Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
This is my first book. Here is my bio:
Naomi L. Baum, is a psychologist and Director of the Resilience Unit at the Israel Center for the Treatment of Psychotrauma, Jerusalem as well as Senior Consulting Psychologist for Chai Lifeline-Project Chai in New York. She received her M.A. and Ph.D. from Bryn Mawr College in Bryn Mawr, PA, and her B.A. from Bar-Ilan University, Israel. She was a fellow at the Mandel School for Educational Leadership in Jerusalem. She has been a consulting psychologist for schools, and taught courses in psychology at the university level both in the USA and Israel.
In the last decade Naomi has dedicated herself to creating and implementing resilience-building programs for those exposed to trauma, be it terrorism, war or natural disaster. Her unique BRI-Building Resilience Intervention model focusing on strengths and resources has been adopted by schools for teacher training and parent workshops, as well as with police, firefighters, paramedics rabbis, and nurses to help them deal with exposure to trauma. This program has been introduced throughout Israel, as well as Mexico, Spain, Haiti and the USA in the wake of trauma and disaster.
While Naomi has accrued many degrees and much work experience, her real understanding of kids and families comes from being married to the same man for almost forty years, and raising, with him, their seven children. She is the proud grandmother of twelve. Her hobbies include scuba diving, reading and biking. She lives with her husband in Efrat, Israel. Her book, Life Unexpected: A Trauma Psychologist Journeys through Breast Cancer, is her debut, and is based on her personal experience with breast cancer.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Life Unexpected: A Trauma Psychologist Journeys Through Breast Cancer
As you can tell from the title, my diagnosis of breast cancer in June, 2011 came as a total shot out of the blue. I decided to share what I learned from the process and wove my personal experiences with my professional ones. The fact that I have been a psychologist for well over 35 years, and specifically a trauma psychologist for the last twelve, added to my perspective.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have alot of unusual habits- most of them not related to writing. I habitually go scuba diving for example.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I belong to a book club, and have been a member for more years than I can count. This has exposed me to a wide range of authors. I love fiction, particularly women’s fiction, and books written by non- Americans, who widen my horizons. I have a particular fondness for Anne Lamott.
What are you working on now?
I am working on marketing my book. As an indie publisher I can’t let “sleeping dogs lie” and I am hard at work trying to get the word out. In between, I have begun to write travel articles, and a travel blog: www.slowtravelsblog.wordpress.com
Have a look!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I really like http://trainingauthors.com
They have loads of info and very helpful tips. They seem to be very professional. I also recently subscribed to a 30 day challenge with D’vorah Lansky that I found very helpful.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I am a newbie myself- any advice out there for me??
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Enjoy the journey.
What are you reading now?
Family Life: A Nove by Akhil Sharma
What’s next for you as a writer?
hopefully another book. not sure yet.
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?
1. A Bible
2. A Talmud
3. A Prayerbook
4. War and Peace
Author Websites and Profiles
Naomi L. Baum Website
Naomi L. Baum Amazon Profile
Naomi L. Baum’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile