Creator Spotlight: Meet the Novelist, Todd Cornell

Flowcode creator spotlight showcases the talents and skills from our community. From businesses to individuals, there are millions of  creators. Today, get to know Todd Cornell. We spoke with him about his work, his journey, and how he uses QR technology for his business and promoting his new book.
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Hey Todd, thanks for taking the time to chat — could you introduce yourself?

My name is Todd Cornell. For over 20 years, I resided, studied, and worked in Taiwan, Hong Kong and Mainland China. I speak and read fluent Mandarin Chinese. During my business career, I worked for multiple global corporations in cross-cultural management positions.

The languages and cultures of China fascinate me. I read the Dao, Yi Jing - Book of Changes, and other Eastern philosophies and Buddhist texts in Chinese and practice Anapanasati meditation based on the teachings of the Venerable Kong Hai, a Taiwanese monk.

Now, I teach Mandarin, write, and support small American businesses with communications in their China business endeavors.

That’s such an interesting background — what’s a fun fact about you?

I have a BA in Mongolian Language and Literature from Inner Mongolia University, Inner Mongolia, China. I spent a summer living in the grasslands of Inner Mongolia. I herded sheep, and lived in a yurt with a Mongol family, experiencing the life of the average Mongolian herder.

When did you decide you wanted to be a teacher?

I've always had a desire to teach and help others. I have a non-profit Buddhist meditation organization, Mindful Fort Collins, where I began teaching mindfulness, and that's where the first The Heart Of China book was born from. But the opportunity to become a real teacher came when I was living in Wyoming, and the school district of the town I lived in offered me a job as a Chinese/Spanish teacher. Originally, I was going to receive my teaching license, but that never happened. Though, I did get my M.Ed., which officially made me a teacher!
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Did becoming an author come natural after that decision?

Becoming an author was something that I had wanted to do long before becoming a teacher. After moving to China, I began to write and keep a diary with the idea of writing about China later. I have written a lot of articles and blog posts. My first book was actually taken from my graduation thesis from a Chinese university where I received a BA in Mongolian Language and Literature. I devised a full conjugation system for the Mongol verb that had never been discovered previously. So, I took my thesis and made it into a book, 99 Mongolian Verbs. But, I have a lot of writings that will eventually become books. My next book in The Heart Of China Series will have more to do with the I Ching. Presently, I am finishing up a book on Mandarin Chinese phonetics and pronunciation.

It’s really cool to see how you incorporate QR technology into your work — when did you discover Flowcode and how?

I have been usingFlowcode since January 2022 and found it when I was looking for QR code providers to add to my website and other marketing materials. I was impressed with the range of tools and usages that Flowcode offers and felt it was my best choice after researching and trying other QR code options.

How are you using Flowcode now?

I created a Flowcode , built a Flowpage , and also have a Flowtag on the back of my mobile to quickly share the Flowpage for my book. I like that my Flowpage can double as a landing page for my book and give fast and easy access to readers building awareness. With Flowtag, this can be done by simply scanning the Flowtag or sharing the Flowcode link via FTL.
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Now that you've been using Flowcode for a while, how has it helped your business?

Flowcode has given me the opportunity to create a basic landing page for on-the-spot marketing and done it in a way that can be branded for my business and used in virtually any situation.

That's great to hear! What’s the most interesting way you’ve used QR codes?

Out in public, I find that my Flowtag has always come in handy when discussions lead to opportunities to share my book information in the midst of a conversation.
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Why should authors use QR codes?

Flowcode has been a great tool for promoting my book online and in-person. The possibilities are for authors to take advantage of this simple tool for book publishing is a no-brainer. Each of my books will have a Flowcode printed on the back cover, or inside back page, to share more about my books, upcoming and published, including social media and other community-building opportunities.
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We agree! Thanks so much for taking the time to chat, Todd! If you'd like to get your hands on Todd's new book -head right here!