Black History Month Author Spotlight: Elizabeth A. Carter, Ph.D
Autherine Publishing is committed to creating more diversity in the publishing industry by supporting both emerging and established authors. In honor of Black History Month, we are amplifying the voices of black authors by featuring 28 emerging authors. Please read their stories and continue to follow their writing journey.
Dr. Carter, congratulations on your book and thank you for stepping into our Black History Month Author Spotlight. Please introduce your latest book to our audience.
Being a leader is a scary thought. You are responsible for individuals who are not related to you and whom you cannot control 100%. This group of people does not look like you, think like you, talk like you, or have the same interests as you. These people may not even like you. Yet, somehow, you have to get them to follow you. Most of these same statements hold true for your role when you are being led. There is someone responsible for leading you. You cannot control, speak, or even think like that person. How can we effectively survive to do and be our best every day?
My latest book, Gaining A.C.C.E.S.S. to Lead Others: 14 Activities Critical to Continuous Evolution & Success for Self, shines a spotlight on the three elements that have helped, hindered, and heightened my journey in leadership: chemistry, confidence, and communication. I am very transparent and share personal stories of working in corporate America with the goal of having the reader learn from my mistakes and grow from the activities I share. This is the second book in my LEAP series, where I empower women the tools to leap from where they are today to a higher mountain of success.
Why was it important for you to write this story?
As a black woman leader working in finance, where the demographics of that population are in the single digits, I wanted to inspire and provide equity for those who may not have coaches, mentors, or allies. Sometimes situations happen to us that may not happen to the majority population, which may restrict our upward progression in our careers.
Describe your writing process or writing schedule.
I try to set a date as a milestone to publish my book. Then I create a timeline and determine how many hours a week I will set aside to write. I also review my calendar for other commitments; work events, speaking events, professional/board meetings, etc. which could shift that milestone date. I found evenings and weekends at an off-site location, like Barnes and Noble, was the best because I could be 100% focused on writing. With COVID, I have been at home where there are many distractions, so my current writing schedule is off track.
Who is your favorite black author and how has that author inspired your writing journey?
I enjoyed the writing of Terry McMillan, stories about women overcoming challenges. My book provides a similar context, but from a ‘working woman in corporate’ standpoint.
What words of advice do you have for aspiring authors?
Just start. Begin with an outline, and then set aside time every day and fill in some of the pieces. I thought my books had to be the length of War and Peace, but shorter books are popular now.
People want solutions to problems, regardless of if you do that in a fiction or non-fiction way, some one will appreciate your story.
What has been the most challenging part of the writing or publishing journey?
Not having the motivation to write. Even though I set my timelines, have a notebook with ideas, outlines, quotes, etc., if my spirit is not moving me to write, I do not force it. Writing should be fun, not a chore.
What is next on your journey and how can we support your book?
In 2021, from a writing perspective, I will be a co-author for at least 2 books, and will write the next book in my LEAP series. I am also a speaker and that schedule has increased. I am working to leverage my book through that venue. I am always looking for ways to promote my books. Being an introvert, I am well outside of my comfort zone, but I am learning a lot. Always open to receiving additional tricks and trades of social media.
Please continue to follow Dr. Carter’s journey on her website: https://www.eac-aappeal.com/. Her book is available on Amazon https://amzn.to/2TmvW3A.
Autherine Publishing is an independent, minority-owned publisher that specializes in books and educational materials that are culturally diverse with a preference for books that teach and inspire (self-help, memoirs, poetry, life and business instructional). EXPLORE OUR SERVICES. We are also the parent company of the Island Mindful Path, which publishes inspirational courses and products. We can help with all of your publishing needs including, book coaching, idea development, manuscript editing, cover design, production, book promotion and ghostwriting. We are committed to transforming your story into your legacy! Contact us if you have additional questions. Follow on Instagram.
