Please share a bit about your journey to become a published author?

In March this year I self published an e-book on Kindle and decided to go ahead with the printed version of my book, but was feeling in over my head. Self-publishing is a great opportunity, but I realized it has many limitations. I did not want to navigate it on my own, knew I needed help and found out about Julie from others who had worked with her.

As soon as we met, it felt like a perfect match. We worked together through private coaching sessions. It felt great to hand it over to an experienced team. I knew I was making the best possible investment in the future of my book.

How does the writing process work for you? Do you schedule a time every day, work madly when inspiration hits or ?

For years it felt like I had been carrying a book around inside of me. Eventually it became more uncomfortable to keep it in than to start writing. I was actually amazed at how much time I could find in my schedule to get it done once I had committed to the project.

Most weeks, I would do early mornings at 5:30 or 6 a.m. as I loved the peaceful time before everyone else was awake and before myriad messages started coming through. I would often leave the computer beside my bed, roll over and grab it as soon as I woke up. I noticed that the months I was deeply creating, I spent little time on social media and I secretly loved it.

What did you find most difficult about the writing and publishing process? What was the easiest?

My biggest challenge was when my own fear and self-judgment shut me down. Thoughts about whether my book would be good enough, or whether anyone would want to read it could block my ability to write. Also, I found deciding on the title to be an especially hard process.

What was easy? To be honest, I can’t really say much of the project was easy, but it was by far one of the most rewarding and satisfying things I have ever done.

What was the most challenging moment you faced when writing your book?

There was a time I was deep in self-doubt. My vision had been lost and I had convinced myself that no one would be interested in what I was offering. I decided to take myself to the forest where I found a beautiful tree to sit under.

In the stillness I found myself noticing how the simplicity of each leaf falling to the ground was important in it’s own way, and how even the smallest movement in nature had a purpose. It helped me to become more aware that when we breathe more fully, or become quiet enough to become aware of the present moment, it also has a ripple effect. It allows us a way to offer our peace to ourselves and to the troubled world. In that beautiful moment I became aware of how the tools in my book were important to share and would make a difference.

What title (or titles) have you released? Please include a short synopsis of what your book is (or books are) about.

My book is called Thriving in Chaos: 2 Minute Stress Management Tools for Anxiety, Stress Relief and Building confidence.

I feel passionate about giving people simple, effective tools to help them cope with the overwhelm and burnout they can experience in day-to-day life. The quick, hands-on tips I share help me make better decisions, focus, feel energized, stay calm and boost my confidence when I need it. It was such a joy to bring them all together in one book that could help others.

What would you like readers to know about you?

For most of my life, I’ve been an introverted and shy person with a huge desire to be able to express, speak and perform. However, becoming successful at my passions was always very difficult for me as high anxiety or illness would threaten to stop me from achieving my dreams.

After an emotional and physical breakdown in my forties I started on a healing journey, and put my energy into finding ways to help myself overcome my adversities. I eventually went on to do a two year apprenticeship in Shamanism, became certified in the trauma therapy Somatic Experiencing and started coaching others. I refused to give up on my desires, and from that journey came this book.

Do you have any new books in the planning or writing stage?

My next book is about the topic of self-sabotage and how we can often break down on the paths to our dreams. I share critical information on how to move through self doubt and resistance by teaching how to understand and work with the nervous system. I am super excited to offer my perspective on this compelling topic!