Born and raised in the south of Sweden, Ann is a global mind who enjoys designing, meeting people, facing fears and having coffee. She spent three years in Barcelona before settling down in Switzerland where she currently works and lives.
Image courtesy: Ann Söderblom.
One inspiring thought amongst many that I took from Coffee Cup Philosophy – if you want to write a book, you can, just by using ten minutes a day. When did you start your book and did you follow your own advice?
I started about three years ago and I didn’t write ten minutes a day, but an hour here, five minutes there, whenever I could in small batches.
Why did you choose the independent publishing route?
I’ve read a lot about book publishing. I follow an author called Seth Godin and I realised that if as an unpublished author I go to a big publishing house, I have no track record. So if I can show some sales and a readership, I might be in a better position to get a deal.
You’ve brought out your first book in hardback. Why not paperback or ebook?
Because a hardback feels like a real book to me. But I’m thinking about ebooks for the future.
Image courtesy: www.soderblomdesign.com
www.coffeecupphilosophy.com
Who is your target audience?
Somebody who is not happy in their job, stuck in the 9-to-5 situation, who feels they want to do something that fits more to their personality, skills and interests. I hope I can suggest a way to break out of this social structure that we’re taught from a very young age.
You write to inspire others. Who inspires you?
I read a lot in the self-help, personal development area and also entrepreneurship. I mentioned Seth Godin but I also like Robin Sharma.
The 4-hour Work Week by Tim Ferris. Loving What Is by Byron Katie.
Where did the title come from?
I had different alternatives but I was designing a coffee cup and realised this ties into the book. You can sit down with a blank piece of paper, remove distractions and think about your life. Are you going the way you really want to go?
Designer, writer, inspirational speaker – who is the real Ann Söderblom?
I like to think unconventionally. There are a lot of ways to relieve daily suffering, by having discipline to work for your goals, but also not forgetting to live through the little things. Read in the sun. Have a cup of coffee.
Where can we buy the book?
On the website for now, but later in bookshops. But people can download the first 30 pages as a taster.
What next?
I’m planning some talks about the books. People everywhere are searching for a way to break free of the mould, but how will I find them? I’m still in the process of figuring that out.
Ann’s book – Coffee Cup Philosophy – is out now.
www.coffeecupphilosophy.com
www.soderblomdesign.com
