The success of a self-help author is defined by the impact their book creates on reader’s lives. Author Bronwen Sciortino has achieved exactly that with two of her books -‘Keep it Super Simple’ and ‘The Economy of Enough’.
In our latest conversation with Bronwen Sciotino, she openly discussed her books, how she turned into a full-time author, her journey afterward, and much more. But, before he we get into that, let us first know a little more about her.
About the Author: Bronwen Sciortino
Bronwen Sciortino is a renowned author and Simplicity Expert from Perth, Western Australia. She published her debut book ‘Keep it Super Simple’ in 2015 followed by her next bestseller ‘The Economy of Enough’ in 2018.
She is your go-to guide for simplifying life and finding profound joy. With nearly two decades of experience, she’s not just a speaker but a beacon of simplicity, helping individuals and organizations carve a path to happiness and success.
Bronwen’s wisdom, shared in her engaging talks and insightful books, centers on reducing stress and unlocking the secrets to a fulfilling life.
As the founder of sheIQ Life Pty Ltd, she champions the art of navigating the complexities of modern existence with grace and ease. Her mission is simple: empower others to reconnect with the essence of life, embracing simplicity for a more meaningful and joyful journey.
Further, author Bronwen Sciortino shared more about her childhood, her writing journey, inspirations, and more interesting things about herself. Let’s get straight to her interesting answers.
Tell us about your parents, kids, and family.
My Dad was an Engineer and my Mum was a qualified teacher and I was the middle of three children. Today, I live with my husband, Jon in Perth, Western Australia and we have two very rambunctious black cats who prove every day the privilege it is for us to live with house panthers.
When and where were you born and brought up?
I was born and raised in Tasmania, Australia. Growing up, whether I was riding my horses in the countryside or walking the dogs, I was surrounded by nature and animals of all types, both domestic and wild.
What were you like at school? Any childhood memory you would like to share?
I was almost always active outside. My life was centered around playing some sport and spending time with my animals. Being at school for me meant having access to a range of sports. I was really lucky that I didn’t find the academic side of school hard because it certainly wasn’t the main focus of my life.
As a child, I didn’t understand the power that being surrounded by pristine nature gave me. With maturity and the benefit of hindsight, now I see the ways that living in that environment gave me my very own private haven of peace, quiet, and seclusion.
What are your educational/professional qualifications?
I have lots of different qualifications. I have a bachelor’s degree in Economics, am a Certified Neuro Linguistics Practitioner, hold an advanced diploma in financial services, have a number of energy management qualifications, and also hold certification in nutrition.
What is your biggest achievement till today?
My life has been so broad and varied and there are so many achievements that I’m proud of but if I have to pick one I would say that it would be having completely broken and successfully put myself back together in a way that supports me but also helps the world.
Which writers inspire you?
The writers who inspire me the most are the ones who share from their souls. They’re not scared of conforming to norms, they’re only interested in providing the world with a different way of seeing things so that everyone has the opportunity to view things from a new perspective.
Writing is stressful at times. How do you relax your mind?
I don’t find writing stressful. I think that’s because I don’t ever try and force words to come out in the way I want them to. get out of the way and set the words free and let them go where they want to and that makes writing very easy for me.
What is your favorite motivational phrase?
‘I’m going to stand outside, so if anyone asks I am outstanding’
I love this because it reminds me that it is the really simple things that make our life extraordinary and that means that we don’t have to struggle or force things to happen, we just need to take small, simple steps and watch the magic happen.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Quit the struggle. There is nothing you have to do, be or achieve to be perfect. You are perfect exactly as you are and you will always find yourself exactly where you need to be.
What books do you like to read personally? What are you reading currently?
I am an eclectic soul so I read from all different genres although I don’t really like anything that’s too violent because I have a very vivid imagination and tend to weave the horror into dreams which isn’t great. The book I’m about to start reading is called ‘Ikigai – The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life’ by Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles.
If you could have been the original author of any book, what would it have been and why?
