Book Divas

Wonder what the stars say about your Boss from hell? Want to know how astrology can help you outwit conniving coworkers, deal with office politics or manage slacker staff? If you are looking for ways to outwit your coworkers, slacker staff and that Boss from hell, Hazel Dixon Cooper is here to help you!

Book Divas had a chance to catch up with Hazel, author of the new book, Work on a Rotten Day, a new astrology book published by Globe Pequot Press. You may already be familar with Hazel -- she is Cosmopolitan.com’s Astrologer and the author of the internationally best-selling astrology books Born on a Rotten Day, Love on a Rotten Day, and Friends on a Rotten Day. She is a professional astrologer, teacher of astrology, and a research member of the American Federation of Astrologers. See what Hazel has to say and be sure to read to the end of the interview to see how YOU can win a copy of Hazel's new book! (Hint: You need to be registered to post a comment. It's quick, easy, & free!! Click here to register if you are not already a member)

1. It can be a challenge for young adults to identity a career they desire and find their footing in the work world. How do you think astrology will help uncover and succeed on a career path?

Astrology is a wonderful self-knowledge tool. Everyone has a talent and something to offer; astrology can help you uncover yours. It is a way to help people learn more about their personality and their character, especially in terms of one’s Sun sign. Exploring one’s Sun sign can help reveal natural talents and abilities that can help you in your career. Astrology can also validate what you might have been thinking about in terms of career choices and confirm a career path.

2. You’ve been a professional astrologer for more than 25 years now and became an author in the process. Can you tell us about how you decided to branch out into writing books?

I have loved astrology since I was a kid. It always fascinated me, especially after having my own chart read by a professional astrologer. I read tons of astrology books then started doing charts for my friends and family members as a way to learn.

I began my writing career by with a humorous weekly horoscope column for a local news magazine. That led to the idea of writing a book based on the dark side of your personality, instead of how good you are. Other sources typically tell you how wonderful you are through your horoscope and readings of your sign. But taking the approach of telling the ‘bad stuff’ and with humor was both a challenge and great fun. I took the approach of saying, “You are rotten, and everyone you know is rotten.” Writing about astrology can be dry, but combining it with humor makes it both entertaining for readers and easier to learn.

3. All of your books take a unique spin on astrological signs and seem to use one’s sign as a way to empower readers. How did you come to choose this approach to your writing about astrology?

I think people take themselves much too seriously, but we love to laugh at the quirks of our family and friends. My first book, Born on a Rotten Day, takes a look a various relationships focuses on relationships in general and a jab at the reader. Love on a Rotten Day focuses on the dark side of romance. Friends on a Rotten Day is primarily about women’s friendships. In all of my books, including Work on a Rotten Day, I use humor and I also use plain language. We all need to laugh at ourselves now and then.

4. We have lots of aspiring writers in our online community. What do you think is the hardest thing about being a writer?

Sitting down and doing the writing. It sounds simplistic, but it’s not. I once met John Dufresne, who is a wonderful writer, and he said that the first rule of writing is to just sit down in the chair. To sit there and focus is essential. You train yourself to go into writer mode. Write every day! If it is 500 words one day and 10 words the next day, that’s okay. It’s the constant commitment that counts. Don’t edit yourself. This kills your creativity. Forget the punctuation or spelling. You can always go back to edit and shape your work. If possible, join local writers’ group or online writers’ group, and try to attend a few writer conferences. Read what you write. Know your genre.

To dedicate time to write is a challenge, especially when you have a family and a day job as most people do. However, I recently read an article that said Americans spend an average of 5 hours a day watching television. That’s not including the time most of us spend social networking. Once you make writing a priority, you can find the time.

5. Which astrological signs are particularly strong when it comes to the skills and talents necessary to be a writer?

Any sign can be a successful writer. Gemini is the sign of communication. However, many Gemini are not writers. Pisces usually have an artistic or creative imagination, but that doesn’t make every Pisces a good writer. The Sun sign is only the first layer in discovering a person’s potential. There are famous writers in each Sun sign. Talent is only the beginning. The main thing is commitment. You must be dedicated to learning your craft and persistent.

6. So far your books have covered the topics of love, friends, and now work. Any ideas what your next book topic might cover?

I do have some new book ideas rattling around in my brain. However, at the moment I intend to focus on resuming my private astrology practice by the end of the year. I’ve had so many requests for private consultations and I love to work one-on-one with people.

7. We are thrilled to have you become a part of our community through this interview. Can you tell us what makes you a Book Diva?

I’m thrilled to be your guest and appreciate you inviting me to do this interview. I am a Book Diva because I’ve read all my life. My parents were avid readers. I love getting lost in a novel and losing track of time. You can learn anything from non-fiction. I always have a stack of books on the nightstand. I love getting into bed at night when it’s just me and the story and the rest of the world falls away.

Book Divas and Hazel Dixon-Cooper will be giving away one signed copy of her book, Work on a Rotten Day, to a Book Diva who posts a question or comment in response to this interview. BookDivas.com will select the winner and the book will be mailed to your home address. Deadline is November 1st, so, post away!