Ivy Gilbert

Tell us a little bit about yourself, your hobbies and interests.

Over the last four decades, I have been very fortunate to have founded and grown several multi-million-dollar companies and start-ups. I have been a CFO, a CEO, and now a full-time SHE-EO. For the past sixteen years, I immersed myself in the hyper-growth industry of solar and renewable energies. I took this company from a startup to one of Florida’s largest solar energy companies, earning recognition as one of INC Magazine's fastest-growing private companies in America and one of Solar Power World's Top Solar Contractors in the United States. While I was involved with all these companies, I also nurtured my creative side by writing several books of my own and dozens more for others. It gives me great pleasure to see how people appreciate my writing, but frankly, I would still write even if no one read my books because it's the process that I truly love. By managing my time well, I have been able to run various businesses and stay fit by playing competitive tennis. Finally, I have been able to see my children become successful adults and experience the love for grandchildren. Building something for the sake of building or simply making more money is not a motivator for me. Building to create more opportunities for others (whether for family or employees) is a much better way to keep me motivated.

When and why did you start writing books?

My first book was published in 1996, and I have written one per year since either as a ghostwriter or under my own name.

What made you decide to tackle writing as a career?

I'm actually an entrepreneur and have started and built several businesses. Over the past 15 years, I dedicated myself to the solar industry; however, my passion is writing, which I do on the side. Although I've written about 10 books of my own, I've written over 25 as a ghost-writer.

Which one of your books or characters is your favourite?

I love my latest book, A Fortress Within. It was my first historical novel and I fell in love with Asa's character. She's feminine, but strong and self reliant.

Which one of your books was the hardest to write and stretched you the most as a writer?

The hardest to write was Unleash Your Inner She-EO, Become the CEO of Your Life, and Achieve Success and Fulfillment. My goal was to help people achieve their goals, but I interjected a lot of my personal experiences into it. Baring so much of yourself is always difficult.

Who is your favourite author and book?

I have so many I don't know if I could pinpoint one, An entire wall in my office is filled with my favorite books.

What book are you reading right now?

Ageless Aging by Maddy Dychtwald and Outlive by Peter Attia. I guess I'm at that age when I want to try and reverse the clock a bit!

Where do you get your inspiration for your books?

Dreams. I tend to dream my books or get the basic premise from dreams, and then it's a matter of putting down what I recalled from the dream onto paper. I find that once I do that, the rest of the book simply flows out of me as I reach each chapter.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

My spare time is spent writing, playing tennis, or spending time with friends and family.

Do you have any new books in the works?

Of Course! My next book will once again be a historical fiction about the Druids.