Do you play music while you write — and, if so, what’s your favorite?
When I am writing if I have music on, I listen to Solfeggio Frequencies. Editing my second book: Deeper Days: 365 Yoga-spirations for Inner Calm Amidst Chaos, I listened to an album titled Solfeggio Dreaming 528Hz.
Do you prefer ebooks, printed books, or audiobooks most of the time?
I prefer printed books over ebooks and audiobooks.
How did you come up with the title for your book?
The title of my first book No Matter How Dark the Stain, Poems and Inspiration for the Woman in Pain, came from a poem in the book. My editor and I aligned with the vision and content of the book, I trusted her. One day she said she had an insight for the book title while reading and working on the poems. Once I heard her story I trusted that insight too and hence, No Matter How Dark the Stain became the title. We chose the subtitle to let readers know it is poetry, who the book was for and to create a target audience.
How do you process and deal with negative book reviews?
Reading a negative review reminds me of who the book is for. I trust the words I have written will reach the hands and hearts they were created for. My trust in my extraordinary life experiences and amazing teachers leaves no doubts that my books are meant to be for others to suffer less. I live and write from a loving vibration and I trust love wins. Negative reviews are a natural element of the process. I remind myself of this if negative emotions arise when reading a negative review. This is a process not a perfect.
How do you celebrate when you finish your book?
I celebrate when I finish a book by ordering my favorite take out meal from a local restaurant. I relax for a day or a few days. I celebrate after big chunks of editing are complete and sent to the editor and then on the publication day. I consciously place effort upon silently treating and being caring to myself to honor my achievement. When Stillness in the Storm: A Conscious Daily Journal of Yoga and Spiritual Healing became an Amazon bestseller on August 23rd, 2023 at 11pm, I was so excited I showed some friends the bestseller banner, called a friend to share the news and went outside and said thank you to every star I saw in the sky.
How do you use social media as an author?
As an author I use social media to spread my message to a wider audience. I post quotes, poetry and aim to create content and not consume content. I ask myself, can I make money with this post, do they have all the information to reach me or purchase, and will my words/post contribute to love in the world. I am disciplined mentally and have a strong sense of purpose. I share upcoming events, magazine articles, book tour photos and all things related to being a yogi and author. I created an author page on Instagram so readers can find me if they need to.
How important was professional editing to your book’s development?
Professional editing was crucial to my books development. The editor took my words and vision and created a bridge between me and the reader so they can understand and enjoy the book. The editing made my words come alive for the readers. My editor was crucial to my books being published, organized and creating a final digital copy, then printed.
What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?
The most surprising thing I learned in creating my books is that they are all related to each other by the author. I could see how my first book laid the foundation for the second, and my third book could not come without the first and second. Someone pointed out that it’s me as the author that binds them all together. Insight came by trusting the process and being open to learning the publishing process and become the person I wanted, an author, signing books in a bookstore.
When did you first call yourself a writer?
I began writing poetry at age 7. I was able to channel vocabulary and words I was compelled to write out onto paper. I have written on paper for my entire life. I hear the words or feel the feelings, when I write I am capturing a hint of the experience.
What book (or books) are you currently reading?
I am currently reading Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins and Lisa Gardner’s Before She Disappeared.
Follow her on socials:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-l-wehlann-a6b03b187
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_qZt1XbHc2DSPFzqje04Zg
https://www.instagram.com/andrea_l_wehlann
https://www.facebook.com/andrea.l.wehlann
https://www.eventbrite.com/o/andrea-lynn-wehlann-14668342646