Can you guess which questions I’m most frequently asked through social media and after speaking engagements? Well, here they are:

1. How do you get your teeth so white?
2. How did you become a professional speaker?
3. How old are you?
4. How did you get your books published?
5. Are you always this positive?

I’m answering these questions here for two reasons: One, maybe you’ve wanted to ask me one, some, or all of these questions because you’re curious . . . in which case I’m happy to appease your curiosity! Two, maybe you’ve wanted to ask me one, some, or all of these questions because you want something similar (to get published or to become a speaker, for instance.) My brief answers could possibly reveal your next step.

Here are the answers to those five FAQs:

1. How do you get your teeth so white?

I’m not kidding; I get asked this regularly—even from random people while I’m out shopping! Usually, after getting this question, I cover my mouth because the person who asked starts staring at my teeth! (If I’ve just finished eating salad or broccoli, I’m guessing there’s something stuck in there!)

Answer:

Activated Charcoal Powder. I noticed a big difference right away when I started using it. My dentist commented on the whiteness of my teeth during a recent check-up and I told him I was using the charcoal powder. He gave me some important advice. He told me not to scrub or brush my teeth with it because we only have a thin layer of tooth enamel and it doesn’t get replaced when it’s worn down. He suggested to dab the powder on, let it stay on the tooth for a moment to absorb any stains, and then rinse gently with water. (So I only use the powder not the toothpaste.)

I also use Crest White Strips from time to time. It’s less messy.

Note: Try these suggestions at your own risk! LOL. I’m not a dentist nor do I play one on TV. I’m only telling you what I do.

2. How did you become a professional speaker?

The entire story about how I became a professional speaker is interesting and funny, but it’s long, so I’ll save the full answer for a future blog post. In the meantime, here’s the short version.

Answer:

I’ve had a passion for speaking since I was a little girl. I won several public speaking awards and speech competitions by the time I was 12 years old.

When I was in my 20’s, I attended a seminar and realized the woman delivering the seminar was getting paid to speak! That’s when I realized I could actually make a living doing what I love! I asked her what she would suggest I do to become a professional speaker. She suggested I join Toastmasters. So, that’s what I did.

If you’re thinking about becoming a professional speaker or even if you simply want to improve your speaking skills, I highly recommend joining Toastmasters. Here’s the link to the Toastmasters website so you can get more information and find a club near you.

3. How old are you?

I’m usually asked this question after people find out both of my daughters are in their 20’s.

Answer:

Never mind. Hahahaha! Next question . . . okay, I’m 49 . . . next!

4. How did you get your books published?

Getting my first book published involved about two years of rejection letters and a lot of creativity. I’ll write a separate blog post on this down the road because, while that story is inspiring, it’s also a little long, and I’m keeping the answers to these FAQs as short and sweet as possible. Here’s the short answer about one of the steps I took.

Answer:

When I was looking to get my first book published I bought the following two books:

1. Jeff Herman’s Guide to Book Publishers, Editors, and Literary Agents

This book has the names and contact information of thousands of literary agents and more than 350 publishers. When I was ready to start approaching literary agents, I circled every contact listed in the book as being interested in my genre, and I began sending out my book proposal.

That brings me to the second book I purchased:

2. Write the Perfect Book Proposal: 10 That Sold and Why

I used this book to help me craft my first book proposal. After two years of rejection letters, I was published by one of the largest publishers of self-help books in North America. If you’re looking to get published and you believe in your writing—don’t ever give up!

5. Are you always this positive?

Answer:

I have always been more of an optimistic, look on the bright side, kind of person. My mom told me I was born smiling.  My blood type is actually B+ (“be positive.”) Corny but true!

However, I did have a bout of depression about a year ago. It was a very difficult and incredibly painful time. I felt hopeless. One day, my friend and pastor of the church I attend, called me on the phone and said, “Denise I need to speak with you in my office.”

I hadn’t reached out to him for help. He reached out to me. (That’s was God’s hand for sure.) During that meeting he asked, “Denise, on a scale of 1-10, where do you think your life is right now?”

I just burst into tears and I said, “I think it’s at a one.”

He said, “Oh, I would have given you at least a four.” That made me laugh for a moment and lightened the mood. That meeting was the first step in getting my life turned around and back on track. Our conversation sparked just enough hope that I was able to take a step and another step and then another out of the darkness and into the light.

Today, I can honestly say, I am fulfilled! I have vision, clarity, and purpose. I feel like my positive self again.

Looking back, I’m glad I endured that season of difficulty. It provided me with a deep understanding of what others are feeling during their own seasons of difficulty. I know what it feels like now for people who have lost hope. I’m also thankful because it strengthened me and equipped me with lessons on how to get out of the dark place I was in – and I did figure out how! Now I have the experience and authority to pass these strategies along to help you!

I wrote about this journey and give those strategies in my latest book titled: How to Create an Extraordinary Life: Three Surprising Truths You Need to Know.

You can get a free PDF of the book! I’ll be sending it out to my subscribers by October 17th. You need to get on the list to get your free copy. Just scroll up to the top of my website here and look for the light blue bar that says: Get Free Strategies to Find CALM. Fill in your name and email address and you’ll automatically be sent a free copy next week. (I apologize if the “free copy” option isn’t available by the time you read this post. I’m making this book available for free on a limited time basis only, and then it will be available for purchase through the regular channels. Make sure you get on the list today so you don’t miss out!)

There you have it! The answers to the five questions I’m most often asked Thank you for being a part of my journey here . . . I hope these answers appeased your curiosity and/or helped you with direction on your next step for creating an extraordinary life!

All my best,

Denise

(P.S. Make sure you get on the list to get that free PDF of my new book: How to Create an Extraordinary Life: Three Surprising Truths You Need to Know. Just scroll up to the top of my website here and look for the light blue bar that says: Get Free Strategies to Find CALM. Fill in your name and email address and you’ll automatically be emailed your free copy on October 10. It will take only a moment of your time; best for you to do it now—the “free copy” is a time-sensitive offer.)