time you finish your book, someone else may have used a title similar to yours, so you might change it based on that.
Q: What impact do you hope this book will have on the reader?
L: I hope people can reduce food waste and enjoy a more frugal menu plan that is full of fresh, locally grown produce. From One Small Garden encourages the concept of growing food, even if it’s a few pots on the front step or a vine trellis with beans or cucumbers growing, blocking the sun on the terrace. It encourages composting and gives some tips for conserving energy and water. I hope people are healthier and have found ways to stretch their budget based on the ideas we shared in the book.
Find them at: BrummetMedia.ca