Friday, September 28, 2018

Interview with author ERIN COLE


THE SIZE OF EVERYTHING

1.      What inspired you to write a book about overcoming a dysfunctional childhood?
For the longest time, I kept my past a secret… not because I was ashamed, but because I didn’t want anyone’s pity. Eventually I got to a point in my life where I realized that maybe sharing my own story could help others who were experiencing (or had experienced) a similar situation. At the end of the day, we’re all just doing our best to make sense of where we come from and where we are going. If I can help even one person feel better about his or her circumstances, I’ll consider the book a success.

2.      What lessons do you hope readers take from your book?
I really hope that people walk away from The Size of Everything with the knowledge that the only things that truly hold us back are our own limiting beliefs. Sure, some people have a harder path than others, and gruesome things happen in this world. Those are sad realities of life. But if you can say, “You know what? I deserve better,” or “I’m not going to let this thing that happened to me define me forever,” you can change your own course for the better. I believe that in my core and I’m determined to help others see it, too.

3.      How did you rise above your circumstances to become a successful bridal designer?
I guess I was lucky in the sense that even during my darkest days, I was convinced that there was a light at the end of the tunnel, and that things would and more importantly could get better. I realize that not everyone was born with the optimism gene, which is why I hope my story can provide some hope to those who weren’t.

4.      Aren’t you tired of serving the needy commands of bridezillas?
It’s funny, that word isn’t even in my vocabulary! I’m a problem-solver by nature, so if a bride is unhappy or “needy” as you say, my first thought is “okay, what is it going to take to make this woman over-the-moon happy?” I love what I do and I derive great joy in helping brides achieve their wedding-day dreams. I didn’t fall into this industry accidentally; I was drawn to it like a moth to the proverbial flame. Weddings are joyous, momentous, love-filled days. Being a part of that is an honor and a privilege, and I don’t take that lightly.

5.      Bridal design is about creating an illusion to a day people fantasize will be magical, but do brides ever take a realistic approach to a day that many may have to repeat?
Hahahaha I love your cynicism! I have yet to meet a bride who’s said anything remotely like, “Just give me something decent… next time I’ll get the fabulous gown and the stunning jewelry!” Even if there are some chilly feet—which are absolutely normal, by the way--I think weddings are all about hopeful optimism… even when they are second or third marriages! Everyone I meet is looking for their own version of happily ever after, and I’m always right there pulling for them.

6.      Is it a burden to be so beautiful — or is it a great asset?
Now you’re just making me blush! Seriously, that’s an incredible compliment, and a question frankly I don’t know how to answer. So I will say this: I believe happy women are the most beautiful women, and that the two most flattering things anyone can wear are confidence and a genuine, gigantic smile.

7.      What challenges did you have to deal with when writing your book?
Obviously, revisiting some of the more painful parts of my past was difficult. There were times when I’d be writing notes for my co-author Jenna and I’d literally have to stop because I was sobbing. Jenna was amazing about holding my hand through it all—in fact, sometimes she’d call me sobbing after reading my notes and then I’d feel terrible for upsetting her! There were also times when I’d very matter-of-factly tell her about some awful thing that happened, and Jenna would be like, “You know that’s totally messed up, right?” It was hard but also incredibly eye-opening to see my own past through someone else’s lens. Writing this book was both terrifying and liberating, and I’m just so proud of the end result. I hope the world loves it as much as I do.


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Brian Feinblum’s insightful views, provocative opinions, and interesting ideas expressed in this terrific blog are his alone and not that of his employer or anyone else. You can – and should -- follow him on Twitter @theprexpert and email him at brianfeinblum@gmail.com. He feels much more important when discussed in the third-person. This is copyrighted by BookMarketingBuzzBlog © 2018. Born and raised in Brooklyn, he now resides in Westchester. His writings are often featured in The Writer and IBPA’s Independent.  This was named one of the best book marketing blogs by Book Baby http://blog.bookbaby.com/2013/09/the-best-book-marketing-blogs and recognized by Feedspot in 2018 as one of the top book marketing blogs. Also named by WinningWriters.com as a "best resource.” He recently hosted a panel on book publicity for Book Expo America and participated in a PR panel at the Sarah Lawrence College Writers Institute Conference.

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