An Interview with Author Mick C. Alexander

Mick C. Alexander is an experienced dater who’s eager to share his understanding of the dynamics between men and women in the context of dating. He’s not a professional counsel; however, he does hold a degree in social sciences, which equipped him with valuable insights into human nature and effective communication. But what truly set him on this path was a simple desire: to gain the confidence and skills needed to approach and connect with women independently.

“I wanted the ability to strike up conversations, request phone numbers, arrange dates, or even share a memorable kiss, all with unwavering self-confidence, regardless of the circumstances. So, I embarked on a journey of experimentation and self-improvement, and my passion for the art of seduction was ignited. I delved into every available resource, continuously refining my dating skills along the way.

The best part of this journey? I’m just an ordinary guy with a typical 9 to 5 job. I don’t boast a Hollywood-worthy appearance, a supermodel physique, or a hefty bank account. What I do have is the knowledge of how to engage with women successfully, and I’m excited to share that knowledge with you.”

Tell us about your book? Why did you write it?

As the title suggests, this is a dating book for men that takes readers on a relaxed, easy-to-understand journey toward the romantic success they desire. The book aims to help guys enhance their social skills, yielding better results with women. I decided to write this book not only because I possess the “know-how” factor but primarily to provide a resource that doesn’t delve into mind games or shady tactics.

Over time, seduction has gained a negative reputation due to its association with manipulative tactics causing pain or harm. In “Seduction Without Tears: A Man’s Roadmap to Dating Success,” my goal is to promote healthy relationships built on mutual trust and respect. This approach ensures that both individuals feel valued and appreciated, fostering genuine connections.

Do you have a specific writing style?

Yes, I do have a specific writing style. I’ve adopted a blend of styles, primarily driven by my intention to keep readers engaged. Writing a dating book can be a bit dry, so I aimed to steer clear of lulling anyone into a nap. Given my penchant for humor, I’ve opted for an informal tone, alternating between serious and humorous language throughout the sections.

What are the obstacles that come in the way of writing?

In my case, the main obstacles stem from juggling a day job. The primary challenge is the limited availability of time. While I aspire to dedicate extended hours to writing, it’s often not feasible due to work commitments. Finding that uninterrupted stretch to focus on writing becomes a constant struggle.

What is your work schedule like when you are writing?

My writing schedule revolves around fitting in a couple of hours during the weekdays, usually at night. On weekends, I dedicate the morning and noon entirely to writing. This routine allows me to balance my writing commitments with other responsibilities and make consistent progress on my projects.

How long does it take to write a book?

For me, writing feels like assembling a puzzle – you have the pieces, but figuring out how they all fit together is a meticulous process. After a year of patiently arranging words and sentences, I finally had a completed picture and hit the “done” button.

 What challenges do you come across when writing?

Similar to many authors, my greatest nemesis lies in battling bouts of lack of inspiration. Some days, crafting even a single sentence to my satisfaction feels like a formidable task. While it’s often said that nonfiction writing should be straightforward due to existing knowledge, the reality is that translating that knowledge onto paper comes with its own set of intricacies.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

Well, I’m like a creature of habit who insists on a familiar territory. I’m fiercely location-dependent; my words flow best when I’m stationed at home, at my desk. I envy those free-spirited authors who can effortlessly spin tales in coffee shops or under the open sky. But, for me, take me out of my comfort zone, and my words stage a rebellion, probably plotting their escape to the cozy familiarity of my home desk.

Do you see writing as a career?

For now, I stick to my day job, but who knows? In the future anything is possible.

What are you most proud of in your personal life?

I’m most proud of maintaining a healthy balance in my life – physically, mentally, and socially. Cultivating lasting friendships, prioritizing my well-being, and embracing a positive mindset even in challenging times have been my guiding principles. It’s a continual journey, but the fulfillment derived from nurturing both my health and connections with others is deeply rewarding.

What books did you love growing up?

Well, growing up, I’ve delved into all sorts of books, exploring different genres and themes. Yet, amidst the literary landscape, my heart found its home in the captivating realms of the mystery novels.

 I devoured Agatha Christie’s whodunits like they were chocolate truffles. Jules Verne took me on adventures that made my childhood seem way too dull in comparison, and Arthur Conan Doyle had me seriously contemplating the benefits of a detective hat. By 14, I was a certified mystery aficionado – the only mystery left was how I managed to finish all those books before my library card expired!”

What do you hope your obituary will say about you?

Here lies Mick C. Alexander, the maestro of dating wisdom for men. He taught us that love is like a well-crafted joke – timing is everything, and sometimes it’s okay to laugh at your own punchlines. His legacy? Countless saved relationships and a world where no man had to ask, “What do you mean, there are no good dating advice books for men?”

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Well, if I could set up camp anywhere in the world, you’d find me sipping ouzo on a Greek Island. Why? Well, because if life gives you lemons, you might as well make them into a refreshing tzatziki! I’ve heard Zeus is a great neighbor, and the crystal-clear Aegean Sea is my idea of a perfect swimming pool. Plus, I’ve been practicing my plate-smashing skills for those extra festive evenings. Opa!

If you could have a dinner party and invite anyone dead or alive, who would you ask?

If I had the power to bring anyone to the table, alive or dead, I’d pull a cinematic seat for none other than Charlie Chaplin. Imagine the silent movie-style antics as we navigate a three-course meal without uttering a word. I bet he’d masterfully turn a dinner napkin into a comedy sketch, and who knows, maybe we’d all end up doing a whimsical dance routine by dessert.

Do you have anything specific you’d like to tell the readers?

Yes, I do: Don’t be discouraged! I know that the dating world can be daunting, and at times, it might seem overwhelming. But remember that every step forward is a step toward growth. You’ve got this! Take the challenges in stride, and don’t forget to enjoy the exciting adventure of self-discovery that comes with dating. You’re on the path to building awesome connections, and that’s something worth celebrating!

What do you hope people will take away from your writing? How will your words make them feel?

I aim for my words to be a source of motivation and inspiration for readers, encouraging them to take meaningful action in their lives. If my writing can spark a positive change, ignite a sense of purpose, and empower individuals to pursue their dreams, then I consider my mission accomplished. Ultimately, I want readers to feel not only motivated but also empowered to translate that motivation into tangible steps toward a more fulfilling and purposeful life.

A Journey With Chronic Illness: An Interview with Brandon Green

Brandon Green

Brandon Green is an Australian businessman who owns an online coffee shop and toy store. He is an avid entrepreneur who enjoys all aspects of business, whether it’s online or offline. He has written a successful self-help book, helping people develop a positive mindset.

Brandon Green is a chronic illness warrior. He developed Long Covid, which progressed into Mold toxicity, Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, and EMF sensitivity. His life has been different ever since.

Tell us about your new book? Why did you write it?
My new book, “Think Like a Scientist,” is about my experiences with chronic illness and gaslighting. I wrote it to share my story and to help others understand and cope with similar challenges.

It is vital to get exposure and target the right readers for your writing, tell us about your marketing campaign?
My marketing campaign focuses on accessibility and reaching out to communities that can relate to chronic illness and gaslighting, including offering my book for free online.

Every writer has their own idea of what a successful career in writing is, what does success in writing look like to you?
To me, success in writing means reaching and positively impacting people who can relate to my story, especially those dealing with chronic illnesses.

What else do you do, other than write?
I am a podcast host, host of the Lets Go Brandon Green show.
I developed my writing through my personal experiences and the need to express and document my journey through chronic illness.

What books did you love growing up?
Growing up, I loved a variety of children’s books, which later inspired me to write my own.

What makes you happiest?
What makes me happiest is spending time with my toddler, reading and reviewing children’s storybooks together.

Why do you write?
I write to share my journey and to raise awareness about chronic illnesses and the challenges they bring.

Have you always enjoyed writing?
Yes, I have always enjoyed writing, especially creating stories that can be shared with children.

What motivates you to write?
My motivation to write comes from my personal experiences and the desire to help others who might be going through similar struggles

https://twitter.com/LetsGoBrandonAu
https://www.instagram.com/letsgobrandongreen
https://letsgobrandongreen.com/think-like-a-scientist/

Author Interview with Clifford Shepherd

Author Interview with Clifford Shepherd

Welcome to the literary world of Clifford Shepherd, a passionate writer whose journey begins with his debut novel “Blue Hills” This marks the inception of a remarkable saga that will take readers on a captivating adventure, spanning from the past to the present day.

Clifford’s love for the written word has been a lifelong affair, but it was a pivotal moment during a long walk with his eldest son, Cyrus, that gave him the nudge to put pen to paper. “Just do it,” his son urged, and one year later, Clifford proudly presents his first book to the world.

While crafting compelling stories, Clifford also manages a demanding day job as a senior analyst – a testament to the dedication of many indie authors who balance their creative pursuits with professional careers. Beyond his writing, Clifford’s interests extend to video editing, creating podcasts, and hosting a weekly radio show on Salford City Radio FM.

Join Clifford Shepherd on his literary voyage, as he combines his diverse talents and passion for storytelling to bring you engaging narratives that will stand the test of time.

  • Where are you from?

I’m from a city in England called Salford/Manchester

  • Why do you write?

