Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am Lisa Sniderman, aka Aoede, an award-winning, quirky, folk-pop artist, playwright, and author from San Francisco. I combine expressive and teaching arts to inspire young adults and kids at heart to positively impact them. I’ve been honored with more than 50 awards for my songwriting, audiobooks, and stage plays since 2012 all while suffering from a rare autoimmune disease: dermatomyositis (DM), a progressive muscle weakness disease. My story is persevering through this darkness called DM for more than 10 years by obsessively turning to creativity to express and as a healing path. But my story and my life’s purpose is also becoming a light in the darkness and a muse, offering support, compassion, inspiration, connection, and encouragement to those who need it most-especially those experiencing transformations: illness, disability, or unexpected life challenges. “A Light in the Darkness” is my first book! It was just published by Crimson Cloak Publishing September 21st, 2018.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Helping others navigate their own personal darkness continues to be an important part of my own recovery. I’m learning that the acts of creating and sharing my story, music or art can also inspire you to live your dreams, open your heart, empower you to share your story and help you heal. I wrote my memoir, “A Light in the Darkness: Transcending Chronic Illness through the Power of Art and Attitude,” to share my journey of plunging into and through the darkness, my reflections, confessions, insights, and life lessons, to inspire hope and the courage to keep dreaming and living life to the fullest no matter what life hurls at you. If you or someone you know or love are struggling with or battling chronic illness, disability or unexpected life challenges; if you or they seek strength, new inspiration, hope, joy and healing, this book is for you.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I obsessively create! So that carries through to writing-songs, musicals, my memoir… I can’t stop creating!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
On the fantasy side, I was heavily influenced by authors I grew up with such as Tolkien, Piers Anthony, C.S. Lewis.
What are you working on now?
I just launched my first book! So I am excited to share it and it’s primary messages with many who need healing, encouragement and hope.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am new at this! I am still learning! Maybe this will be my best method!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I am one! I will get back to you on that!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Wow! Ever? I think it is don’t give up on your dreams-find ways to keep them alive even if you are battling illness or life challenges.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I am collaborating with more than 50 artists who are also creating to heal. It may take the form of my next book and a documentary, sharing artists, musicians and authors stories of how they use creativity to help heal themselves and others.
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?
Possibly The Iliad and Odyssey, A Brief History of Time, War and Peace (having never read it) or the Lord of the Rings
Author Websites and Profiles
Lisa Sniderman Website
Lisa Sniderman Amazon Profile
Lisa Sniderman’s Social Media Links
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