Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m Jasmin Uson Reyes. I’m primarily a loving and supportive (at least I try to be!) wife and mama of three kids age 2, 7 and 11. I’m also an educator, entrepreneur and advertising consultant. Aside from being with my family, what really sparks joy for me is traveling. My husband and I, usually with our kids in tow, have travelled all over Europe, the United States, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. We are currently based in Manila, Philippines.
In between fulfilling all of these roles and traveling, I decided to follow the strong leading and desire to write a book about motherhood. I felt that my experiences can help empower other mothers and help them overcome the same struggles that I’ve been through.
In between traveling and fulfilling all of these roles, I felt a strong leading and desire to write a book about motherhood. I felt that my experiences can help empower other mothers and help them overcome the same struggles that I’ve been through.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my first and latest book is “Mama, You Have Power Beyond Measure.” This is borne out of my life experiences where I found myself running on empty, with my life in disarray and my marriage in shambles. Outside my role as a mother, I no longer knew who I really was. There was nothing left of me. I had given away all my power. I realised that most mothers find themselves in this sorry situation, but they don’t even realise it. So I felt that I needed to share what I went through and how I was able to reclaim all my power and live the life that I have always dreamt of.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
When you’re a mom of three kids, you barely have time to comb your hair, let alone write a book! Can you imagine having an energetic toddler and two grade schoolers in the house, managing two businesses, and doing advertising consultancy, while writing a book? That’s my daily reality. I didn’t escape to a remote island for weeks to write a book. I was writing this book while fulfilling all my other roles. So I had to take the tiny scraps of time that presented itself to me during the day, like when my toddler is napping and the older kids are in school. I just kept typing on my laptop (or even on my phone when my laptop wasn’t readily available), when I had the opportunity. My first book got written this way.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love fiction and have always been a fan of J.K. Rowling. I read all her books while I was on bed rest for three months while pregnant with my firstborn. I wept buckets of tears while reading Khaled Hosseini’s “The Kite Runner” and “A Thousand Splendid Suns.” I also enjoyed books by female authors like “Sense and Sensibility” by Jane Austen and “Gone with the Wind” by Scarlett O’Hara which I read in High School.
But I also read a lot of personal growth books. I remember reading “The Diary of Anne Frank” as a grade schooler. She inspired me to start documenting my thoughts and feelings in a journal. I also love books about Psychology like Viktor Frankl’s “Man’s Search for Meaning” and M. Scott Peck’s “The Road Less Travelled.” Lately, I have been reading books about spirituality like “Anatomy of the Spirit” by Carolyn Myss.
What are you working on now?
I recently just published my first book so we’re trying to figure out how to market it effectively. I realized that writing the book is just half the job. The next challenge is trying to make people aware that the book exists and making them see its value so they would want to read it.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still new at this so I’m still learning the ropes. So far, what has worked for me is launching the book to my personal network first. We’ve sold quite a lot of books just from my Facebook and Instagram network. It’s also very effective when people who read it recommend to their friends. But the bigger challenge for me is making the book known to a bigger audience so I can expand the readership.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t wait until you’re in the mood to write. Don’t wait for the right time. Squeeze writing into your daily schedule and routine. Don’t overthink things. Just keep typing when inspiration strikes. You can always edit later.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t ever be afraid to start again. I was given this advice by a very good friend when I was 23. At that time, I was afraid of moving to another advertising agency because I felt that I already had a good team and a good relationship with my boss and clients. But she told me not to be afraid because I can always start again. And I’ve followed her advice since. At 30, I semi-retired from my advertising career to put up my own business. At 40, I wrote and published a book. I’m starting over again because I will be walking away from the business that I set up at 30 because I feel that though it has served me well, it’s no longer what I am called to do. So whether you’re 20, 30, 40 and even at 50 or 60, it’s never too late. You can always start over. You can always choose and create a new life for yourself. Live your life with courage.
What are you reading now?
And The Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini and Silver Spoon Kids by Eileen and Jon Gallo.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I want to write, publish and market at least one book every year. So after I’m done marketing my first book, I will attempt to write another book.
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 this is a difficult one. I wouldn’t mind reading J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series again so that’s already more than 4 books LOL.
I’m Catholic so I would have to add the Holy Bible to the list. I’m not trying to be pretentious but if I’m going to be stranded, I’ll probably be in danger of losing my sanity if I don’t cling to God and my faith.
Author Websites and Profiles
Jasmin Reyes Website
Jasmin Reyes Amazon Profile
Jasmin Reyes’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile