Interview With Author Lani Lanchester
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am Lani Lanchester from Lodi, California, wine country. I believe in taking every good opportunity which has given me a diverse career including an Ag inspector, winemaking, beekeeping, Costume design, pastry chef, and today I teach High School Science. I have written two books, but only one that I published. The first was a gift to my daughter for her college graduation.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Learning to Listen to Palestine: A Personal Quest” was inspired by hope. I had been learning about Palestine after a trip to Israel. I traveled alone with my little rental car. Everywhere I went, I met Palestinans who freely told me their stories. What I learned shocked and confused me. I didn’t understand anything before this. Over the next year, I studied everything that I could find to try to understand. But I had no hope. It was just so gloomy, and desperate. However, Yohanna Katanacho wrote a book, “The Land of Christ” that showed hope in the teachings of Jesus, and Desmond Tutu’s book, “The Book of Forgiving” showed me that Peace is practical and possible! In South Africa, Desmond Tutu led his nation in a systematic program of forgiveness that brought peace to his people.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have trouble sitting still for long periods of time. So getting in my seat and writing for long stretches needs a cat and blueberries. My cat loves when I am working at my computer. He sits on a soft blanket on my desk. If I leave he disapproves, and I just don’t want to disturb the cat. I also eat a lot of blueberries when I write. They are easy and clean, and so satisfying. It seems to help me to focus and not wander off looking for a snack.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
“The Land of Christ: A Palestinian Cry” by Yohanna Katanacho and “The Book of Forgiving” by Desmond Tutu. These books gave me hope that Peace is possible. I would not have written my book without that hope. It would have been an empty husk.
What are you working on now?
I am starting a Podcast, “Learning to Listen to Palestine”. Also, I am designing a curriculum to share for free at Libraries to start Cross-Cultural clubs! I hope to continue my work with Learning to Listen to Palestine by creating a grassroots Peace Movement!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Be courageous and write a purpose statement. My purpose I knew was nonpolitical. Politics only divide and dehumanize each other. My purpose statement kept me from falling into realms that I did not belong or intend to go. I wanted my book to be tasty and easy to consume, but slightly salty, like potato chips. This helped me to keep the mood where I wanted to be in my book, rather than diving deep into bitterness.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Make the World a Better Place Every Day. Love your neighbor as yourself. Love your enemies and pray for them. My pastors refused to read my book. They are unsupportive, and I get it. At one time I would not have read this book. I did not understand. However, a Palestinian friend told me, “Lani, be like water. Just keep loving them and seep into the cracks. One day, they will wake up to what is happening in Israel and Palestine.” Another time, I became bitter about what I was studying. The oppression of the Palestinian people is nightmarish. A Palestinian Pastor reminded me to remember how God loves all people.
What are you reading now?
“The Other Side of the Wall: A Palestinian Christian Narrative of Lament and Hope” by Munther Isaac and “Social Justice Handbook: Small Steps for a Better World” by Mae Elise Cannon
What’s next for you as a writer?
I want to start a grassroots Peace Movement. If not now when, and if not me, who? After all, I follow the Prince of Peace. I have been shown how Desmond Tutu took the principles of Jesus and applied them to one of the worst situations on Earth. We can surely apply them in our communities and create loving neighborhoods. We can surely prepare ourselves to go into places overcome with trauma and listen to their stories and help bring healing to souls.
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?
When I was in Jordan living with a family that spoke very little English, and my Arabic consisted of just my polite words, my Bible gave me great comfort and insight on how to live and serve there. I would enjoy just meditating on much of “The Book of Forgiving” and taking my time to work through my thoughts. I think I would also want a medical book for taking care of myself or others. And a book on the plants and animals of the island or some type of survival guide.
Author Websites and Profiles
Lani Lanchester Amazon Profile
Lani Lanchester’s Social Media Links
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