I just enjoy it, I have many stories and it’s fun to bring the characters to life.  I had an idea for a story and for many years sat like many do without putting pen to paper then my eldest son Cyrus said “Dad just write it” so i started. 

  • What do you write about? 

Real life, there’s no superheroes but real heroes, relationships and people hardship.  The struggles of everyday life, my book starts from 1940 and WW2 the battles, the loss and differences are all around.  Then it moves through into POW camp in Japan, how love and loss affects you.  Also with the criminal underworld rearing its head.

  • Do you have a specific writing style?

I write in a style that promotes the reader to seek out the next chapter, allowing a more rollercoaster of blended interwoven stories of the family’s. If people read it and at points say “They didn’t see that coming” then i’ve done my job.

  • What are obstacles that come in the way of writing? 

Time and being consistent, many start and many do not complete.  Its about whatever you think, just get it down on paper or computer.  Don’t over analyse your work until you have finished a chapter then look over it.  At the end of the book then look over and over, not until you’re happy then ask an editor to look over.  Even at this point not to be disheartened with constructive comments or even asked to rewrite as the story doesn’t fit right.  KEEP GOING.

  • Whats the most memorable thing asked/said by a reader about your work?

“there were tears as well as many laughs!”

Couldn’t put this book down!

There are just two which stood out which any comment/review I get I am honoured for people to have read it and took the time to add a review.  I’m on a learning curve. This is my first book.  People telling me they are proud of what I wrote makes it all worthwhile.

  • How long have you been writing?

I’ve written short scripts before but never published, this is my first book which took me just over a year to write/edit/format cover create etc to bring it out.

  •  When did you first realise you wanted to become a writer?

When i finally finished the first book.  When i first started it i planned out to complete the story in one book, but the more i wrote i realised i needed to have people connect with the characters i couldn’t rush it.  In the end I realised I needed to expand it to a series of books, and after eventually finishing the first I was itching and already putting together the next in the series along with a collection of short stories, unrelated to this series.

  • What is your work schedule like when you are writing?

I have a day job and a family. As such it’s hard to put time into writing, you have to sit and be in the right mood. This usually is late at night. I cannot quickly write a few lines and get on with everyday events. You need time to allow it to flow.

  • What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

Music!, it really is i know what i need to write i have it planned out in an excel sheet but it’s all about then producing the story i then put on some background music usually film scores and i’m able to write.

  • How long does it take to write a book? (if you’ve written one -published or non)

AGES!!! Lol no seriously im not full time writer i fit it in so to me it was approx 8 months then it was editing and rewriting until it eventually was just over a year. 

  • Do you have suggestions on how to become a better writer?

Simple just write, there’s many sites and videos out there saying you need this or that in software.  YOU DONT, i used my mobile and google docs. Ask friends or family for input to check over and help. Also have an editor someone you know or from many services out there you need one i did and they will help.  Also proofreaders/beta readers again family or friends but through these it helped me to swap out stories and structure the novel in a way that read at pace.

  • What challenges do you come across when writing/creating your story?

You may have a beginning and know where you need to get to, but how you get there is the story. This is what will keep your reader and this point can also change the outcome so be flexible.  Many points I wrote and changed many times until I was happy.  Be happy if it’s not captivating yourself then it will not be your reader.  As such dont just add for filler add it if it moves the story along.

  • What do you think makes a good story?

Relatable for the readers, captivating twists and turns, curve balls.  Some things a reader will see coming but many they will not and this keeps them engaged.

  • What does your family think of your writing? 

Happy and proud of all of them, I reached out to all and my family.  Even though we all may not meet each other all the time, they are always there when needed and inspire me.

  • Do you see writing as a career?

Oh i’d wish! I’m sure many indie authors do.  A book deal, a film etc im sure all have these dreams.  But I have to be realistic, you have to push it out, get it out there.  You could have the best book written but unless people see it pop up or are told about it, it will not go anywhere.

  • Do you have anything specific you’d like to tell the readers?

I’d like to say, thank you first if you’re reading this, thank you again if you have bought a copy of my book.  Also this book is a journey and the first book is the first step, there’s more to come and i hope you come on this journey with me.  If your wanting to write then i will be more than helpful in advice and tips please just message me at http://www.cliffordshepherd.com

  • When did you first consider yourself a writer?

When I could order my first author print, when I had it in my hands.  I gave my first print to my father, and hearing his response and praise after he read it.

Author Interview with Mark Stuart

Mark is a former IT professional turned entrepreneur and writer (haiku, fiction, and non-fiction). He is the founder of SelfHelpNirvana.com, Toolarium.club and the Holiday Reminder Alerts service.

Describe yourself in five words.

Introverted, unconventional, thoughtful, unfocused.

What fact about yourself would really surprise people?

That I moved from the UK to the USA to be with a woman I’d never met in person and only saw a photo of one month before I moved.

How do you work through self-doubts and fear?

I don’t, at least, I don’t do it well. I am better with someone who is close to me with whom I can discuss problems.

What scares you the most?

Losing my girlfriend.

What makes you happiest?

Being with my girlfriend.

What books did you enjoy growing up?

Action/adventure stories, Sherlock Holmes, puzzle books, magic (of the conjuring variety) books, humorous stories, encyclopaedias, and pretty much anything, really.

What do you hope your obituary will say about you?

I hope that my obituary will say I was a kind and gentle man.

Where are you from?

I am originally from a city called Preston, in the UK, but I now split my time between Arizona and New York.

Why do you write?

I write mainly because I enjoy it, but also because I want to start earning some money from writing.

What do you write about?

On the business side, I mainly write self-help articles and technology-based information / product reviews.

For enjoyment, I focus on haiku, although I have written a novel and a lot of flash fiction stories. I also write on both Medium and Substack.

Do you have a specific writing style?

I would say it’s a fairly informal style.

What’s the most memorable thing asked/said by a reader about your work?

A fellow author wrote a review of my Haiku For Beginners book on Goodreads, and said: “For anyone interested in writing Haiku, whether they be beginners or experienced Haikuists, Mark Stuart’s book is essential reading. It has been a pleasure to read and my understanding of this intricate form of literary expression has been expanded dramatically.

How long have you been writing?

I wrote my novel in 2011, and have written sporadically since then, but most of my work has been created during the past three or four years.

When did you first realize you wanted to become a writer?

It was in the 1990s that I had this urge to write a full-length novel that featured a magic square (another interest of mine). However, I didn’t get around to that until 2011, and I found I enjoyed the challenge. Most of my professional work has been in the information technology industry, which is not what most people think of as being creative, although it is, in a way, but I wanted some outlet to try to develop my creativity, and writing was what felt like the most natural avenue to pursue.

How do you write – laptop, pen, paper, in bed, at a desk?

I often write my haiku on my phone, but everything else is done on my laptop – I hate writing by hand (mainly because I’m a left-hander but also because it’s so slow compared to typing), and always have done since I was a child at school and had to use a dip pen (which is not great for us left-handers).

What is your work schedule like when you’re writing?

When writing my novel, I spent one hour a day on that, but these days, I don’t really have a schedule. I write when I get ideas, or when I want a break from programming and creating websites, because I don’t have the luxury of devoting several hours a day to it.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

If I have one, I would say it’s having fun with the English language. For example, I love plays on words, and double-meanings.

How long does it take to write a book?

I spent one month planning my 400+ page novel, about three months writing it, and one month editing it and getting it ready for publication. Every other book I’ve written has been much shorter, so some books (e.g., How To Memorize 101 Digits Of Pi In Less Than A Day) have only taken me a few days.

Do you have suggestions on how to become a better writer?

Write as much as you can. Try different styles to see what you enjoy most. Publish whatever you can somewhere, because to improve you need to receive feedback, either from readers or fellow writers (or both). And, as almost every successful author has already said, read – lots!

What challenges do you come across when writing / creating your story?

I’m not a great planner, but I knew if I didn’t plan my novel I would never get it finished, which is why I chose to do a highly detailed outline of my novel, which helped tremendously. Fortunately, this is less of an issue with the shorter books, although I did spend a lot of time creating the structure of my Haiku For Beginners book, because I wanted it to be laid out as a course, split into several modules. Another challenge is my ADD, which makes it difficult to stay focused for very long in one session. And lastly, making the time to write given I have higher priorities.

What do you think makes a good story?

If we’re talking fiction, then it should have credible characters, good dialogue, an interesting storyline without too many subplots, and it should be well-written (bad English really yanks me out of the story). For non-fiction, it needs to be written in easy-to-understand terms and it should be structured logically, so that each chapter builds on the previous ones.

What does your family think of your writing?

I never had much of a family, and most of them had died before I really started writing. My late wife was not particularly supportive of my desire to write a novel, but I got it done. My current partner is very supportive, although she doesn’t let me forget that I have higher priority tasks I should focus on first.

Do you see writing as a career?

In some ways, it already is – I write for several of my own websites. But in the usual meaning of the question, I am not sure I would want it to be my full-time job, although that doesn’t mean it won’t. It definitely can be a career, though – one of my friends started writing novels a few years ago and was able to give up his day job and now spends all his time writing.

Do you have anything specific you’d like to tell the readers?

