Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I recently published my first solo book on Amazon based on my 10+ years’ experience in prayer ministry as a trained Prayer Chaplain and also as a certified, practicing Hypnotist.
I have been a collaborative writer and editor of spiritual and personal development non-fiction for about 8 years with others.
A life-long inquirer and student of Metaphysics and Mysticism, I served the Prayer Ministry of Unity Church of Jacksonville, Florida, generating prayer letters and creating Prayer Chaplain training curricula. For four of those years, I served as a trained, active Prayer Chaplain, praying with Congregants and leading Prayer Services and classes.
With backgrounds in diverse roles such as college instructor, military spouse, Realtor associate, church admin, small business owner, and international traveler, I believe I bring a wealth of life experiences to my writing and offer a practical, positive, and empowered approach to spirituality.
I am also a practicing Hypnotist, trained and certified by the International Medical and Dental Hypnotherapy Association. I am mother of two adult daughters and grandmother of six grandangels. I live with her husband Charlie and our big chocolate Labrador Retriever on the shore of the Intracoastal Waterway in Jacksonville, Florida.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Little Book of Prayers for New Thought Christians is a compilation of meditations and prayers I crafted as a Prayer Chaplain. The meditations that prepare one ahead of the prayer experience draw from my training as a Hypnotist as well.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I actually apply the principles of mysticism to my writing activity. The best content comes through me, not from me. As I intentionally shift into an altered state through kinesthetic relaxation techniques and meditation (from Beta brainwave pattern to either Alpha or Theta), inspired ideas, images, and word forms are generated within me. You might also say I apply self-hypnosis to the creative process.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
For this book, Little Book of Prayers for New Thought Christians, I drew influence and inspiration from Transcendentalist Ralph Waldo Emerson; Earnest Holmes, founder of Science of Mind, particularly his book “Prayer, How to Pray Effectively;” and Charles Fillmore, co-founder of Unity.
What are you working on now?
I have several projects in the works that I have been collecting data and content for and loosely organizing/outlining: techniques for better sleep; how to fall back in love; and a manuscript/memoir of an old sea captain (now deceased) that I plan to translate and edit for publication.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
So far I have been promoting my recently published book via email blast (mailchimp), Facebook Page and ads, and Amazon Kindle Select promotion(s).
Do you have any advice for new authors?
The self-publishing learning curve on Kindle Direct Publishing is steep–begin your online kdp university education long before you actually upload, publish, and launch.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Thoughts create your reality. Change your thoughts, change your life.
What are you reading now?
One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
What’s next for you as a writer?
After I wrap up some non-fiction projects, I plan to venture into fiction. I am exploring magical realism, perhaps with Old Florida as the place and time.
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?
Please don’t ask me to choose between my children! Here, instead I will list 4 of my favorites that I have but on my Favorites Shelf on Goodreads:
A Gentleman in Moscow, Towles; Pillars of the Earth, Follet; All the Light We Cannot See, Doer; The Prince of Tides, Conroy.
Author Websites and Profiles
Elizabeth Dixon Website
Elizabeth Dixon Amazon Profile
Elizabeth Dixon’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile