CO-OPERATION CAN SPARK THE SPIRIT
by Karla Darocas

For many women over 50, they forget about the flame of their youth and the vibrancy of what good health can bring to their lives. It takes persuasive people like author Nina Bagnall to reignite that spark. In her book, Looking Good Feeling Great Ladies 50 And Over, Nina offers a selection of suggestions and helpful tips to inspire, motivate and assist women to revitalize that ember!

From her Costa Blanca retreat, Nina Bagnall shares with us some informational insights on how co-operation has played a role in her life, and her writing.

BRIEF PROFILE
Name: Nina Bagnall
Nationality: British
Current Living / Working Location/s: England/Spain
Type of Enterprise/s:  A writer/Author
Year/s in Operation:  4 years
Do you consider yourself an artist, entrepreneur, deal-maker, educator, investor - all or none of the above? Please briefly explain... I am an educator, in health and fitness for mature women.

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Q: How have you found living in Spain? Do you find the Expat community co-operative? Do you find the local Spanish community co operative?

A: Our time in Spain has been most delightful, moving around to see the different areas, both South and North.

We English can be lazy, when it comes to learning other languages, but our experience of the Spanish people, is that providing you try and speak a little Spanish, they are more than friendly with you and if they can help you they will.

Q: When writing your book, was your family and friends co-operative about the whole thing? Who gave you the most co-operation?

A: My husband was very supportive, but to be fair, if the rest of my family had known of what I was involved with, they too would have given their support.

Q: How did you get on with your editor and publishers? Were they co operative? Were there any funny stories that came about due to their full / lack - of co-operation?

A: Because this was my first experience into this world of editing and publishing I was a little daunted to say the least, but everyone was extremely helpful to bring the book to its published format.

An agency in America picked up my manuscript and offered to market it to publishers, but prior to this the book had to have a critique review, which came back, excelling my greatest expectations. The lady was so complimentary, suggesting with the correct marketing strategy it would be a big hit.

The editors and publishers were brilliant and so very helpful, acknowledging I was a novice, yet in no way condescending.

We had such fun with the edit. I had been asked if I wanted the book published in English or American English. Without hesitation told them American English, after all it was being published in America!  Backwards and forewords the manuscript went flying to America and back here in Spain, with little misunderstanding on both sides.  Once the text block was completed, it went to the art department for book cover. Black cover with pink silhouette in my mind was classy and the finished published copy turned out proving me correct.

Q: What advice would you give an aspiring writing that was looking for a little co-operation with accomplishing their goals and objectives?

A: To become a writer, first you must have an idea, and then develop it over time. It is important not to be in a rush, for the end manuscript will require many hours of review. Also, it can be frustrating to find someone that will be willing to take on first time authors and even then it is an extremely slow industry. “Patience they say is a virtue”. It is necessary to have it in abundance. 

Q: Would you co operate with others to write another book? Perhaps there is another book in the works now?

A: I have already finished a children’s book, which is waiting publication. My energies at this moment in time are to write another health book for all age groups. 

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