Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I just released my first full length book, Garbage Bag Suitcase. Prior to that I had an ebook that I did for BookBoon entitled Setting Your Vision and Establishing Your Goals. I’m currently working on my next book, Hiking for Stillness.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Garbage Bag Suitcase came about in the least of expected ways. I actual hired a writer and former journalist to help me write the “about me” section of my website. After we met, an interview that was supposed to take 30 minutes, ended up being 2 hours, and he encouraged me to start writing the story. I wasn’t fully convinced. But it was floating around in my head and I kept saying, I have no idea how I would end the story. Then, on a lunch break I started googling foster care statistics and I immediately knew I had to no only write the story, but offer up ways in which we could fix the system.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I spend a lot of time out in the woods, dictating to “Notes” on my iPhone!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have been an avid reader since elementary school. In fact, reading is one of the things that I think saved me from my circumstances. Beverly Cleary was a hero as a child. I used to read everything, but the older I get the more I find that I am just reading non-fiction. I spend a lot of time focused on history, but more and more reading about brain science. The book the 4 Agreements is what finally pushed me over the edge to begin writing.
What are you working on now?
I am currently working on my next book entitled Hiking for Stillness. It will be more narrative non fiction and will deal with how we deal with our trauma and overcome to have a healthy and happy life.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Open communications. I try and respond to every email and social media post that I get. That communication has lead to some great and interesting opportunities.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Be patient. This is a lesson that I’m still trying to learn, but patience can go a long way as you spend way more time “waiting to hear” from others than I could have ever imagined.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Fake it till you make it!
What are you reading now?
I’m currently reading Missoula by Jon Krakauer and The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk
What’s next for you as a writer?
Continuing to promote Garbage Bag Suitcase, working on my next book. I am hopeful that my writer can help us change the conversation around social issues.
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 Four Agreements (because I need to constantly remind myself), War & Peace (because I’ve been meaning to try and get through the whole thing), and A Survival Guide for Beginners (because I am a bit practical)!
Author Websites and Profiles
Shenandoah Chefalo Website
Shenandoah Chefalo Amazon Profile
Shenandoah Chefalo’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account