Interview With Author Juliana Leamen
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
After wanting to write for many years, I am happy to say my very first book, ‘Release – A Woman’s Guide to Releasing Weight In Midlife Through Becoming Your Body’s Best Friend’ is finally here!
This book combines the last 11 years of my career and I am so grateful to bring these concepts to women in midlife.
I am the founder of Naturally Joyous Inc., the host of ‘Confidence From Within’ podcast and a Holistic Menopause Transition Expert.
I am trained as a Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner, Board Certified by The American Association of Natural Wellness Practitioners, University- trained with a Masters degree in Science, Registered Bach Flower Practitioner and trained in human behavior by the Demartini Institute.
I am on a mission to provide a new model of care for weight loss for women during menopause transition and post-menopause, what I love to call weight release, moving away from the ‘diet mindset’ and helping women find confidence from within.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The title is ‘Release – A Woman’s Guide to Releasing Weight In Midlife Through Becoming Your Body’s Best Friend’.
This book was inspired by my own health struggles, as well as the work I have been doing with women in midlife for the last several years.
My life and health have greatly transformed by practicing the principles I share in this book, so I am pleased to share my story and knowledge with the world.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I am a very visual person, so my writing process was inspired by how my mind thinks. When I decided it was time to write, I started by cutting colorful construction paper into rectangles. I then opened a new document in my computer and my book outline poured through me onto the page. Then, I transferred it to the colorful papers, which looked like a massive puzzle on my office floor!
The next step was reorganizing the puzzle pieces in the best possible sequence, which allowed the book to take you on a 3 step journey:
1. Understanding your midlife body from a different perspective
2. Accepting the body, getting into alignment
3. Becoming its best friend, ie. learning to take good care of it
Then, I chose one piece at a time and I wrote and I wrote and I wrote. At times, it felt like my hands were typing so fast, I could not control my fingers. Other chapters were harder, like the info was deeper inside of me.
Overall, the process of bringing this book to life was nothing like I had experienced before!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
So many to count! I love the conversational style of authors like Jen Sincero and my book follows a similar tone. I also like books that are to the point, where concepts are clear without too much fluff, so I wrote my book in the way I like to read.
Other authors that have inspired me include: Jamie Kern Lima, Annie Grace and Glennon Doyle.
What are you working on now?
I am currently working on a Mini-Course to accompany the book. It is a Weight Loss Mindset Reset course to help my readers implement the changes in their lives with a deeper level of support from me beyond the pages of the book. More info will be available in my website (www.naturallyjoyous.ca). I also believe I will publish a second book at some point, so stay tuned!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
By visiting my main website (www.naturallyjoyous.ca), you will find information on all my projects, including my book. For a direct list of all places where my book can be found, either as e-book, paperback or audiobook, please click on the BOOK tab or go to www.naturallyjoyous.ca/book to learn more.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
My main advice would be to start getting all promotional activity organized early. There is a lot to get done to promote a new book during during its launch week, so giving yourself a solid month to have everything organized and submitted is key.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
It was from one of my mentors, who teaches that no matter what happens, we are in control of how we react to the situation. This has allowed me to take full responsibility for my actions (and reactions) and to feel at peace, even during difficult times.
What are you reading now?
I am currently reading Dare To Lead by Brene Brown.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I have started to collect ideas and notes, which I intend to include in my next book. My main passion in life is personal growth and development and I believe a woman’s weight struggles to be a big gateway to personal transformation. I expect my next book to continue to dive deep into this topic to help more women succeed when it comes to loving what they see in the mirror.
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 would bring a surviving in the wild guide-book, even though I have not read one before! I would also bring The Gene Keys, which is 576 pages long! Lastly, I would bring my own book, ‘Release’ to remind me to continue doing my release practice, no matter the circumstances.
Author Websites and Profiles