I think it’s good to read books that are outside your usual genres, because it helps open your mind to alternative perspectives. This applies both to fiction and non-fiction. Try not to have too many books on the go at once. Don’t be afraid to give up on a book after a reasonable time if it’s really  not working for you – you’re not at school any longer and you get to choose what you read, and why.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

Probably when I completed my novel, in 2011.

What marketing works for you?

I don’t know – I really suck at and dislike the marketing side of business and writing.

Tell us about your new book? Why did you write it?

My latest regular book is called Haiku For Beginners: A 15-Module Introductory Course On The Japanese Art Of Haiku. I wrote it after learning the art of haiku over several years, and I wanted to impart that accumulation of knowledge and experience to others who want to write haiku but don’t know where to start. I don’t claim to know it all, because I am still learning, but I believe my book contains more than enough to get people going with both basic and some advanced techniques.

What do you hope people will take away from your writing? How will your words make them feel?

I hope, when they read Haiku For Beginners, that they will gain the confidence to start writing and publishing their own haiku. The course / book has a variety of exercises to help them develop their skills, and a Facebook group where they can share them so they can receive valuable feedback (both from me and from other students of this course).

When you are not writing, how do you like to relax?

When I’m not writing or working, I like to go for walks with my girlfriend, read together, watch movies, and play games.

കാത്‌ലീൻ ഹെലൻ ലിസണുമായുള്ള രചയിതാവിന്റെ അഭിമുഖം

തെറാപ്യൂട്ടിക് മസാജ്, ബോഡി വർക്ക് എന്നിവയിൽ ബോർഡ് സർട്ടിഫൈഡ് ആയ കാത്ലീൻ ലിസൺ ലിംഫെഡിമ തെറാപ്പിസ്റ്റാണ് (സിഎൽടി). സാന്ത്വന മസാജ്, മൈൻഡ്ഫുൾനെസ് എന്നിവയുടെ ഉടമയായ അവർ സാൻ ഡീഗോയിലെ ഐപിഎസ്ബി മസാജ് കോളേജിൽ ക്ലാസുകൾ പഠിപ്പിച്ചിട്ടുണ്ട്. മസാജ് തെറാപ്പിസ്റ്റുകളെ പോസ്റ്റ്ഓപ്പ് മസാജും ഫൈബ്രോസിസ് മസാജും പഠിപ്പിക്കുന്നു. എൻസിബിടിഎംബി അംഗീകൃത സിഇ ദാതാവാണ് കാത്ലീൻ. മസാജ് തെറാപ്പിയിൽ ബാച്ചിലേഴ്സ് ഓഫ് അപ്ലൈഡ് സയൻസ്, എംഎംഐ (മക്ലീൻ മെഡിറ്റേഷൻ ഇൻസ്റ്റിറ്റ്യൂട്ട്) സർട്ടിഫൈഡ് മെഡിറ്റേഷൻ ടീച്ചർ, യോഗ അലയൻസ് രജിസ്റ്റർ ചെയ്ത യോഗ ടീച്ചർ (ആർവൈടി 200), എസിഇ സർട്ടിഫൈഡ് പേഴ്സണൽ ട്രെയിനർ, ഹെൽത്ത് കോച്ച്. അവർ അമേരിക്കൻ വെനസ് ആൻഡ് ലിംഫാറ്റിക് സൊസൈറ്റിയിൽ (എവിഎൽഎസ്) സംസാരിച്ചിട്ടുണ്ട്.  ഫാറ്റ് ഡിസോർഡേഴ്സ് റിസോഴ്സ് സൊസൈറ്റി (എഫ്ഡിആർഎസ്), എം എൽ ഡി യുകെ, നാഷണൽ ലിംഫെഡിമ നെറ്റ്വർക്ക് (എൻ എൽ എൻ), സൊസൈറ്റി ഫോർ ഓങ്കോളജി മസാജ് (എസ് 4 ഒ എം) കോൺഫറൻസുകൾ. ലിംഫെഡിമയ്ക്കുള്ള സ്ട്രെസ് റിഡക്ഷൻ, ലിപെഡെമ ട്രീറ്റ്മെന്റ് ഗൈഡ്, പ്ലാസ്റ്റിക് സർജറി റിക്കവറി ഹാൻഡ്ബുക്ക്, സതേൺ കാലിഫോർണിയ പ്ലാസ്റ്റിക് സർജറി കുക്ക്ബുക്ക്, പ്രതികൂല ബാല്യകാല അനുഭവങ്ങളുള്ള മുതിർന്ന ക്ലയന്റുകൾക്കായുള്ള മൈൻഡ്ഫുൾ സ്ട്രാറ്റജീസ് എന്നിവയുടെ രചയിതാവാണ് അവർ. യുണൈറ്റഡ് സ്റ്റേറ്റ്സ് ഡോക്യുമെന്റിലെ ലിപെഡെമയ്ക്കുള്ള സ്റ്റാൻഡേർഡ് ഓഫ് കെയറിന്റെ സഹ-രചയിതാവാണ് അവർ. ന്യൂയോർക്കിലെ ഡെപ്പൂവിൽ ജനിച്ച അവർ ഇപ്പോൾ കാലിഫോർണിയയിലെ സാൻ ഡീഗോയിൽ ഭർത്താവിനോടൊപ്പം താമസിക്കുന്നു.

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ആമസോണിൽ കാത്ലീന്റെ പുസ്തകം നേടുക

അഞ്ച് വാക്കുകളിൽ സ്വയം വിവരിക്കുക

ഞാൻ സാഹസികനും ജിജ്ഞാസയുള്ളവനും ധീരനും അനുകമ്പയുള്ളവനും ഉല്ലാസവതിയുമാണ്.

നിങ്ങളെക്കുറിച്ചുള്ള ഏതു വസ് തുത ആളുകളെ ശരിക്കും ആശ്ചര്യപ്പെടുത്തും?

ടാന് സാനിയയിലെ കിളിമഞ്ചാരോ കൊടുമുടി കീഴടക്കിയാണ് ഞാന് എന്റെ 40-ാം ജന്മദിനം ആഘോഷിച്ചത്. ആറുമാസത്തോളം എല്ലാ വാരാന്ത്യത്തിലും അഡിറോണ്ടാക്ക് പർവതനിരകളിൽ കാൽനടയാത്ര നടത്തി ഞാൻ കാൽനടയാത്രയ്ക്ക് തയ്യാറെടുത്തു. അപ്പോഴാണ് ഞാൻ പതിവായി മസാജ് ചെയ്യാൻ തുടങ്ങിയത്. മസാജ് എന്റെ പരിശീലനത്തിൽ ട്രാക്കിൽ തുടരാനും കൊടുമുടിയിൽ എത്താനും എന്നെ സഹായിച്ചു.

സ്വയം സംശയങ്ങളിലൂടെയും ഭയത്തിലൂടെയും നിങ്ങൾ എങ്ങനെ പ്രവർത്തിക്കുന്നു?

കിളിമഞ്ചാരോ കൊടുമുടി കീഴടക്കിയതിൽ നിന്ന് ഞാൻ ധാരാളം കാര്യങ്ങൾ പഠിച്ചു, ‘ധ്രുവ ധ്രുവം’ എന്ന വാക്കിന്റെ അർത്ഥം സാവധാനം എന്നാണ്. 19,000 അടിയിലധികം ഉയരമുള്ള കൊടുമുടിക്ക് സമീപം കാൽനടയാത്രക്കാർക്ക് അവരുടെ പതിവ് വേഗതയിൽ നടക്കാൻ കഴിയില്ല, ശ്വാസം മുട്ടാതിരിക്കാൻ അവർ സാവധാനം നടക്കണം. ചിലപ്പോൾ, സമുദ്രനിരപ്പിനടുത്തുള്ള കഠിനമായ സാഹചര്യത്തിലൂടെ ‘സാവധാനം’ നടക്കുന്നത് ഭയവും സ്വയം സംശയവും കുറയ്ക്കും. ഈ നിമിഷത്തിൽ നിൽക്കാനും അതിലൂടെ ശ്വസിക്കാനും എനിക്ക് കഴിയണം.
നിങ്ങളെ ഏറ്റവും ഭയപ്പെടുത്തുന്നത് എന്താണ്?

വേണ്ടത്ര സമയമില്ല. എന്റെ മാതാപിതാക്കൾ രണ്ടുപേരും കാൻസർ ബാധിച്ച് മരിച്ചു, സ്തനാർബുദം ബാധിച്ച് എന്റെ അമ്മ മരിച്ച പ്രായത്തിലേക്ക് ഞാൻ അടുക്കുകയാണ്.

നിങ്ങളെ ഏറ്റവും സന്തുഷ്ടനാക്കുന്നത് എന്താണ്?

കടലിനടുത്ത് സമയം ചെലവഴിക്കുന്നു. എന്റെ ശരീരം മുഴുവൻ കൂടുതൽ ശാന്തമായി തോന്നുന്നു. എന്റെ ഇൻസ്റ്റാഗ്രാം പോസ്റ്റുകളിൽ പലതും വെള്ളത്തെക്കുറിച്ചാണ്.

നീയെന്തിനാ എഴുതുന്നത്?

മസാജ് സ്കൂളിലെ സ്റ്റുഡന്റ് ക്ലിനിക്കിൽ, ഞങ്ങളുടെ ക്ലയന്റുകൾക്ക് അവരുടെ സെഷനുശേഷം ഒരു സ്വയം പരിചരണ വിഭവം നൽകാൻ ഞങ്ങൾക്ക് പരിശീലനം നൽകി – സെഷനുകൾക്കിടയിൽ അവർക്ക് ചെയ്യാൻ കഴിയുന്ന ഒന്ന്. ഞാൻ ബിരുദം നേടി, എന്റെ ക്ലയന്റുകൾക്ക് ഒരു വിഭവം നൽകാൻ ഞാൻ ആഗ്രഹിക്കുന്നുവെന്ന് കണ്ടെത്തി, അതിനാൽ ഞാൻ ഒരെണ്ണം എഴുതുകയും പ്രസിദ്ധീകരിക്കുകയും ചെയ്തു. അതായിരുന്നു എന്റെ ആദ്യ പുസ്തകത്തിന്റെ പ്രചോദനം. അന്നുമുതൽ, എന്റെ ക്ലയന്റുകൾക്ക് ഒരു റിസോഴ്സ് നൽകാൻ ഞാൻ എല്ലായ്പ്പോഴും എഴുതിയിട്ടുണ്ട്. ശസ്ത്രക്രിയയിൽ നിന്ന് സുഖം പ്രാപിക്കുന്ന അല്ലെങ്കിൽ വിട്ടുമാറാത്ത രോഗവുമായി ജീവിക്കുന്ന ആളുകളെ ഞാൻ പരിപാലിക്കുന്നു, സ്വയം പരിപാലിക്കാൻ കഴിയുന്നതെല്ലാം ചെയ്യാൻ അവർ ആഗ്രഹിക്കുന്നു.

എഴുത്ത് എപ്പോഴും ആസ്വദിച്ചിട്ടുണ്ടോ?

എഴുത്ത് ഞാനെപ്പോഴും ആസ്വദിച്ചിരുന്നു. എഴുത്തുകാരിയായ ജെയ്ൻ ജുസ്കയെ എന്റെ ഹൈസ്കൂൾ ക്രിയേറ്റീവ് റൈറ്റിംഗ് ടീച്ചറായി ലഭിക്കാൻ ഞാൻ ഭാഗ്യവാനാണ്. കോളേജിൽ പഠിക്കുമ്പോൾ ഞാൻ ഒരു സൗജന്യ പ്രതിവാര പത്രത്തിനായി എഴുതുകയും ഒരു പ്രാദേശിക മാസികയിൽ ഒരു ലേഖനം പ്രസിദ്ധീകരിക്കുകയും ചെയ്തു.

എന്താണ് എഴുതാന് പ്രേരിപ്പിക്കുന്നത്?

ജേണൽ ലേഖനങ്ങൾ വായിക്കാനും ലിംഫെഡിമയും മറ്റ് വിട്ടുമാറാത്ത രോഗങ്ങളുമുള്ള ആളുകൾക്ക് നൽകുന്ന ഉപദേശത്തിന് പിന്നിലെ തെളിവുകൾ കണ്ടെത്താനും ഞാൻ ഇഷ്ടപ്പെടുന്നു. ഇതുവരെ വ്യാപകമായ പ്രയോഗത്തിൽ വരുത്തിയിട്ടില്ലാത്ത ധാരാളം നല്ല ഗവേഷണങ്ങൾ അവിടെയുണ്ട്, കൂടാതെ ഡോട്ടുകളെ ബന്ധിപ്പിക്കാനും എന്റെ വായനക്കാരെ സ്വയം പരിചരണത്തിന്റെ പുതിയ രൂപങ്ങളിലേക്ക് പരിചയപ്പെടുത്താനും കഴിയുന്നതിൽ ഞാൻ സന്തുഷ്ടനാണ്.

ഏത് എഴുത്തിലാണ് താങ്കള് ഏറ്റവും അഭിമാനിക്കുന്നത്?

യുണൈറ്റഡ് സ്റ്റേറ്റ്സിലെ ലിപെഡെമയ്ക്കുള്ള സ്റ്റാൻഡേർഡ് ഓഫ് കെയറിന്റെ സഹരചയിതാവ് എന്ന നിലയിൽ ഞാൻ ഏറ്റവും അഭിമാനിക്കുന്നു. അത്തരമൊരു അത്ഭുതകരമായ വിദഗ്ദ്ധ സംഘത്തിന്റെ ഭാഗമാകാൻ കഴിഞ്ഞത് ഒരു പദവിയാണ്.

നിങ്ങളുടെ വ്യക്തിജീവിതത്തിൽ നിങ്ങൾ ഏറ്റവും അഭിമാനിക്കുന്നത് എന്താണ്?

ഭർത്താവ് അരുണുമായി വിവാഹം കഴിഞ്ഞിട്ട് 11 വർഷമായി. എന്റെ പിതാവിന്റെ പെട്ടെന്നുള്ള മരണം, ഒരു ക്രോസ് കൺട്രി നീക്കം, പകർച്ചവ്യാധി സമയത്ത് ഒരുമിച്ച് വീട്ടിൽ കുടുങ്ങിയത് എന്നിവയെ ഞങ്ങൾ അതിജീവിച്ചു.

വളരാൻ ഇഷ്ടപ്പെടുന്ന പുസ്തകങ്ങൾ ഏതാണ്?

ലൈബ്രറിയിൽ പോയി ആ സമയത്ത് എനിക്ക് താൽപ്പര്യമുള്ളതെല്ലാം വായിക്കാൻ ഞാൻ ഇഷ്ടപ്പെട്ടു. എനിക്ക് വായനയോടുള്ള ഇഷ്ടം ലഭിച്ചതിൽ ഞാൻ വളരെ ഭാഗ്യവാനാണ്, കാരണം കുട്ടിക്കാലത്ത് വായിക്കാൻ പഠിക്കുന്നത് എനിക്ക് വളരെ ബുദ്ധിമുട്ടായിരുന്നു. ലൈബ്രറിയിലെ എല്ലാ പുസ്തകങ്ങളും വായിക്കാൻ എന്നെ അനുവദിച്ചിട്ടുണ്ടെന്നും എനിക്ക് എന്തെങ്കിലും ചോദ്യങ്ങൾ ഉണ്ടെങ്കിൽ അവരുടെ അടുത്തേക്ക് വരാമെന്നും എന്റെ മാതാപിതാക്കൾ എന്നോട് പറഞ്ഞു. ജോർജ്ജ് ഓർവെലിന്റെ 1984-ലെയും ജീൻ എം.ഓവലിന്റെ എർത്ത്സ് ചിൽഡ്രൻ സീരീസിലെയും കൗമാരപ്രായത്തിൽ ഞാൻ ശരിക്കും സ്നേഹിച്ചത് ഞാൻ ഓർക്കുന്നു.

സ്ഥലവും ജീവിതാനുഭവങ്ങളും എഴുത്തിനെ ശരിക്കും സ്വാധീനിക്കും, നിങ്ങൾ എവിടെയാണ് വളർന്നതെന്നും ഇപ്പോൾ എവിടെയാണ് താമസിക്കുന്നതെന്നും ഞങ്ങളോട് പറയുക?

ന്യൂയോർക്കിലെ ബഫല്ലോയിൽ ജനിച്ച ഞാൻ വളർന്നത് സാൻ ഫ്രാൻസിസ്കോ ബേ പ്രദേശത്താണ്. ഞാൻ ഇപ്പോൾ താമസിക്കുന്ന സാൻ ഡീഗോയിലേക്ക് പോകുന്നതിനുമുമ്പ് ഞാൻ അപ്സ്റ്റേറ്റ് ന്യൂയോർക്കിൽ ഒരു ദശകത്തിലേറെ ചെലവഴിച്ചു. കാലിഫോർണിയ ബാക്ക് ഈസ്റ്റിനേക്കാൾ ധ്യാനത്തിനും യോഗയ്ക്കും കൂടുതൽ തുറന്നിരിക്കുന്നു.

എഴുതുകയല്ലാതെ മറ്റെന്താണ് ചെയ്യുന്നത്?

ഞാൻ ഒരു ലിംഫെഡിമ തെറാപ്പിസ്റ്റും ബോർഡ് സർട്ടിഫൈഡ് മസാജ് തെറാപ്പിസ്റ്റുമാണ്. ശസ്ത്രക്രിയയിൽ നിന്ന് കരകയറാൻ ഞാൻ ആളുകളെ സഹായിക്കുകയും ലിംഫെഡിമയുള്ള ക്ലയന്റുകൾക്ക് മാനുവൽ ലിംഫാറ്റിക് ഡ്രെയിനേജ് മസാജ് നൽകുകയും ചെയ്യുന്നു. എന്റെ ക്ലയന്റുകളിൽ ഭൂരിഭാഗവും അവരുടെ സർജൻ റഫർ ചെയ്യുന്നു.

ജീവിതത്തിൽ വേറെ ഏതൊക്കെ ജോലികളാണ് ചെയ്തിട്ടുള്ളത്?