They’re not really books, but I would have loved to have penned one of Shakespeare’s plays. They’re so full of meaning from so many perspectives and I think really brave for the time that they were written in. Plus, they’ve inspired so many for so long and I think that’s extraordinary.
What made you decide to sit down and actually start writing?
While I was recovering from my breakdown I discovered that I was terrified of writing anything personal down. So, I began journaling to move through this fear. The journaling turned into writing a book and ‘Keep It Super Simple’ was born. You could say I wrote to heal myself and ended up creating in a way that now heals the world.
Do you have a special time to write or how is your day structured?
I am a full-time writer so I spend almost every working day writing. I tend to get most of my energy between 10 am and 2 pm so generally write then, but I often also write earlier in the day as well.
What is the reason you write for; is it for the readers or your own self or some other thing?
Helping and being of service to others has always been a big part of who I am as a person so I honor that by creating products and services that help people to change their lives.
About Books by Bronwen Sciortino
What genre are your books? What draws you to this genre?
My books are a cross between inspirational, motivational, and spiritual. I’m drawn to writing in this genre because it’s an avenue that allows me to create things that can help other people significantly change their lives and that speaks directly to my soul.
What makes ‘Keep it Super Simple’ and ‘The Economy of Enough’ stand out in this genre?
Keep It Super Simple and The Economy of Enough are both books that help people to reconnect with themselves. There are a lot of resources out there that get very busy telling people who they are, what’s wrong with them, and what fixes them.
My books allow the readers to find themselves, understand where they’re at, and then show them how to create small, simple steps that are tailor-made specifically for them.
What was the inspiration behind writing these books?
The original inspiration came from healing my own life, but that then morphed into creating books that could help others take simple, practical, and easy steps to heal their own lives in the way that is perfect just for them.
What should a reader expect from your books?
Honesty, authenticity, inspiration, and motivation are the words most commonly used by people to describe my books. People love that they’re relatable and that they truly show people how they can simply move their lives in a different way.
In your books, you make the reader understand complex life issues in so simple and effortless manner. What was the hardest & the easiest thing while writing these books?
With Keep It Super Simple, the hardest thing was that I was healing myself whilst writing so it was a chaotic and sometimes traumatic experience.
With The Economy of Enough, it was so much easier because I was writing from a place of being healed and I was no longer trying to impose myself on where the words went. I allowed the words to flow with The Economy of Enough and the whole process was so much gentler.
Any special experience about ‘Keep it Super Simple’ or ‘The Economy of Enough’ that you would like to share?
For both of them, the most special moments have been when I have held a published copy of them in my hands for the first time and also when people have shared their experiences with reading them and the impact that they have made in their lives. They’ve both ended up in places I could never have dreamed of and they’re out there healing the world in their own unique ways.
Future Plans
What are your ambitions for your writing career?
I love being a full-time writer. It’s so easy for me to sit with my hands over the keys and let the words flow. I have loved seeing where my words have taken me so far and can’t wait to see what extraordinary opportunities come next.
Are you working on your new project? What will be your next book about?
I’m currently writing a corporate training program to help organizations create a simple health and wellness platform that is tailor-made just for them. Stress, exhaustion, and burnout are out of control and it is time we created solutions that are as unique as the individuals they’re being provided for.
What does success mean to you as an Author?
I rarely use the word success anymore. Instead, I view things from an adventure and explore perspective. I’m always dipping my toe in the water and trying new things to see where they take me. The more I explore, the more opportunities come my way and that’s a great way to live my life.
What are your views on self-publishing and traditional publishing?
I’ve personally only gone down the self-publishing route. It suits the way I work and has given me so much flexibility in what and how I do what I do. I think both are legitimate options, it really comes down to what works for each individual.
One learning that you’d like to pass on to young debut authors.
Never be afraid of where your words want to go. Don’t try to shape them, let them flow and set them free. You’ll be amazed at what comes out and where the words will take you.
