An Interview with Glenda Watson Hyatt

I first met Glenda, author of I'll Do It Myself, on the blog My Year of Getting Published. Glenda had been interviewed by Liz as part of her virtual book tour 40 Blogs in 40 Days.
I enjoyed reading Glenda's advice about getting started as a writer and publishing her book and was drawn to her positive attitude.

Through some correspondence with Glenda, we discovered that not only are we both Canadian - we are practically neighbours here in Beautiful British Columbia! I would like to share with you my interview with Glenda and encourage you to sign-up to interview her as well as this is the last week of her virtual book tour (there are still 2 days open).

HC: I just finished reading an excerpt from your book that you posted on your blog sharing with everyone the day you were born. I am in awe of the positive and touching account of your birth. You make no complaints about what happened but express gratefulness that the right specialist was there at the right time to save you - “your angel”. Have you always had this positive attitude towards life or has it developed over time?

GWH: Yes, I am grateful for that specialist; otherwise, I probably wouldn't be here right now and what a shame that would be!
Of course I have had periods of being down, worn out or frustrated, but those times have been momentary. Then I pick myself up, dust myself off and keep on going. Life is too short and precious to waste time in self-pity and anger. It is more rewarding and satisfying to have a positive attitude, which, yes, I believe I have always had.

HC: What advice do you have for others to help them achieve this mental state?

GWH: Focus on what you have by practicing an attitude of gratitude. Tune out the negativity within and around you. Surround yourself with supportive people and positive thoughts and actions. Granted, this takes conscious effort and practice, but, for the most part, it is a choice you make to have a positive mental state.

HC: I wrote a post titled “Boo to the Naysayers” chronicling a negative experience with my writing. Have you had any naysayers on your road to becoming published? How did you handle the situation?

GWH: There probably were naysayers along my journey of writing and self-publishing my autobiography, but I tried not to hear them, not to pay them too much attention. Instead, with the kind words of my extremely supportive husband Darrell, I stayed focused on making my thirty-year-old dream reality. I surrounded myself with encouraging people, positive thoughts and kept going.

HC: As your virtual book tours winds down this week, can you share with us the highlight of the tour, something unexpected, and one thing you wished had gone differently?

GWH: While doing some quick research on virtual book tours, I didn't find anything on expected results or outcomes, so I had no idea what to expect. I have been pleasantly surprised by the response I have received from other bloggers and their willingness to participate in this new concept of a virtual book tour. Meeting new people has definitely been a highlight. In a way, I wish I had been better organized before embarking on this virtual adventure. My blog still had "wet paint" signs ups and had only four interviews lined up when began touring on January 22nd. However, being too organized would have detracted from the excitement in not knowing where the adventure was taking me next. I'm planning to write an ebook, sharing the lessons learned from this virtual book tour and what I would do differently next time. Yes, there will be another virtual book tour!

HC: Do you have other plans to market “I’ll Do It Myself” or are you ready to take a well-deserved break?

GWH: Yes and yes! I'm planning to take a few days off. I have three months' worth of O Magazines to catch up on, as well as exciting tasks like laundry and housework. Then I will see what is next for I'll Do It Myself. I do have two "live" appearances at the end of March. Harmony, thank you for hosting today's appearance of my virtual book tour. I truly appreciate. I would like to invite your readers to follow the final few days of my virtual book tour at www.doitmyselfblog.com.

HC: Thank you again Glenda for spending some time with me. I look forward to our first face-to-face meeting that will hopefully take place later this week.