Interview With Author Pamela McConnell
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I, Pamela McConnell, MSW, LCSW was raised in a fundamentalist/ evangelical Christian church and family. At age 34 I converted formally to Buddhism. I recently completed a Pilgrimage in India and Nepal. Earlier, I spent two years in Asia: a year teaching English in S. Korea and a year in Pakistan with my 3rd husband.
I worked as a counselor after earning a B.S. in Psychology. I worked as a hospice social worker for the last 20 years of my career after earning an MSW degree and becoming licensed as an LCSW.
I am an avid backpacker and trekker, having done 500 miles on the Appalachian Trail and more than half of the Annapurna Circuit in the Himalayas.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Adventures of a Southern (Baptist) Buddhist.
This is my autobiography. Given the current political events of the last few years and a long history of being “othered” by my family, I didn’t feel like I had any other choice.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really. I just plugged away most evenings into the night.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
“Eat, Pray, Love” by Elizabeth Gilbert is a book I relate to. I have had many similar experiences. Also, “Wild” by Cheryl Strayed recounts similar experiences that I have had.
What are you working on now?
I am strongly considering moving to Thailand and becoming an ordained Buddhist nun. That will be my next book!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Books2Read related to Draft2Digital- I self-published through them and promote on the companion website.
Pubby- my favorite site for exchanging book reviews.
Goodreads.
Amazon.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t sit on your book too long. It will never be perfect and there’s no time like the present. Write out a good outline of the book and then of each chapter before you begin.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Look inside you. Mind is the creator.
What are you reading now?
I’m combing through my late fathers’ set of Foxfire books. Spiritually, all the books by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso cannot be beaten.
What’s next for you as a writer?
See above: (What are you working on now).
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?
Geshe Kelsang Gyatso’s books: Modern Buddhism, The New Guide to Dakini Land, and The Oral Instructions of Mahamudra.
Author Websites and Profiles
Pamela McConnell Amazon Profile
Pamela McConnell Author Profile on Smashwords
Pamela McConnell’s Social Media Links