On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment eBook magazine UK“, Dana Caspersen discusses her new book, Conflict Is An Opportunity, written to help people take constructive action, even in stressful situations.
Written by JJ Barnes
I interviewed Dana Caspersen about her life and career, what inspired her to write her new book, Conflict Is An Opportunity, and her writing process.
Tell me a bit about who you are.
My name is Dana Caspersen. I am a conflict engagement specialist and for the first half of my life I worked as a professional dancer. My main interest lies in helping people build the skills and mindset needed to navigate conflict effectively. My new book Conflict Is an Opportunity: 20 Fundamental Decisions for Navigating Difficult Times is a practical tool designed to help people take constructive action, even in stressful conflict situations.
When did you first WANT to write a book?
I was encouraged to write my first book by Joost Elffers, a brilliant book producer, designer, and a man of persuasive enthusiasm. At first, I didn’t take his suggestion seriously– I was just starting my master’s degree in conflict studies and mediation and didn’t feel ready. A few years later, I injured my foot and couldn’t dance for a few months. During that time, I decided to give writing a shot. By then, I did want to write a book, as I had started working with people in conflict situations and I found that they were looking for an accessible, straightforward guide to remind them of the principles that they want to focus on. As I didn’t know a book that I could recommend, I decided to try to write it myself.
When did you take a step to start writing?
As mentioned above, my injury gave me the time and opportunity to begin writing.
How long did it take you to complete your first book from the first idea to release?
My first book, Changing the Conversaton: The 17 Principles of Conflict Resolution, took about 5 years start to finish.
How long did it take you to complete your latest book from the first idea to release?
My second book, Conflict Is an Opportunity: 20 Fundamental Decisions for Navigating Difficult Times took roughly 8 years.
Focusing on your latest release. What made you want to write Conflict Is An Opportunity?
I wanted to offer a way for people to practice their approach to conflict in advance. This book is a tool to help readers recognize the decisions they’re already making in every conflict and empower them to make those decisions consciously.
What were your biggest challenges with writing Conflict Is An Opportunity?
Writing the chapter on power was particularly challenging for me. It was also a very rewarding process, as it required that I take a good look at my own beliefs and habits around power. I realized that I had been conflating power with manipulation, which limited my understanding of the different kinds of power we can access. This shift in perspective allowed me to explore how we can build power collaboratively, even across perceived divides in conflict.
What was your research process for Conflict Is An Opportunity?
My research involved extensive reading and many years of work with individuals and groups navigating conflict.
How did you plan the structure of Conflict Is An Opportunity?
This book is centered around 20 key decisions that we encounter in every conflict, and a practice for making those decisions consciously. These decisions create a framework to help readers approach conflict from multiple angles, recognizing it as a fluid system of interactions rather than a fixed structure.
The book is divided into three sections, each focusing on a critical aspect of conflict: the internal, the interpersonal, and the structural. By understanding these levels, readers can gain clarity about the nature of their conflict and make more effective decisions.
Did you get support with editing, and how much editing did Conflict Is An Opportunity need?
The lengthy writing process—extended by the pandemic and other factors—allowed me to do many rewrites and gather feedback from numerous readers. By the time the manuscript reached the design and editing phase, it was in good shape, requiring only minor notes from my editor. Collaborating with Joost Elffers Books on the book’s design further streamlined the text for clarity.
What is the first piece of writing advice you would give to anyone inspired to write a book?
Just start writing. The best advice I received was from Joost Elffers when I began my first book. He suggested I create a table of contents and write a short section—just a few paragraphs—for each chapter. This process helped me organize my ideas and see how they fit together.
Can you give me a hint about any further books you’re planning to write?
I’m currently exploring ideas for a guide on collaborative work and how to consciously shape events and situations to foster clear, powerful communication and interactions.
And, finally, are your proud of your accomplishment? Was it worth the effort?
I’m thrilled with the feedback I’ve received from readers, who find the book to be a practical and effective tool for personal growth and managing critical conflict situations. Bringing these ideas together into a cohesive handbook was absolutely worth the effort.
Pop all your book, website and social media links here so the readers can find you:
Apple Books: https://apple.co/4kwy3N2
Kindle: https://amzn.to/3SeuJdq
Paperback: https://amzn.to/3FdkJhA
Hardcover: https://amzn.to/3FbxskT
Website: https://www.danacaspersen.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dana-caspersen/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dcaspersen/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DanaCaspersen/
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