Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a native Houstonian that has had the blessing of living a few places other than Texas. I’m the youngest of 5 children, married, with 1 daughter and a cat. I’m a lover of all things DIY and spend more time collecting projects than finishing them! I’m also a crafter and I love old movies and musicals. I sing and feel that along with coaching and writing I use music as a part of my ministry to people.
Life Happens is my second book but it’s also a “two-fer”. I combined my essays and other writings in to the first half and a reboot of my first book, Relining the Empty Nest, into the second half.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my latest book is Life Happens and it was inspired by a conversation with my daughter. It took her 5 years to read the first book and afterwards she called me and said that I needed to republish it because people needed the information. I shared with her my feelings of why the first book didn’t do as well as I would have thought and I said “Life Happens” and immediately felt in my spirit that I should revamp the book and use that as the title. Life does happen – over and over. It is my prayer that something in this book will bless the reader.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I get inspired in my car so my voice recorder is my friend! Other than that, it’s whenever it hits me.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
So many! Iyanla Vanzant and Brene Brown to name two. I’m influenced by not only what I read, but by what I hear. For fiction I love Beverly Jenkins and Janice Hanna Thompson.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on two online courses. One to partner with the book that would allow the reader to begin to take the steps themselves to do the cocoon work and break out as a beautiful butterfly! The second is actually the course I would recommend taking first, which is Forgiveness. Until you forgive the situations and people, including yourself, you’re not ready to get unstuck and really complete the work to move forward in your life.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Still trying to figure that one out!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Get out of your own way. Trust your instincts and write for the love of what you are writing, not for the “success” of it. You are successful when you put pen to paper and publish your heart.
Sometimes we don’t realize that the “no” or “not yet” that we encounter is really preparing you for something greater! What is TRULY for you won’t pass you by,
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“You cannot heal what you will not face”
What are you reading now?
“You are your best thing” by Tarana Burke and Brene Brown.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Only God knows! I’m not sure if another book will be anytime soon, but definitely I will be doing work with workshops, group discussions, and continuing with my coaching clients.
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?
The Bible, Acts of Faith, and any Beverly Jenkins book. Maybe I would be lucky enough to be on an island with electricity and I can use my kindle! LOL!
Author Websites and Profiles
Roberta Bogany Website
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