Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve wanted to be a writer since I was 11 years-old. And specifically, I recall wanting to write a book that would help adults.
I’d seen more mature things as a child and I suppose I wanted to help myself understand what was happening around me. Journaling became my outlet.
Over the years I’d attempted different kinds of writing but never had any success. It wasn’t until I was sitting alone at the airport, flying home early from vacation after learning of my husband’s infidelity, that I picked up a pen and started writing what is now, Wine, Sex and Suicide – My Near Death Divorce.
My second book is called, My Heart is Broken. Now What? That book offers 12 practices to help heal a broken heart. I have an audio program based on that book.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Wine, Sex and Suicide – My Near Death Divorce.
The intention was to write about doing a year of volunteer service projects as a means of healing my broken heart. While I did do many volunteer projects by day – by night I numbed my pain with alcohol and sought comfort from strangers as a way to soothe the pain of my husband’s infidelity.
It’s a very vulnerable story to share, but with suicide rates 3 times higher for divorced people, I know I’m not alone in what I experienced. And if my story helps someone not feel so full of shame, it is worth it.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Nothing unusual. I realize that I like to publish journals. Memoirs are wonderful, but they are written from the perspective where you’ve gained the wisdom from the experience. I like to document experiences and see where they lead, what will I learn, how will I grow, what challenges will I face. And for some reason, I like to share these publicly! I’d say that’s unusual.
I have a few ideas brewing for the next personal experience books.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I mostly read non-fiction in the area of personal development, spirituality and self improvement. But books I’ve enjoyed are: The Street, by Ann Petry, Judy Blume books when I was a pre-teen, Jeannette Walls, Franz Wisner, Elizabeth Gilbert, Mary Karr, Pema Chodron, Mike Dooley, Don Miguel Ruiz and more.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on a simple healing from loss and disappointment book tentatively titled, Soul Garden Healing.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve found that writing articles and having them published on different websites is helpful for readers to find my books.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t compare yourself to other writers. Try to enjoy the process and don’t be hard on yourself if you don’t write every day. Everyone has a different rhythm to life. Some people write only while on planes and trains, and others write every day at a certain time. Do what is best for you.
I’d also emphasize not editing while writing. Get the words on the page first in the big purge – where your fingers are trying to keep up with your brain. Don’t re-read it immediately. Give it a day or two. Then allow yourself to edit, but also keep in mind that an editor will help fix verb tense, grammar issues and story flow.
Just keep moving forward. Work with an accountability partner or a coach, like me, who can help keep you on track to meet your goals and help guide you through the self publishing process if that’s the route you’ve chosen.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
To be in the moment. It’s all we have.
What are you reading now?
Let Go
A Buddhist Guide to Breaking Free of Habits
Martine Batchelor
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m writing a book proposal for Soul Garden Healing and would love to be published with Hay House for that one.
I’m also developing a course for the Daily Om on getting back to being yourself after a breakup.
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?
Just gazing at my bookshelf, I would bring a daily meditation book, a thesaurus and one of my mother’s art books.
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