എന്റെ ഭർത്താവിന്റെ കരിയർ ഞങ്ങളെ സാൻ ഡീഗോയിലേക്ക് മാറ്റുന്നതിനുമുമ്പ് ഞാൻ 15 വർഷം ന്യൂയോർക്ക് സ്റ്റേറ്റ് നിയമസഭയിൽ ജോലി ചെയ്തു.

നിങ്ങൾക്ക് സർവകലാശാലയിൽ ഏതെങ്കിലും വിഷയം പഠിക്കാൻ കഴിയുമെങ്കിൽ നിങ്ങൾ എന്ത് തിരഞ്ഞെടുക്കും?

വിരമിച്ച ശേഷം പൊതുജനാരോഗ്യത്തെക്കുറിച്ച് ക്ലാസുകൾ എടുക്കാമെന്ന് ഞാൻ പ്രതീക്ഷിക്കുന്നു.

നിങ്ങൾക്ക് ലോകത്തിൽ എവിടെയെങ്കിലും ജീവിക്കാൻ കഴിയുമെങ്കിൽ, അത് എവിടെയായിരിക്കും?

കാട്ടിൽ കാൽനടയാത്രയും തടാകത്തിൽ കയാക്കിംഗും ഉള്ള ഒരു സ്ഥലത്ത് താമസിക്കാൻ ഞാൻ ആഗ്രഹിക്കുന്നു.

നിങ്ങൾ എങ്ങനെ എഴുതുന്നു – ലാപ് ടോപ്പ്, പേന, പേപ്പർ, കിടക്കയിൽ, ഒരു ഡെസ്കിൽ?

ഞാൻ ജേണൽ ലേഖനങ്ങൾ വായിക്കുകയും എന്റെ പുസ്തകങ്ങൾ ശരിക്കും പഴയ ലാപ്ടോപ്പിൽ എഴുതുകയും ചെയ്യുന്നു, കിടക്കയിലോ സോഫയിലോ. സാധാരണയായി ഒരു നായയും ഉൾപ്പെടുന്നു!

നിങ്ങളുടെ ഏറ്റവും മികച്ച ഉറക്കം നിങ്ങൾക്ക് എത്രത്തോളം ആവശ്യമാണ്?  .

കുറഞ്ഞത് 8 മണിക്കൂര് ഉറക്കം വേണം.

അവരുടെ പിന്തുണയ്ക്ക് നിങ്ങൾ അംഗീകരിക്കാനും നന്ദി പറയാനും ആഗ്രഹിക്കുന്ന ആരെങ്കിലുമുണ്ടോ?

എന്റെ കരിയർ മാറ്റത്തിലൂടെ എന്നെ പിന്തുണയ്ക്കുകയും എന്റെ എല്ലാ നേട്ടങ്ങളും ആഘോഷിക്കുകയും ചെയ്ത എന്റെ ഭർത്താവിന് നന്ദി. അവൻ എന്നെക്കുറിച്ച് വളരെ അഭിമാനിക്കുന്നു, പക്ഷേ അത് എന്റെ തലയിൽ പോകാൻ അനുവദിക്കുന്നില്ല.

എഴുത്തിലെ വിജയകരമായ കരിയർ എന്താണെന്ന് ഓരോ എഴുത്തുകാരനും അവരുടേതായ ധാരണയുണ്ട്, എഴുത്തിലെ വിജയം നിങ്ങൾക്ക് എങ്ങനെ തോന്നുന്നു?

നിങ്ങളുടെ എഴുത്തുമായി ശരിക്കും ബന്ധപ്പെടുകയും മറ്റുള്ളവരിലേക്ക് വാക്ക് പ്രചരിപ്പിക്കാൻ ആഗ്രഹിക്കുകയും ചെയ്യുന്ന ഒരു കൂട്ടം ആളുകളെ സേവിക്കുന്നതാണ് എഴുത്തിലെ വിജയം.

നിങ്ങളുടെ എഴുത്തിനായി ശരിയായ വായനക്കാരെ ടാർഗെറ്റുചെയ്യേണ്ടത് അത്യന്താപേക്ഷിതമാണ്, നിങ്ങളുടെ മാർക്കറ്റിംഗ് കാമ്പെയ് നിനെക്കുറിച്ച് ഞങ്ങളോട് പറയുക?

എന്റെ സഹ ലിംഫെഡിമ തെറാപ്പിസ്റ്റുകളുമായി ആദ്യം എന്റെ പുസ്തകം പങ്കിടാൻ ഞാൻ ഇഷ്ടപ്പെടുന്നു. എന്റെ പുസ്തകങ്ങളിൽ അവർ മൂല്യം കണ്ടെത്തുകയാണെങ്കിൽ, അവർ അത് അവരുടെ രോഗികൾക്ക് ശുപാർശ ചെയ്യും. ബ്ലോഗ്, വെബിനാർ, പോഡ്കാസ്റ്റ് അഭിമുഖ അവസരങ്ങൾ, പ്രത്യേകിച്ച് ലിംഫെഡിമ കമ്മ്യൂണിറ്റിയിൽ ഞാൻ വളരെ നന്ദിയുള്ളവനാണ്.

നിങ്ങളുടെ പുതിയ പുസ്തകത്തെക്കുറിച്ച് പറയാമോ? നീയെന്തിനാ ഇതെഴുതിയത്?

ലിംഫെഡിമയുള്ള ആളുകൾക്ക് ഫലപ്രദമാണെന്ന് പ്രത്യേകമായി കണ്ടെത്തിയ സ്ട്രെസ് മാനേജ്മെന്റ് സമ്പ്രദായങ്ങളെക്കുറിച്ച് ഞാൻ ശേഖരിച്ച ഗവേഷണം പങ്കിടാൻ ഞാൻ ലിംഫെഡിമയ്ക്കായി സ്ട്രെസ് റിഡക്ഷൻ എഴുതി. ഘട്ടം ഘട്ടമായുള്ള നിർദ്ദേശങ്ങൾ ഉൾപ്പെടുത്തേണ്ടത് പ്രധാനമായിരുന്നു, അതിനാൽ വായനക്കാർക്ക് പല സമ്പ്രദായങ്ങളും സ്വയം അല്ലെങ്കിൽ ഒരു പരിചരിക്കുന്നയാളുമായോ പ്രിയപ്പെട്ടവരുമായോ പരീക്ഷിക്കാൻ കഴിയും.

ഒരു ലിംഫെഡിമ തെറാപ്പിസ്റ്റ് എന്ന നിലയിൽ, ഡയഫ്രാഗ്മാറ്റിക് ശ്വസനം പോലുള്ള ജനപ്രിയ സമ്മർദ്ദ കുറയ്ക്കൽ സമ്പ്രദായങ്ങൾ ലിംഫാറ്റിക് സിസ്റ്റത്തിന് ഗുണം ചെയ്യുമെന്ന് ഞാൻ കണ്ടെത്തി. ലിംഫെഡിമയുള്ള ആളുകൾക്ക് ജല വ്യായാമവും ഞങ്ങൾ ശുപാർശ ചെയ്യുന്നു. ഈ ജനസംഖ്യയിൽ മറ്റെന്താണ് ഗവേഷണം നടത്തിയതെന്ന് അറിയാൻ എനിക്ക് ജിജ്ഞാസയുണ്ടായിരുന്നു.

വൗ, പ്രസിദ്ധീകരിച്ച ഗവേഷണം കണ്ടെത്തിയതിൽ ഞാൻ ആശ്ചര്യപ്പെടുകയും ആവേശഭരിതനാവുകയും ചെയ്തു:

  • ലിംഫെഡിമയുള്ള ആളുകൾക്ക് ശുപാർശ ചെയ്യുന്ന ബ്രീത്ത് വർക്ക് പ്രോട്ടോക്കോളുകൾ
  • ഇന്ത്യയിലെ ലിംഫെഡിമ പ്രോഗ്രാമിൽ നിന്നുള്ള മൈൻഡ്ഫുൾനെസ് വ്യായാമങ്ങൾ
  • ലിംഫെഡിമയുള്ള ആളുകൾക്കായി അക്യുപങ്ചർ ഉൾപ്പെടെയുള്ള സമഗ്ര സമ്പ്രദായങ്ങൾ (അതെ നിങ്ങൾക്ക് അക്യുപങ്ചർ ഉണ്ടാകാം!)
  • ഡീകോംഗെസ്റ്റിവ് തെറാപ്പിയുടെ ഫലങ്ങൾ മെച്ചപ്പെടുത്തിയേക്കാവുന്ന പുരോഗമന പേശി വിശ്രമ ദിനചര്യ
  • മുകൾ അവയവ ലിംഫെഡിമയ്ക്കായി ക്വി ഗോംഗ്, ടൈസോ, മുകളിലെയും താഴത്തെയും ലിംഫെഡിമയ്ക്കായി യോഗ എന്നിവ പോലുള്ള ചലന അധിഷ്ഠിത പ്രവർത്തനങ്ങൾ

സ്വയം-എം എൽ ഡി, ആഴത്തിലുള്ള ശ്വസനം, സ്വയം പരിചരണത്തിനായി ജല വ്യായാമം എന്നിവ കൂടാതെ ധാരാളം കാര്യങ്ങളുണ്ട്!

