Interview With Author Jill C. Acton
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
"Blinded Trust: The Au Pair Nightmare" is my debut novel, about a time in my life 12 years ago, when I escaped a sinister trap. It was a close shave, and the experience changed my life. To rebuild my life, I needed to summon all the courage I could and have emersed myself in personal development in the subsequent years. To share some of the tips and tricks, I have linked another free bonus "Boost Your Confidence: Essential Hacks to Harness Your Inner Strength" at the back of the book, so be sure to read through to the end.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The aptly titled "Blinded Trust: The Au Pair Nightmare" captures my naive trust, wanting to see the best in others, and how I overlooked or dismissed warning signs, leading to an ensuing nightmare. This story draws inspiration from real events but has been fictionalized for character protection. My hope is not only to captivate readers with this enthralling tale but also to enlighten them about potential consequences of lowering their guard and trusting the wrong individuals.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I always work on my bed, with my laptop on my lap…
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Growing up, my love for reading was insatiable. During my childhood, I found joy in the works of J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Dick King Smith, Stephen King among countless others – there are simply too many to list here! In my teenage years, Franklin W. Dixon's "Hardy Boys" series held a special place in my heart. Terry Pratchett remains an absolute favorite as his humor never fails to make me laugh out loud; I'm convinced "Going Postal" should be mandatory reading in schools!
Douglas Adams also ranks high on my list of entertaining authors. Interestingly enough, when I was preparing for matric exams, the Harry Potter series had just been released – instead of studying intensively, I remember devouring all those magical novels.
If asked about the one book that has had the most profound influence on me, it would undoubtedly be "The Prophet" by Kahlil Gibran.
More recently though, Paulo Coelho's "The Alchemist" has captured both my imagination and admiration.
What are you working on now?
At present, I'm immersed in an exciting project – writing a book titled "Dopamine Delight: A Motivational Guide to Getting 10 Hits a Day". My background as a biologist has ignited my fascination with cyclical patterns and interconnectedness within our world. One subject that particularly captivates me is the neurotransmitter dopamine. In this book, my goal is to illuminate how understanding dopamine can enrich our lives. We'll delve into its functions, examine what triggers its depletion or amplification, and explore strategies for integrating more of it into our daily routines. By doing so, we can aspire towards lives that are not only healthier but also filled with productivity and inspiration.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
This is a new field I am learning 🙂
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Begin by setting achievable goals and dive into writing. Once you've found the rhythm of your story, take time to meticulously refine it through many rounds of edits and adjustments.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The most impactful advice I have heard is that our perception of reality—both external and internal—is shaped by our thoughts. We have the power to transform this perception by intercepting negative thoughts before they take root within us; cutting them off and replacing them with positive ones instead. Using tools such as breathing exercises, music, and meditation to inhale positivity and exhale negativity— can help to effectively purge ourselves of anything that no longer serves us.
What are you reading now?
"Entangled Life: How Fungi Make Our Worlds, Change Our Minds, and Shape Our Futures," by Merlin Sheldrake.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Exploring intriguing topics within the Self-Help genre is something I thoroughly enjoy, and I plan on writing several uplifting books aimed at inspiring growth – both for myself and my readership. Currently, I'm busy with an exciting book about Dopamine. Following this project, my focus will shift towards understanding Burnout – how to prevent it or recover from it while still performing at one's best. My approach involves blending personal experiences with my passion for research to produce captivating content on subjects conducive to personal development. I intend to continue on related topics that fascinate me, promising betterment and continuous learning.
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?
I am a practical kind of girl, so if I had time to plan it 😉 I would try and get books that will aid my survival, such as "The SAS Survival Handbook" by John Lofty Wiseman, or "How to Stay Alive: The Ultimate Survival Guide For Any Situation" by Bear Grylls. And perhaps "Bushcraft 101: A Field Guide to the Art of Wilderness Survival" by Dave Canterbury. I would probably also take along a Bible.
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