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INTERVIEW: Jacqui Clarke Says So Many Doors Have Opened to Her Since Becoming an Author
- Christina Boyd
- 7 hours ago
- 5 min read
CHRISTINA: I met so many wonderful authors in April at the Chanticleer Authors Conference in Bellingham, Washington. I was amazed at how far writers had traveled to the Pacific Northwest: from all across North America, Barbados, Europe, and even Australia. Yes, author and wealth management expert Jacqui Clarke had traveled from Australia to give her presentation titled "Your Author Business: Ten Ways to Prevent Business Failure." Such good reminders for serious authors to run their writing careers like a business, not a hobby. Later that Saturday evening, she won awards for her book titled Stop Worrying About Money. It's a smart, no-nonsense book that everyone should read, no matter how much you have now or plan for in the future.
When did you first think you had a book to write, and how did you start?
JACQUI: Love this question. A significant career change prompted me to reflect on my life, what my legacy might look like, and how I could share my financial wisdom with more people. I had a business coach who was challenging me on this topic, and it just came up that a book was the best way to do this. I did resist this for a while as it felt a little cliché. I literally started calling people I knew who had published a book just to get some insight into the secrets of the publishing industry. So, for me, it was an exploration into what writing and publishing was all about. I was definitely coming from a zero base. I had not hung out with authors at all! I had never written anything beyond an essay for university or a fancy email or piece of advice to a client, so I had a fair bit to learn. The craft of writing a non-fiction finance book requires a unique style that I did not initially appreciate. You might laugh, but my exploration journey also included a “book coach” who could help me design a book that appealed to publishers and consumers alike. Clear practical storytelling and examples to get the reader to examine their own financial hygiene!
CHRISTINA: Financial hygiene. Now that's a phrase to remember. And your road to publishing is incredible, especially when you hit it out of the ballpark on your first go. Well done, you!
What do you wish you had known before you started writing a book?
JACQUI: Oh my god. Where do I start? There are two very distinct aspects to this author's journey. One: I had totally underestimated the time and attention required for social media and marketing. It wasn’t even on my radar. I just wanted to write a book that would help people! It's like you have a well-structured plan to write a book, then you need a well-structured plan to market your book and market it and market it! I remember one family member joking to another family member, “Did you know she has a book coming out?” Very tongue-in-cheek, of course.
Two: No one told me how many doors would open once I became an author. My life now has so many beautiful branches to it as a result of joining this global community of authors. Exceptionally talented deep thinkers, welcoming and diverse people, I love it. I am now interviewed on a podcast every other week. I really enjoy this and would never have expected this.
CHRISTINA: I think no matter the publishing path these days, authors are having to do a lot more marketing for themselves.
How has the publishing industry changed since you started?
JACQUI: Massively. And continues to change and adapt, a lot more hybrid and self-publishing options are available now. Traditional publishing is definitely struggling, and it seems only celebrity ghostwritten books make money. I expect to see more disruption in the business models. I just hope we can keep bookstores open!
CHRISTINA: That is good to know. I know a lot of nonfiction writers. I think they will find that especially interesting.
What is your current project or latest release?
JACQUI: One: The audiobook adaptation of Stop Worrying About Money is due for release September 7, 2025, so that’s pretty exciting! (Pre-orders available now!)
Two: The wheels are turning on writing a book to assist people with preparing for retirement; it may be called “Retire Right” or “Stop Worrying About Retirement.” Watch this space.
CHRISTINA: Not that you asked my opinion, but I think "Stop Worrying About Retirement" might marry best with your first book. I can see them sitting next to each other on the shelf quite easily.
Have you gone on an author pilgrimage or research trip? Where and what was the most memorable moment?
JACQUI: Attending the Chanticleer Authors Conference (Bellingham) 2025 was out of this world in terms of “not my normal thing to do,” and boy, did we get a pleasant surprise. Meeting fabulous people/authors from all around the world, all at various stages of their author journey, writing all difference genres (including the lovely Christina!) And of course, picking up the Harvey Chute Grand Prize for Business and Finance Non-Fiction felt like our own little Academy Awards program.
CHRISTINA: I couldn't believe how far many traveled for that event. That was exciting to hear your name called. Congratulations!
Best advice for new writers:
JACQUI: Plan, plan, plan! And budget. Now, it's about your audience. Authors are working on building their audience a lot more than ever before. How are you building yours? And don’t forget the gazillion Instagram followers are owned by Meta, not you, so what are you doing to build your audience and own it, ie., mailing list/Substack subscribers/blogs, etcetera?
CHRISTINA: So far, what is your greatest accomplishment as a writer?
JACQUI: Having my book traditionally published felt like a huge accomplishment. Having said that, this has been surpassed by winning not one but three international awards. Pretty cool stuff, and it's what my network seems to remember!
CHRISTINA: That is pretty cool stuff!
What are you reading now?
JACQUI: Beyond Anxiety by Martha Beck and Long Island Compromise by Taffy Brodesser-Akner, and I have a pile of books I want to read. I also love paper, so I often buy the book, then buy the Kindle version so it's easier to read at night when I’m in bed! Naturally supporting authors.
CHRISTINA: Thank you so much for your time to share your publishing story as well as answer some of my nosey questions. I am off to pre-order the audiobook now. I love audiobooks. I don't know where, but I hope to meet you again. Best wishes on your next projects.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jacqui Clarke, an International award-winning author of Stop Worrying About Money, is a trusted advisor, board member (to both listed and private companies - including Chair of SMEG), executor and veteran business executive. As a personal wealth and money management expert with over three decades of experience, 25 years at Deloitte and PWC, she has helped high-net-worth families, individuals, and business owners to build, manage, and preserve their wealth. Her message is simple: with careful planning and effort, you can manage your money, so it doesn’t manage you.
Qualifications: Fellow Chartered Accountant - FCA, Chartered tax advisor CTA, Graduate from the Institute of Company Directors GAICD, Tax Agent, and JP.
You can read a FREE SAMPLE CHAPTER here.
