Where were you born and how has it affected you?
I was born in Delaware, however, because of the trauma in my childhood, we moved around a lot so I do not really call any state “my home” state as I have lived all over the United States and in Germany for my first duty station while serving the Army from 1995 to 1997.
What books do you remember reading during your childhood?
I remember reading Berenstain Bears, books from Dr. Suess, Tom Sawyer, I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings, and Snow White.
Which is your favorite memoir, and what is it that makes it so good?
David Goggins Can’t Hurt Me, because it reminds me of what I have gone through and how we have had to overcome our own battles of various types of abuse.
What or who was your biggest strength while overcoming childhood abuse, PTSD, & more medical adversities?
Michael Hirst who wrote the series for the History Channel The Vikings. This show has given me strength by watching how warriors fight and how the countrymen lived their daily lives back then. I have gained friends from the actual show as well, and it has brought me more joy and inspired my desire to have hope in humanity again. Also gardening, and being able to share my organic fruit and vegetables with my community has been inspiring to both myself and others.
Do you need to know how a novel ends before you begin writing it? No, I have often started in the middle, then went back to the beginning, and end at various times because my brain does not think linear yet, and I tend to get scattered at times. This is also why it took about 3.5 years in total for A Resilient Warrior to come into fruition.
What challenges did you face while writing your first memoir, A Resilient Warrior?
Emotionally, it was very difficult because I was having to relive my childhood trauma and drama in order to get it out on paper. Spiritually though, it has helped me grow leaps and bounds, and I appreciate the people that are in my life more now.
If you could instantly acquire the skills of any writer who would you choose?
Michael Hirst
What inspired your first original story? Did you share the tale with anyone?
I was in search of finding answers and the truth, I have been doing therapy for 4 consistent years, and it has brought me to a place of acceptance which is where I needed to be. I wanted my voice to be heard on a whole different level and I wanted as many people as possible to hear it. I want my story to be told and heard from around the world.
Writing can be an emotionally draining and stressful pursuit. Any tips for aspiring writers?
Yes, there will be days when you want to throw in the towel and give into the natural desires of the mind coming to make a stance with your own ego. It is at these times, when it is so necessary to keep writing. Even if you have to take a momentary break from what you are currently writing about to write something totally different even if it is just for a moment or a week, don’t let your mind take control of you. Don’t judge yourself while you are in the process because there are things that will come up for you and it may open Pandora’s Box. Make sure you are ready for whatever is about to come to you and if it requires therapy, do not think you are above it. There are thousands of different types of therapies and I do not believe 1 is good for all. Talk therapy doesn’t work for me, but neurofeedback, EMDR, meditation, gardening, writing, and coloring mandalas works for me.
What kind of audience do you hope to appeal to with your books?
Survivors of abuse, whether it is sexual, physical, mental, spiritual. Those who have had medical trauma or issues that have been unexplainable or hard for doctors to comprehend, the Science community in regards to Stem Cell Therapy. People working with anxiety, stress, depression, trauma, or sadness. Those looking to have inner peace and looking to find something different to break the patterns of their current lives which can be done with meditation, gardening, taking short walks, or talking with a friend. An audience that is looking for something different to help inspire them to grow from the inside out.
How do you keep in touch with your readers and fans?
My direct link www.feedmycity.net which leads to my social media and email as well as podcasts and a video about me.
E-mail, wtrgpsy@yahoo.com
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/mindy.dougherty.9
Twitter https://twitter.com/WtrGpsy
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/wtrgpsy/</p>
What did it take to become an epitome of a resilient warrior that you are today?
A fighting spirit, resiliency, and the will to live even when the odds are completely stacked against you.
How do you feel about the rise in digital books in recent years?
I am very excited about the rise in digital books and hope there will be many who are inspired by my book A Resilient Warrior.
Which is the next book you are working on? Is it a series or a stand-alone book?
I am thinking about writing a children’s book next.
Lastly, what are your thoughts and opinions on AllAuthor and its services?
This has been an amazing process and you have made it very easy to work. I appreciate the services rendered by your company and thank you very much for this interview.
