Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have written one book that i seem to have been thinking about for long enough for it to be at least five books. I have been writing journals for many years, and developed my style by confessing to myself in journal entries what I didn’t consciously let myself know.
My book is a very big project. reflections on the principles of 12-step spirituality…
the PRINCIPLES…so I guide the reader through the whole process of waking up, returning to who we really are, and then figuring out ways to keep growing through the process of living free from addiction.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Gateways- The Wisdom of 12-Step Spirituality- Dynamic Practices That Work
I finally decided to write the book because it became clear to me, after 38 years of sobriety and at least 28 or therapy, plus earning graduate degrees in Addictions Counseling, Victimology, Religion and Ministry, that I had developed a method for living the 12-Step life holistically. I seemed to be having a hard time explaining that to people, and one day someone I respect told me that while I am able to teach many things, what people wonder is what works for me. I suddenly popped out with “Oh that’s easy! It’s the 12-steps and all this other psycho-spiritual stuff I have integrated with over the years!” She said “Write that.”
So I did.
The book is very visual too, because I actually began to draw many developmental models along with the 12-Steps, ChakraS, Chinese Meridians etc. long before I ever wrote a word.
I see the path as a technicolor journey into awakening…so it is very beautiful to look at too.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Nope
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have been inspired by books wither by or about women who have challenged themselves to live bigger lives that the culture has defined for them. Simone DeBeauvoir, Georgia O’Keefe, Louisa May Alcott, Donna Karan, Diane von Furstenberg, Tama Kieves, Diana Nyad, Diana Vreeland. I want to inspire people to live the biggest life they can, and as a woman it has been a journey trying to find a way to do that in a patriarchal world.
What are you working on now?
I am working on something sort of personal about the many layers of uncovering I have had to do to give myself enough oxygen to stay in the game.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am just learning how continual the process of book promotion is. My publisher- SacredstoriesPublishing.com has a wonderful multi-layered promotional platform. On Sacredstoriesmedia.com, I have a bi-weekly podcast and there is some very good YouTube content on iTunes engaging the topic of 12-Step Spirituality as well.
I use Facebook a lot, including Facebook Live, and my website Janegalloway.com has a lot of good content too.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
A wonderful author named Brenda Euland wrote a book called “If You Want to Write” – which is now a classic- in which she really advises authors to not talk too much about ideas that are developing and to not let haters kill your spirit. she really warns writers that in her experience, the most talented people are also often the most sensitive to defeating criticism, and she really makes the point that one should protect their work and not lose heart.
What are you reading now?
In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts by Dr. Gabor Mate and The Healing Code, by Alexander Loyd PhD
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?
Wow…What a great question!
Hmmm, I would want something on French Style, something about the brain and human potential, and Power Through Constructive Thinking, by Emmett Fox
Author Websites and Profiles
Jane Galloway Website