Where were you born, and what was your childhood like?
I was born in Kipling, Saskatchewan, Canada in the summer of 1971. I grew up in a small town surrounded by friends and family. I enjoyed spending time with my cousin, Rhonda who is the same age as me. We went on many adventures together out in the pasture, up on the haystack and along dirt roads.
How did you begin writing your first story? Did it ever get published?
As a kid, I used to enjoy writing stories for school projects and I have a real love of reading. I spend a lot of time lost in a book somewhere. My first book came into being last year. It is the story of my own life in many ways and how I overcame burnout and exhaustion in my own life and professional practice. It was published and available to the public on June 20, 2020.
Do you remember the stories your mother told you as a child that cultivated your passion for writing?
My Mum was a high school English teacher until I was about 16 years old. After that, she retired early from teaching to pursue her own passion for writing. She has had a wildly successful career as a Historical Romance Novelist. Her name is Mary Balogh.
When I was a child, my Mum would read to me all the time. She always told the stories with enthusiasm and I loved listening to her read. She encouraged all three of us to read all the time. I learned to read very young and it was because of her. I have a love of reading and now a passion for writing as well.
Her best advice…. “Just start writing..”
Your thoughts on conventional vs. self-publishing? What route did you choose and why?
Self-publishing seems very easy and indeed it can be. I chose to work with an editor and publisher who not only helped me to improve on the words I had written but also guided me toward successfully launching my book.
Which is the best book to start a reading habit with?
ANY book that catches and holds your complete and undivided attention. I have read many books and many genres over the years. Some have held my interest and others I have let go with a lot of love and respect as just not quite being my thing.
How has been your experience of being a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist?
After leaving a career in nursing, I found myself feeling like a fish out of water. I wanted to help people without all of the bureaucracy of nursing. I dabbled with coaching for a while, certifying in wellness, life, love and career coaching but it wasn’t enough.
Hypnotherapy kind of fell into my lap and so I launched into it. It is my passion and my pleasure now to work with clients as they step back into their own personal power and right the wrongs that are causing them to feel stuck in their live. It has been one of the best experiences of my life.
What challenges did you face while writing your first book, The Burned-Out Healer?
I wouldn’t say that I really faced many challenges. I knew what I wanted to say and how I wanted it said. I think perhaps the biggest challenge was maybe having too much to say versus not overwhelming the reader.
What is your writing kryptonite? Inversely, what is something that never fails to inspire you?
My kryptonite came when I was in the editing phase of the book, There were times that the edit suggestions didn’t make sense to me and certainly didn’t ring true to the purpose of the book. There were many times that I sat frozen because I didn’t necessarily want to make the changes.
Inspiration came when I made the decision to take back some of my own power and to ensure that the book was finished true to form and true to me. Working with the people in my community and listening to their words around some of the parts of the book that were edited and made better was real inspiration as well.
What according to you are the key ingredients of a successful book?
The book must be easy to read and easy to understand.
The book must be something that the reader can identify with in their own life.
The book must talk to the pain AND the pleasure of overcoming that pain.
My book tells a bit of my own story right through. It is my hope that readers can see themselves in the words I have carefully written as a friend who gives them hope and the feeling that they are not alone.
What is the sweetest fan-mail that you have ever received?
Any time that I receive feedback about my book, I feel very honored. I love all of the messages that I receive. I don’t have a favorite.
What do you consider to be your best accomplishment?
I found the courage and the strength to put into words something that many others are struggling with in their lives. I have many, many accomplishments in my life. Writing this book is one of them.
When are you most inspired to write? What are some things you do to motivate yourself when you're stuck in a rut?
I am inspired to write all the time. There are so many real-time events that effect my life and those of others around me every day. I am always jotting down words, phrases and information for the next book.
When I feel like I am stuck, I simply close my eyes and imagine the ONE person that needs to read my words right now. That person is my reason for continuing onward even when I’m not quite sure what direction to take. It always manages to come through when I take the time to visualize my ideal reader.
What's something on your bucket list that you think is unique?
I really have no idea. I am very much a spur of the moment kind of person. I take chances in all things. I see things in ways that others don’t. My bucket list creates itself as I follow my life’s journey.
What are your plans for the future as a writer? Are you working on anything new?
I haven’t started anything new yet although I have begun putting together the informational bucket that I need for a few ideas. I have more to say and more to write and when the time is right, I will.
How has your experience of being associated with AllAuthor been?
I enjoy AllAuthor. There is a lot available to writers and readers alike. I have enjoyed the journey so far.
