Erica Wolfe-Murray Author Interview
Book Luver is delighted to interview author, Erica Wolfe-Murray, on her new book: Simple Tips Smart Ideas
Congratulations on your new book - tell us a bit about it?
Thank you.
Over the last few years, I realized that much of the work I do helping companies to innovate and grow was based on an easy-to-use system combined with imaginative ideas. As there is just one of me, my ability to work with more than a handful of companies was limited, so I poured all I knew into the book, together with a whole host of ideas about how readers could apply this easy system to their business. It’s a workbook, a self-help book – if you like.
I wanted it to be a business book anyone – from any background, running any company – could pick up, flick through to find really useful ideas, they could apply that afternoon, or in a meeting the next day. You don’t have to read it from cover to cover to benefit from it.
And unusually for a business book, it’s full colour throughout, with lots of diagrams you can copy, contemporary case studies, quick tips. I wanted it to look fresh, fun and easy to access. I wanted the reader to understand that the secret to interesting, exciting growth really does lie in their hands, their past experiences. All they need to do is understand how to make the most of their own story.
I also was insistent it was printed on uncoated paper, so it’s easy to scribble notes on it, to annote with your own thoughts. And those who have seen it have commented on how big it is. It’s more like a cookbook, than a business book. Perhaps that’s partly why I’ve been dubbed ‘the ‘Delia’ of business’ which is a wonderful nick-name to be given!
Who do you think your book will appeal to?
Obviously I hope it appeals to anyone with a business, but I wrote it with small and micro company owner/managers and freelancers in mind.
There are 4.6m freelancers in the UK, 5m micro companies - a vast army of people working very hard. But you know – they get little or no support from anyone, few growth grants, they are pretty much on their own. I really admire these people. I’ve met so many of them. The ideas and tips in the book are aimed at helping them to grow their business – whether that’s by £4,000 a year or £40,000. Also, most of the ideas in the book are free to implement, as many businesses of this size have seriously tight budgets.
What kind of books do you enjoy reading?
I’d love to say I was a voracious, wide-ranging reader, but when I sat down to write this, I realized I’m probably not! Reading is definitely in my top three ways to relax, but it is generally with a historical fiction, light sci-fi fantasy book. I love thick long books that I can totally immerse myself in. Bookshop assistants always laugh at me as I buy the thickest, fattest books I can find. And when I like an author, read everything they have ever written.
What is the best piece of business advice you have ever been given?
It wasn’t advice I was given but something I read that had absolute significance for me at that moment. And I have used it extensively since.
One morning I was deliberating over whether I should sign a contract or not… it was going to involve me in considerable cost and the outcome was uncertain. Should I? Shouldn’t I? When I remembered a sentence from psychologist Oliver Burkeman in the previous Saturday’s Guardian magazine – ‘don’t think about what might happen if you take this action, but ask yourself how you will feel if you don’t do it’.
This resonated with me because my life has never been about taking easy routes. I signed.
What are your top 3 books of all time?
Oh this was such a lovely thing to mull over…
During my childhood I read The Little White Horse by Elizabeth Goodge over and over again. I still occasionally pick it up and put myself back in the valley of Silverydew. And it is the reason I always have geraniums growing in my garden.
My second book is Laurence Durrell’s The Alexandria Quartet. I love the construction of these four linked books, the people in them, the setting. I first read it when I was travelling a lot as part of my job so felt I’d met several of the characters but in a different era.
My third and real favourite is A Soldier of the Great War by American author, Mark Helprin. I remember starting it and not quite knowing what to expect. The writing, the visualization is exquisite. As I read it I found it so moving, so beautifully written that I rationed the pages I allowed myself to read at one sitting, because I didn’t want to get to the end. I was going through a very painful phase in my life - this book was my retreat, my secret corner, my emotional hidey hole.
I have lent five, six, seven copies to people over the last 11 or so years since I first read it. And not one copy has ever been given back to me. Which reminds me – I need to buy another copy for myself.
What are you currently reading?
I read two or three books at any one time… At the moment it is 1Q84 by Haruki Murakami. I haven’t got far into it so have no idea where it will take me – an exciting voyage.
In complete contrast I am also part-way through Joyful by Ingrid Fetell Lee. It’s about the power of ordinary things to create very great moments of joy and happiness. As this is how I live my life, it has thrilled me that she has written about it. A paean of praise for tiny things, those little moments of exquisite happiness in your life that make you catch your breath. I’ve always believed that happiness is moments along the journey, not a destination. This book helps me live that better!
