Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a naturopathic medical doctor who enjoys writing about health, as well as fiction that explores individuality and society’s impact on health. I live in the Pacific Northwest with my family and find rainy days to be perfect for writing and watching movie marathons. My boyfriend, two babies, and cat are all supportive about my writing endeavors, and I think they can tell when I’m having writer’s block. I just have this weird look on my face. They inspire me all the time, and there’s no shortage of excitement and learning in my life thanks to them.
I’ve written four books so far, and one of them is illustrated by me as well. “Picture It: Homeopathy” is an illustrated humorous guide to homeopathic remedies. My second published book is “The Art of Health: Simple and Powerful Keys for Creating Health in Your Life.” I have two fiction titles as well. “Modern Day Fables” is a co-authored (by me and my boyfriend) collection of short stories that contains lessons for adults living in today’s crazy world. “Screen” is a cyberpunk short story, and it’s also the first one featured in the “Modern Day Fables” anthology.
In my clinical practice, I believe that health is not about perfect diets, hours spent at the gym, a magic cure from supplements or pharmaceuticals, or any one particular belief or ideology. It’s life itself, how we treat it and support it, and the courageous actions of the individual in the face of real life challenges. Hey, it’s also about enjoying a life you can call your own. These are the themes I most enjoy writing about. Let’s not give in to the mind fog.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is “The Art of Health: Simple and Powerful Keys for Creating Health in Your Life.” My experience seeing patients in practice is what inspired this book. So many people came in for their first visit expressing to me, “I just don’t feel like myself these days.” I understood how they were feeling, because the world is rough and I knew that feeling myself. I wrote this book to answer, from a health perspective, why it’s so hard for many of us to feel like ourselves in today’s world and society. The book helps explore what each of us can do about it, and how we can create health in an artful way rather than turning it into a burden or a chore. True health takes courage, but we each have this potential within us.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Maybe not unusual, because I can picture other people doing this. I love writing with music in the background or streaming into my ears from headphones. Lately, I’m writing to the tune of the band Twenty One Pilots, from their album “Blurry Face.”
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Ayn Rand definitely influenced me with her book “The Fountainhead.” I’ll never forget reading that book for the first time, and knowing that when it came to work and creativity, I wanted to do it my way. It’s not an easy road to do it your way, and I’m learning that over time. But there’s something about creating a piece of work or building something from the ground up, and saying that you did it.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on a book about acne. I dealt with so much acne in my life, and the way that I got through it was totally unexpected to me. I used my empirical treatment approach for patients I saw in practice, and now I also want to write a book about it so people can try out the methods from the comfort of their own rooms. What’s new or different about my approach? Here’s my hook…I can’t tell you yet! Mainly because I’m exploring this myself through my writing. What I can say is, think mind body.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve used Goodreads a lot, but I don’t know if it’s my best method. What has been most exciting to me is participating in the events and cyber conventions hosted by Angela B. Chrysler at her book and marketing website “Brain to Books” (http://www.braintobooks.com). By signing up for these affordable and creative events, I’ve learned more skills toward marketing my books, and I’ve become inspired to make a dedicated author website, write a blog and review books, and overall just get more jazzed about marketing rather than full of trepidation toward it.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Someone told me once, and I believe it’s true: Just keep writing, and the rest will take care of itself.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
In my life? Keep doing your thing.
What are you reading now?
I’m reading “America: Imagine a World Without Her,” by Dinesh D’Souza. Wow. This guy can articulate amazing insight, write, speak, and is incredibly courageous. He seeks the truth, and I appreciate that. I’m always trying to seek truth in health care. I don’t think you can really be healthy without facing the truth. I explore that theme in my fiction as well. Unlike Jack Nicholson’s character in “A Few Good Men,” I think you can handle the truth.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m going to keep writing for sure. I want to get rolling with, and eventually finish my book about acne. I also have a novel I started years ago that I’d love to finish. It’s waiting for me. It’s a mystery about a guitar case. I have no idea how it’ll end, and after everything I’ve experienced and learned in the last seven years since I started it, the book is truly a mystery to me too.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
“Boy’s Life” by Robert McCammon.
“The Fountainhead” by Ayn Rand.
“The Power of One” by Bryce Courtenay.
And one collection of short stories by Roald Dahl.
Author Websites and Profiles
Aarti Patel Website
Aarti Patel Amazon Profile
Aarti Patel’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account