നിങ്ങൾക്ക് ഒരു അത്താഴവിരുന്ന് നടത്താനും മരിച്ചവരോ ജീവിച്ചിരിക്കുന്നവരോ ആയ ആരെയെങ്കിലും ക്ഷണിക്കാനും കഴിയുമെങ്കിൽ, നിങ്ങൾ ആരോട് ചോദിക്കും?

ഞാൻ എന്റെ മാതാപിതാക്കളെയും മുത്തശ്ശിമാരെയും ക്ഷണിക്കുകയും കുടുംബ കഥകൾ പങ്കിടാൻ ആവശ്യപ്പെടുകയും ചെയ്യും. പ്രായപൂർത്തിയായപ്പോൾ കഥകൾ വീണ്ടും കേൾക്കാനും അവർ സ്വന്തം ജീവിത കഥകൾ എങ്ങനെ മനസ്സിലാക്കുന്നുവെന്ന് കേൾക്കാനും ഞാൻ ആഗ്രഹിക്കുന്നു.

നിങ്ങൾ എഴുതാത്തപ്പോൾ, എങ്ങനെ വിശ്രമിക്കാൻ ഇഷ്ടപ്പെടുന്നു?

ധ്യാനം, യോഗ പരിശീലിക്കൽ, വെള്ളത്തിലും പ്രകൃതിയിലും സമയം ചെലവഴിക്കൽ, പതിവായി മസാജ് ചെയ്യൽ എന്നിവ ഞാൻ ആസ്വദിക്കുന്നു.

നിങ്ങളുടെ എഴുത്തിൽ നിന്ന് ആളുകൾ എന്ത് എടുക്കുമെന്ന് നിങ്ങൾ പ്രതീക്ഷിക്കുന്നു? നിങ്ങളുടെ വാക്കുകൾ അവർക്ക് എന്തു തോന്നും?

എന്റെ പുസ്തകങ്ങൾ വായിക്കുന്നത് അവരുടെ സ്വയം പരിചരണ ദിനചര്യയിൽ പുതിയ സമ്പ്രദായങ്ങൾ ചേർക്കാൻ അവരെ പ്രോത്സാഹിപ്പിക്കുകയും പ്രചോദിപ്പിക്കുകയും ചെയ്യുമെന്ന് ഞാൻ പ്രതീക്ഷിക്കുന്നു. ചിലരെ സംബന്ധിച്ചിടത്തോളം ഒരു വലിയ ആശങ്ക ‘ഞാൻ എല്ലാം പരീക്ഷിച്ചിട്ടുണ്ടോ?’ എന്നതാണ്. എന്റെ ശരീരത്തെ ആരോഗ്യവാനാക്കാനും പരിപാലിക്കാനും ഞാൻ ആവുന്നതെല്ലാം ചെയ്യുന്നുണ്ടോ? ഈ വായനക്കാർക്ക് മനസ്സമാധാനം നൽകാൻ ഞാൻ ആഗ്രഹിക്കുന്നു.

An Interview with Kathleen Lisson

Kathleen Lisson is Board Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork and is a Lymphedema Therapist (CLT). She owns Solace Massage and Mindfulness and has taught classes at IPSB Massage College in San Diego. She teaches massage therapists postop massage and fibrosis massage and is a NCBTMB Approved CE Provider.

Kathleen holds a Bachelors of Applied Science in Massage Therapy, is a MMI (McLean Meditation Institute) Certified Meditation Teacher, Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT200) and ACE certified Personal Trainer and Health Coach.

She has spoken at the American Venous and Lymphatic Society (AVLS), Fat Disorders Resource Society (FDRS), MLD UK, National Lymphedema Network (NLN) and Society for Oncology Massage (S4OM) conferences. She is the author of Stress Reduction for Lymphedema, Lipedema Treatment Guide, Plastic Surgery Recovery Handbook, Southern California Plastic Surgery Cookbook, Mindful Strategies for Adult Clients with Adverse Childhood Experiences and Swollen, Bloated and Puffy. She is a coauthor of the Standard of Care for Lipedema in the United States document.

She was born in Depew, New York and currently lives with her husband in San Diego, California.

Social Media:

KathleenHelenLisson.com
@stressreductionforlymphedema
https://www.instagram.com/StressReductionForLymphedema/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleenlisson/

Get Kathleen’s book on Amazon

Describe yourself in five words

I am adventurous, curious, brave, compassionate and hilarious.

What fact about yourself would really surprise people? 

I celebrated my 40th birthday by summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. I prepared for the hike by hiking in the Adirondack mountains almost every weekend for six months. This is when I started getting regular massage. Massage helped me stay on track with my training and make it to the summit.

How do you work through self-doubts and fear? 

I learned a lot from summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro, including the phrase ‘pole pole’ which means slowly. Hikers cannot walk at their usual pace near the summit at over 19,000 feet of altitude, they must walk slowly to not get out of breath. Sometimes, ‘walking slowly’ through a tough situation down near sea level can reduce fear and self-doubt as well. I need to be able to stay in the moment and breathe through it.
What scares you the most? 

Not having enough time left. Both my parents died of cancer, and I am getting closer to the age my mother was when she died of breast cancer.

What makes you happiest? 

Spending time near the ocean. My entire body feels more peaceful. A lot of my Instagram posts are of the water.

 Why do you write? 

In the student clinic at massage school, we were trained to give our clients a self-care resource after their session – something they can do between sessions. I graduated and found that I wanted to be able to give my clients a resource, so I wrote and published one. This was the inspiration for my first book. Ever since then, I have always written to provide a resource for my clients. I care for people who are recovering from surgery or are living with chronic illness, and they want to do everything they can to care for themselves.

Have you always enjoyed writing? 

I have always enjoyed writing. I was lucky enough to have author Jane Juska as my high school creative writing teacher. I wrote for a free weekly newspaper during college, and had an article published in a local magazine.

What motivates you to write? 

I love reading journal articles and discovering the evidence behind the advice that is given to people with lymphedema and other chronic illnesses. There is a LOT of good research out there that hasn’t been put into widespread practice yet, and I’m excited to be able to connect the dots and introduce my readers to new forms of self-care. 

What writing are you most proud of?

I am most proud of being a coauthor of the Standard of Care for Lipedema in the United States. It is a privilege to be part of such an amazing group of experts.

What are you most proud of in your personal life?

I have been happily married to my husband Arun for 11 years. We survived my father’s sudden death, a cross country move and being stuck at home together during the pandemic.

 What books did you love growing up? 

I loved going to the library and reading everything I could on whatever I was interested in at the time. I am very fortunate that I picked up a love for reading, because it was very difficult for me to learn to read as a child. My parents told me I was allowed to read every book at the library, and if I had any questions, to come to them. I remember really loving George Orwell’s 1984 and Jean M. Auel’s Earth’s Children series as a teenager.

 Location and life experiences can really influence writing, tell us where you grew up and where you now live? 

I was born in Buffalo, New York and grew up in the San Francisco Bay area. I spent over a decade in Upstate New York before moving to San Diego, where I live now. California is much more open to meditation and yoga than Back East. 

 What else do you do, other than write? 

I am a lymphedema therapist and a board certified massage therapist. I help people recover from surgery and give manual lymphatic drainage massage to clients with lymphedema. The majority of my clients are referred by their surgeon.

 What other jobs have you had in your life? 

I worked for the New York State legislature for 15 years before my husband’s career moved us to San Diego.

 If you could study any subject at university what would you pick? 

I am hoping to take classes in public health after I retire.

 If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be? 

I would love to live in a place that has both hiking in the forest and kayaking at a lake.

 How do you write – lap top, pen, paper, in bed, at a desk? 

I read journal articles and write my books on a really old laptop, either in bed or on the couch. There is usually also a dog involved!

 How much sleep do you need to be your best? .

I need at least 8 hours of sleep.

Is there anyone you’d like to acknowledge and thank for their support? 

Thanks go to my husband who has supported me through my career change and celebrated all my accomplishments. He is very proud of me but doesn’t let it go to my head.

 Every writer has their own idea of what a successful career in writing is, what does success in writing look like to you? 

Success in writing is serving a group of people who really connect with your writing and want to spread the word to others.

 It is vital to get exposure and target the right readers for your writing, tell us about your marketing campaign? 

I love sharing my book first with my fellow Lymphedema Therapists. If they find value in my books, they will recommend it to their patients. I am also very grateful for blog, webinar and podcast interview opportunities, especially in the lymphedema community.

 Tell us about your new book? Why did you write it? 

I wrote Stress Reduction for Lymphedema to share research I have gathered on stress management practices that have been specifically found to be effective for people with lymphedema. It was important to include step-by-step instructions so readers can try many of the practices themselves or with a caregiver or loved one.

As a lymphedema therapist, I figured that popular stress reduction practices like diaphragmatic breathing would be beneficial for the lymphatic system. We also recommend water exercise for people with lymphedema. I was curious to see what else had been researched in this population.

Wow, was I surprised and excited to find published research on:

  • Breathwork protocols recommended for people with lymphedema

  • Mindfulness exercises from a lymphedema program in India

  • Holistic practices including acupuncture for people with lymphedema (yes you can have acupuncture!)
  • Progressive muscle relaxation routine that may improve the effects of decongestive therapy

  • Movement-based activities like qi gong and taiso for upper limb lymphedema and yoga for upper and lower limb lymphedema

There is MUCH more out there besides self-MLD, deep breathing and aquatic exercise for self-care!

