Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a naturopathic doctor and author who has four books and one short story out. I like to write both health and fiction, and I can say since I was little I’ve been interested in both. Health care and creative pursuits. I can’t seem to practice health without wanting to be creative about it, or practice creativity without wanting to weave health into it. I also like to draw, and my first book was one I illustrated as well, “Picture It: Homeopathy.”
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
It’s called “Acne: Just Another Four-Letter Word.” What inspired it was too many years of chronic acne, with numerous failed attempts at getting clear skin. I tried everything. Then I went into naturopathic medicine because I wanted to seek out the underlying roots of acne once and for all. I wanted to help my skin, but also help other people using the experience I got in medical practice. My book was born from my journey trying to reclaim my skin and life from acne. In it, I teach readers how to stand up to this mean four-letter word once and for all.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not so unusual I guess. I listen to music, most lately “Twenty One Pilots.” I like to have a beverage of choice, which was coffee with my latest book. Previously I’d have a little red wine or gin and tonic.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Ayn Rand’s books “The Fountainhead” and “Atlas Shrugged.” Also “The Power of One” by Bryce Courtenay. I read these when I was younger.
More recently, Stephen J. Cannell’s “King Con.” “Mastery” by George Leonard. And “Mini Habits” by Stephen Guise (his tips helped me start and finish an entire book).
What are you working on now?
I’m torn between finishing a novel I started eight years ago and starting a self-help book about health. Not sure which way I’ll go.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I love using services like Awesome Gang to be honest. There’s no better way to get your books out there. I come back here every time.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I’ve been admonished for my advice to new authors. I say don’t worry what anyone else says and just write. I know most “experts” would say to read 100 books first, do this, do that, blah blah.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Roger Federer said to do his best he just keeps playing, keeps doing his work (in so many words). I love the simplicity of that advice, and it works.
What are you reading now?
“Grift Sense” by James Swain. “How We Learn” by Benedict Carey. I love them both so far.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I want to revisit some themes from my past, threads of writing that I left dangling from before. I’d like to start marketing my book “Acne: Just Another Four-Letter Word” with a lot less pressure than I’ve forced myself to use when marketing previous books. I’d like to just keep having fun writing whatever I’m most in the mood for.
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?
The Fountainhead, Boy’s Life, The Power of One, and King Con.
Author Websites and Profiles
Aarti Patel Website
Aarti Patel Amazon Profile
Aarti Patel’s Social Media Links
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