Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
One of my fondest memories from childhood was an “ah ha” writing moment. My 4th grade teacher chose my story for the class reading circle, but she didn’t tell the class I’d written it. At the end she revealed that their classmate had written it. The class gasped in appreciation and burst into applause. From that moment I was hooked on writing! I had loads of natural creativity, but my teacher got after me for my grammar and spelling. She explained how important these two things would be if I were going to be a good writer, so thereafter I became a meticulous spelling, punctuation and grammar-checker, which made me a proficient editor. I have a good teacher to thank for her encouragement, but also for requiring me to push myself to master the difficulties of the English language.
All of my books are indies, except for my autobiography, which I felt needed the attention that only a publisher could give. Certain books are helped by the expertise of a publisher, while others can stand alone. I felt that “Messages From Metatron” didn’t need a publisher’s intervention as it was channeled material and not fictional. I write non-fiction which like fiction requires careful editing, but fiction is a different animal completely. In my opinion, fiction requires a publisher’s hand in shaping the storyline and characters. The other big plus in being an imide author is that you retain the lion’s share of the royalties, and you can choose how to best market your book. Being an indie author doesn’t pay like having a fulltime job does; I advise people to do it on the side because in the book market, competition is fierce. I became a writer because I have to do it-something compels me to keep writing. If you cannot not do it, then you’re meant to write.
I have written 10 books, published 7, but more publishing in 2022.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
After 4 years of struggling with serious depression my 15 year old teen daughter secretly took herself off of her depression medication. It proved to be a deadly decision, because 3 days later she took her own life in the next room as I slept. I wrote about my journey through grief in my autobiography, “Once The Storm Is Over: From Grieving To Healing After The Suicide Of My Daughter” (Big Table Publishing, 2015). Walking had become like a therapy for me, so several years later I was walking my dog when I distinctly heard my daughter’s voice. It startled me so much that I came to a complete halt. All she said was: “Mama, listen for the voice.” I thought maybe my mind was playing tricks on me. The 2nd anniversary of her death was fast approaching, and I had been thinking as I walked that day of how Moriyah might look in the afterlife, her face glowing and celestial. I didn’t know what voice she was talking about, but I promised her that I would be listening for it. It was several weeks later that I received the first message from Archangel Metatron. It took me 3 years to compile all 30 messages, and I added a study guide with 30 lessons. “Messages From Metatron” is a powerful curriculum for those seeking to achieve spiritual transformation.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
My next book is also a channeled metaphysical book about Archangels, “Ten Archangels Teach You How To Live An Inspired Life.” Receive the ten most powerful Archangel’s wisdom and healing so you can live an inspired life. It contains instructions from the Archangels of the Tree of Life on how to create greater joy and healing, and includes Guided Meditations on invoking and working with the Archangels. It includes lessons and daily guidance from the greatest of the Archangels, including: Archangel Michael, Raphael and Gabriel. If channeling Archangels isn’t unusual, I don’t know what will be!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve enjoy fictional blockbuster authors such as: J.K. Rowling (Harry Potter), but I truly savor non-fiction books that teach you about humanity and help you to improve; self-help books such as autobiographies. A time-tested example is Dale Carnagie’s books on Human Relations. I was inspired as a young adult by motivational, non-fiction books on how to improve yourself and boost your career success, and how to overcome obstacles and difficulties in life. That’s why I write non-fiction today, to help answer existential questions that give readers a better quality of life.
What are you working on now?
Knowing that there are launch dates looming, I’m ever reaching for my computer, seeking new ways to market my books and develop a larger audience. Work gives me a sense of purpose, and the Archangel series I’m working on now has gifted me with a particularly strong sense of meaning. The Archangel’s messages are charged with love and peace. It is 3-volumne curriculum designed for those seeking to achieve spiritual transformation. The underlying themes are that humanity is one, and you are an indispensable part of the Cosmic design.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Smashwords pays better royalties than Amazon, that’s the main reason I decided to branch out and give them a try. Years back, Amazon and Barnes and Noble were the only online booksellers. Not so today-there are now a pluthera of choices in where to sell your books. I also like the Pre-Sale format that they offer. Although other online book sellers offer your books for Pre-Sale, Amazon doesn’t automatically approve your Pre-Sale request the way Smashwords does. Smashword’s Pre-Sale format is also more enticing than is Amazons with its countdown meter.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
It’s true in writing, and more true in life: Get comfortable with the person you are, not the person others want you to be. I believe that my uniqueness, my strangeness, if you will, is what makes me relevant and marketable. Our “us-ness” makes us shine apart from the crowd. I’ve discovered that being willing to look strange, different, even outlandish is a marketing plus. I guess that quality could be called courage. And while persistence and courage will take you a long way towards your goals, the most powerful, unstoppable force is the power of vulnerability. Being real, honest and open are keys to knowing yourself and loving yourself. I’m unstoppable not because I’m perfect, but because I’m unafraid to be me.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
To be brave in my writing. To me, that means to write straight from the heart. Don’t try to hide or cover up the ugliness of life. Your audience already knows that life is messy; now they want to hear how yours is, so they can relate to you.
What are you reading now?
I’m reading classics right now, as I believe that reading great writers will make me a better writer. I’m currently reading the 1954 classic, “Lord of the Flies,” by William Golding. I also usually read all of a favorite author’s books. Sometimes I will branch out and try a new author if the subject matter is interesting. I’m the same about movies-I have seen every movie that comedian Melissa McCarthy has made because I know that even if the script is crap, Melissa won’t disappoint.
What’s next for you as a writer?
After I publish my next 2 Archangel books, that completes the series of three. I’ve also written an esoteric book, “The Emerald Tablets of Thoth: A Study Guide.” So publishing my next 3 books will keep me engaged for awhile.
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 Bhagavad Gita, as I am a Hindu and that’s quintessential scripture. Another book would be by one of my favorite authors, who wrote, “Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood,” Rebecca Wells. The first book in that series is, “Little Altars Everywhere,” and makes me laugh every time I read it, as it transports me back to the carefree days of childhood. Being marooned on an island, I’m going to need a sure laugh. The other two books would be survival manuals, of course.
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