Interview With Author Stephanie Mendelson
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have lived many lives, worn many hats and been through some very tough times in life which have given me perspective. I recently had the most difficult journey in taking care of my parents as my father had worsening dementia while simultaneously my mother was diagnosed with terminal cancer unexpectedly. I was thrust into a world of chaos, navigating a broken system and emotional exhaustion all while trying to do the best I could for my parents who were always there for me. This experience complelled me to write my first book, The “O” with the Green Leaves. The title reveals its significance while you read the book. Although this book is raw and terribly sad, it is also infused with humor and love. Now I have the writing bug and have written a children’s book and am on my second memoir about raising my son with Autism.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The “O” with the Green Leaves literally poured out of me after such a painful time in my life ushering my parents to their death. I lost my mother and father (and unexpectedly my mother in law) all within a few months. I know others are facing similar issues of caregiving for sick or aging relatives or friends and can relate to what I went through.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
For this book I stayed up many nights and felt compelled to get the story out. I couldn’t do much else as I wanted to memorialize what I had been through and get it out on paper. I would play my mother’s favorite music and sit in a dimly lit room and I couldn’t type fast enough to get the thoughts out.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
John Boyne “The Boy in the Striped Pajamas” is a book that stayed with me long after I read it. I lost quite a lot of family in the holocaust and he told such a compelling story that I could not shake. I also am a Stephen King fan because I love his imagination and imagery and how you become immersed in his stories from start to finish.
What are you working on now?
I am working on my next memoir titled, “Nothing Rhymes with Autism” It is a real but funny look at my husbands and my journey to conceive and then raising my son who is on the Autism Spectrum and how it led me to found a charity that I run.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Social media of course but making connections with people who then share it. I also have been reaching out to and speaking at support groups and centers for dementia and cancer as I feel like these are the people who can relate the most to the subject matter.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write what you know. Write with purpose. Don’t pressure yourself. Some days it will flow, some days it won’t. Don’t be afraid to walk away and come back.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
You get back what you give. Put out into the world and it will come back to you ten-fold.
What are you reading now?
I haven’t had much time unfortunately to read lately but I have a copy of “The Last Thing he Told Me” by Laura Dave so I hope to get to that soon.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Taking as long as it takes to finish up this memoir and now writing has become such a part of my life I can’t imagine not working on something. My next project after that will be whatever inspires me to start typing.
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?
Man’s search for Meaning by Viktor Frankie – inspiration to get through tough times
A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson – fascinating
A Dictionary – long book to pass time and learn new words
Yearbook by Seth Rogen – need to laugh above all else
Author Websites and Profiles
Stephanie Mendelson Amazon Profile
Stephanie Mendelson’s Social Media Links
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