 If you could have a dinner party and invite anyone dead or alive, who would you ask? 

I would invite my parents and grandparents and ask them to share family stories. I’d love to hear the stories again as an adult and listen to how they understand their own life stories.

 When you are not writing, how do you like to relax? 

I enjoy meditation, practicing yoga, spending time by the water and in nature and getting regular massages.

What do you hope people will take away from your writing? How will your words make them feel?

I hope that reading my books makes them feel encouraged and inspired to add new practices to their self-care routine. A big concern for some is ‘have I tried everything? Am I doing everything I can to get healthy and care for my body?’ I want to give these readers peace of mind.

Author Interview with Dr. Kirti Moholkar

Dr. Kirti Moholkar’s passion for helping others shines through in his work to improve the health and wellness of entrepreneurs, professionals and health care workers. He’s a surgeon, an NHS Clinical Entrepreneur, and a wellness coach with extensive knowledge helping people better their lives. Through writing, he hopes to reach more people around the globe and offer them powerful tools to take their physical and mental health into their own hands. Empowering others is a lifelong goal and one he’s proud to be living every day. Dr. Moholkar currently resides in Birmingham in the UK and is married to his beloved wife. They have two accomplished children they’re fiercely proud of. In his downtime, he loves traveling and listening to music. Dr. Moholkar hopes that his books, software, and work will help people live better, healthier, fuller, and happier lives; one day at a time.

Describe yourself in five words:

Diligent, empathetic, calm, conscientious, friendly

What fact about yourself would really surprise people? 

Talkative, Perfectionist

How do you work through self-doubts and fear? 

Stay positive
What scares you the most? 

Falling off aeroplanes

What makes you happiest? 

Technology, music

Why do you write? 

Express myself, educate, spread gained wisdom.

Have you always enjoyed writing? 

Absolutely yes
What motivates you to write? 

New insights gained.

What writing are you most proud of? 

Medical articles blogs and now the book. 3 in preparation
What are you most proud of in your personal life?

Being aware of my awareness, empathy, resilience and calm

What books did you love growing up? 

Science, psychology, career progression, goal setting, time management

What do you hope your obituary will say about you? 

“Intelligent, hardworking and helpful family guy, who wrote several books, was an entrepreneur and brought several new innovations to the world”

How did you develop your writing?

I have a voracious appetite for reading and developed the skill through it

What is hardest – getting published, writing or marketing? 

Marketing

What marketing works for you? 

Word of mouth as I am then not a salesman, which I hate being

Do you find it hard to share your work? 

NOPE

Is your family supportive? Do your friends support you? 

YES

What else do you do, other than write? 

Music, Cycle and travel

What other jobs have you had in your life? 

Surgeon, SOFTWARE developer and instrument designer

If you could study any subject at university what would you pick? 

Psychology

If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be? 

Australia

Tell us about your family? 

Mum and dad in India. Lovely and beautiful wife with me and 2 children 23 and 24. Real estate consultant in Dubai and Doctor in the UK

How do you write – lap top, pen, paper, in bed, at a desk? 

Laptop

How much sleep do you need to be your best? 

7-8 hours 10-5 am

Is there anyone you’d like to acknowledge and thank for their support? 

Wife, parents, kids and the world

Every writer has their own idea of what a successful career in writing is, what does success in writing look like to you? 

I like to teach and educate so if I was to educate millions and billions of people, that would really sound nice

It is vital to get exposure and target the right readers for your writing, tell us about your marketing campaign? 

YES

Tell us about your new book? Why did you write it?  

I have always been an empathetic and caring guy. I have helped colleagues prevent burnout and thought of putting my thoughts to writing and have also developed a course to teach methods to prevent burnout and career satisfaction

When you are not writing, how do you like to relax? 

Meditate, music. cycle

What do you hope people will take away from your writing? How will your words make them feel?

Calm, happy that they could read my content and educate themselves from my thoughts

Visit Fulfilledcareers.com

Author Interview with Jarvis Ivery-Corley

I’m a shy, kindhearted introvert born in Augusta, GA, and raised in the small town of Thomson, GA. I’m the oldest of two my brother and me. I’ve always wanted to be successful and accomplish so many goals. Im a published author and a trained professional Teeth Whitening Specialist and also an Orthodontic Technician that has over 5 years of experience . Growing a passion to help individuals build confidence in their smile has been the most rewarding feeling.

Describe yourself in five words

Ambitious, Introvert, Humble, Kind-hearted, Team Player

What fact about yourself would really surprise people? 

I like nice things but I’m really frugal

How do you work through self-doubts and fear? 

I just pray about it honestly

What scares you the most? 

Failure

What makes you happiest? 

My mom and my husband

Why do you write? 

To get things off my mind

Have you always enjoyed writing? 

Yes, I use to write poems when I was in middle school

What writing are you most proud of? 

My memoir

What are you most proud of in your personal life? 

The person that I’ve become after inviting God into my life

What books did you love growing up? 

All of Nancy Drew books

What do you hope your obituary will say about you? 

That I was a nice, kind-hearted man that would give the shirt off his back if someone needed it.

Location and life experiences can really influence writing, tell us where you grew up and where you now live? 

I grew up in a small town name Thomson, GA. I currently live in Atlanta, GA to accomplish many goals but want to reside in NC

What is hardest – getting published, writing or marketing? 

The hardest for me and still is til this day is marketing

What marketing works for you? 

Social media at the moment

Do you find it hard to share your work? 

Not really. I’m always encouraging others to write and giving resources

Is your family supportive? Do your friends support you? 

My family and close friends all support my endeavours

What else do you do, other than write? 

I’m and orthodontic tech, also own my own teeth whitening business.

What other jobs have you had in your life? 

Besides working at Walmart for 3 yrs I’ve also been an Assistant manager at a hotel for 4 yrs

If you could study any subject at university what would you pick? 

Theatre

If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be? 

I would have to say Germany

Tell us about your family? 

They are very reserve. Especially my mom

How do you write – lap top, pen, paper, in bed, at a desk? 

I use my MacBook

How much sleep do you need to be your best?

At least 10 hrs. Haha.. I know that’s a lot

Is there anyone you’d like to acknowledge and thank for their support? 

My mom, my husband, my mother-in-law and my good friends Aaron and Jeremy

Every writer has their own idea of what a successful career in writing is, what does success in writing look like to you? 

Writing isn’t a passion of mine but I can say it was a dope experience and I wouldn’t mind writing another book in the future.

Tell us about your new book? Why did you write it?  

Healing From My Mental Mess is a memoir I wrote about me as a child up into adulthood and how I have stumbled through obstacles and have overcame them. Neglect, Physical Abuse, Rape, depression and suicidal but God was right there all along and all I had to do was call on him.

If you could have a dinner party and invite anyone dead or alive, who would you ask? 

Honestly my family and friends

When you are not writing, how do you like to relax? 

By eating soul food and watching reality tv

What do you hope people will take away from your writing? How will your words make them feel?

I hope that people realized that God is real. Don’t want to go into the whole religious thing but I want others to know if I went through all of that and go my breakthrough then they can as well.

https://ivery-corley.com/about-us/index.html

Author Interview with Thomas Emson

Thomas Emson has published eight horror thrillers, including Maneater, the Vampire Trilogy (Skarlet, Krimson, and Kardinal) and Zombie Britannica. He’s also self-published The Trees And Other Stories on Amazon, as well as How To Write A Novel In 6 Months, a guide to helps aspiring authors achieve their writing goals. You can contact Thomas on Twitter @thomasemson or on Instagram @thomasemsonhorror.. He’d be more than happy to come and talk to your writing group about his books and can teach you the ins and outs of his writing method in a couple of hours. Check out his website thomasemson.com.

Describe yourself in five words: Thomas. Emson. Writer. Of. Horror

What fact about yourself would really surprise people?

I speak Welsh.

What scares you the most?

My work is full of my fears, so if anyone wants a list of things that scare me, have a read. My novel Zombie Britannica contains a couple of scenes that convey my worst fear, actually…

What makes you happiest? 

Being with my wife and our dogs

Why do you write?

Because I love telling stories

Have you always enjoyed writing? 

Always, yes, since I was a boy creating comic books on the living room floor.

What motivates you to write?

Large bills

What writing are you most proud of? A

All of it, but I am particularly pleased that my non-fiction book HOW TO WRITE A NOVEL IN 6 MONTHS has helped so many people get their novels finished.

What are you most proud of in your personal life?

My marriage

What books did you love growing up?

I read Enid Blyton; I remember loving Willard Price’s Gorilla Adventure. As a teenager, I went straight into Stephen King and James Herbert, kings of horror, and then a few years later, Clive Barker.

How did you develop your writing?

For years, it I didn’t really have a method. I wrote some books with outlines. I wrote some books without knowing where I was going. But after I got my eight-book deal and promised the publisher to write two books a year, I had to produce a plan—and that method is outlined in HOW TO WRITE A NOVEL IN 6 MONTHS. It’s how I write all my books now.

What is hardest – getting published, writing or marketing?

Marketing, definitely.

What marketing works for you?

I am a newbie to marketing, so I’m trying a few things—like doing this interview.

Do you find it hard to share your work? 

When it’s ready, not at all.

Is your family supportive? Do your friends support you? 

They do indeed

What other jobs have you had in your life? 

Pub cleaner, journalists, TV and film runner, and I was a singer-songwriter too.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be? 

New York

How do you write – laptop, pen, paper, in bed, at a desk? 

PC or laptop, at a desk,

How much sleep do you need to be your best? 

six to eight hours.

Is there anyone you’d like to acknowledge and thank for their support? 

My glorious wife Marnie, a fantastic ghostwriter.

Every writer has their own idea of what a successful career in writing is, what does success in writing look like to you?

I don’t know, but I’ve had more than twenty books published in two languages, traditionally published and self-published. And I get to my desk every day.

Do you have a specific writing style?

Fast-paced, colloquial.

What’s the most memorable thing asked/said by a reader about your work?

The critic Scott Pack described my vampire novel SKARLET as “Twilight it ain’t,” which I took as a big compliment, because that’s exactly what I was trying to avoid—that angsty, romance vampire stuff that has emasculated horror.

When did you first realize you wanted to become a writer?

When I read Stephen King’s Salem’s Lot as a teenager.

How long does it take to write a book?

Six months, if I follow the guidelines laid down in my book which I mentioned earlier.

Do you have suggestions on how to become a better writer?

Read a lot and write a lot.

What do you think makes a good story?

A character with a life-or-death goal facing insurmountable odds.

Do you see writing as a career?

Absolutely

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

When I published my first novel in 1995

Tell us about your new book? Why did you write it? 

It’s a vicious little novella called Ironbones that started life as a screenplay more than 20 years ago, which was almost part of a horror anthology series—but the series got canned and Ironbones sat in my drawer for years. I revisited it over Covid lockdown and changed the screenplay into a short novel. It’s about a rejected author who writes with rage, and in so doing creates a monstrous psychopath who comes alive to slaughter anyone who dares criticize her books.

What do you hope people will take away from your writing? How will your words make them feel?

I want people to enjoy my books and be entertained. But I do write horror, and I think they should fear a little scared and distressed. My books are page-turners—hopefully—which I describe as action-horror, so hopefully readers find them exciting as well as horrifying.

Website: https://thomasemson.com/
Twitter: @thomasemson
Instagram: @thomasemsonhorror
Buy Ironbones: https://mybook.to/kuaorDp

An Interview with Author T.A. Cruz

Raised in a small California farming town, T.A. Cruz spent his childhood honing an imagination as vast as the wheat fields stretching around him for miles. With 6 years of military service, and passport stamps from around the world, part of him will always be in that little town with a single stoplight and a population of 1500. A lifelong lover of horror, and things that go bump in the night, T.A. Cruz decided it was time to take that passion to the page to shock and terrify others for a change. He is an active member of the International Thriller Writers and is on the hunt for more groups to expand and connect with other authors that share his passion. When not diving face-first into another project, Cruz enjoys spending time with his wife, daughter, two dogs, and axolotl. 

  • Where are you from?

I grew up in a small farming town in the pacific northwest, a town quite similar to the fictional town of Fulton. This is the setting for my thriller, Have You Seen Sarah Baker? The town had (it’s grown quite a bit since I left) a population of less than two thousand, a single stoplight, and a graduating class of eighty or so students. This place was extremely fun to revisit, albeit fictionally, while writing Fulton. Everyone knows everyone. The rumors, the gossip. To toss a murder and missing teacher into the mix, it made writing this story a treat.

  • Why do you write?

This is a tough one to answer. Why would I do something that I love while simultaneously hate at times? Maybe it’s because the stories constantly swim in my head and unless I get them on the page. Maybe it’s the thrill of it. To take a reader to a cabin in the remote wilderness watching a teacher fight for her life. To have someone completely engrossed in a story I created from nothing. It’s a drug, and it’s fucking addicting.

  • What do you write about? 

I tend to write what I enjoy or find interesting. As a horror fan, sometimes my writing teeters on the side of dark and twisted. Life isn’t always sunshine and rainbows, after all, so where’s the fun in reading or watching that? Bring on the blood, the death, the times where you utter “holy shit” out loud! I write stuff that keeps me up at night because I know it’ll keep others up too!

  • Do you have a specific writing style?

Writing is such a wonderful thing, because you take what story is floating around your head and get it on the page in a similar fashion to your favorite author. Not a carbon or comma for comma copy, but if you consistently read a specific author’s work, you will end up emulating them in one way or another. While writing Have You Seen Sarah Baker? I turned to the thriller/horror master himself, Stephen King, and burned through enough of his books to fill a shelf. His prose is some of the best I’ve read and definitely an inspiration to my writing.

  • What are obstacles that come in the way of writing?

Life. Plain and simple. Life will always get in the way of writing. Right now? Promoting the release of Have You Seen Sarah Baker? is eating up all of my free time. One more week until the book launches, and part of me knows this is only the beginning. There aren’t enough hours in the day.  

  • What’s the most memorable thing asked/said by a reader about your work?

I think I’ve received more WTF’s than anything. HA. Luckily enough, it was the response I was hoping for. The moment where everything the reader had in their head is flipped upside down becomes something even darker and more sinister than they imagined. Horror fan remember? Oh, my stories won’t be easy to swallow. You’ve been warned.

  • How long have you been writing?

I started writing my first novel in 2016. It shall forever be a book locked in a drawer, never allowed to see the light of day again. A good first attempt, sure, but I didn’t have to the right tools to put the furniture together, so to speak. It took years of research to finally get to a point where I don’t feel completely incompetent when it comes to writing. The most wonderful part about it is I’m still learning more and more each day. You will never stop learning with this craft.

  •  When did you first realize you wanted to become a writer?

When I was halfway through my aforementioned novel, I enjoyed cranking out chapters and sending them out to my small group of readers. Hearing their feedback—whether good or bad—I was hooked! You’re telling me I can get people excited or upset just with my words? Oh, that was when I knew I found something I truly love.

  • What is your work schedule like when you are writing?

Get the words in whenever I can. Whether on a break during the day job or late-night thoughts I have to put in my notes app before bed. When I am all in on a book, I’ll find a way.

  • What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I think I’m a huge stickler for overused words. This quirk comes courtesy of the first editor I worked with on my debut novel. All I remember is just a horde of red highlighted words. It was traumatizing. I think at that point it really stuck out how often I use a certain word or phrase. Repetition. Wow. I learned a lot with that book.

  • How long does it take to write a book?

It depends. My first two books took a matter of months while my newest release, Have You Seen Sarah Baker? came to fruition after years of beta readers and rewrites until it was picked up by Tule Publishing (minus the breaks between writing it, of course). If I’m completely invested in the story, and I can manage to block out the background noise, I’d say a book can take anywhere from two to three months to finish, but that is best case scenario. 

  • Do you have suggestions on how to become a better writer?

Read. You have to read and read a lot if you want to be able to write and write well. You’ll pick up on so much reading things you normally wouldn’t. Prose. Sentence structure. Character development. Reading is just as important, if not more so than writing.

  • What challenges do you come across when writing/creating your story?

The biggest challenge for me lately, especially when I have the story mapped out in my head, is finding the to sit down and get it on paper. Writing can be very time consuming, and since I’ve been putting the majority of my energy into marketing my latest release, writing fell to the wayside.

  • What do you think makes a good story?

A good story is something fulfilling in my opinion. Doesn’t matter if ends on a cliffhanger, or every character you love perishes in some gruesome, climactic battle. As long as the reader can walk away feeling good, like the time they invested into a story was worth it in the end, that’s the finish I strive for with all of my novels.

  • What does your family think of your writing?

I have an amazing family that has gone above and beyond to support my writing endeavors. I’m so grateful for them.  

  • Do you see writing as a career?

I would love to write full time. All I’m waiting for is that one contract that’ll make my dream a reality. You’re telling me I can use words to transport readers into a different world and make a living doing it? SIGN ME UP!

  • Do you have anything specific you’d like to tell the readers?

If you’re picking up one of my books, namely my most recent release, nothing is what you expect. I’m going to do everything on my end to keep you guessing until you’re grasping at straws and skipping ahead in the book to find out. I won’t make it easy for you, but I promise you, the shock and how everything ties together in the end will be worth it!

  • When did you first consider yourself a writer?

There was a point in my first book when I glanced down at the word document and saw I had typed a hundred pages. My first hundred. I knew there was still so much story to tell, and I wasn’t going to be satisfied until I finished it. That was when I knew I found something I truly loved doing. That was when I knew I was a writer.

https://www.tacruz.com/about

My thriller, Have You Seen Sarah Baker? releases May 4th with Tule Publishing, available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and all major retailers with an audiobook coming soon!

Tulepublishing.com

Amazon:

Barnes and Noble:

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/have-you-seen-sarah-baker-ta-cruz/1142803887?ean=9781959988274

Target:

https://www.target.com/p/have-you-seen-sarah-baker-by-t-a-cruz-paperback/-/A-88710988#lnk=sametab