1 Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?
I hear a lot of feedback from readers about my book, Beauty From Ashes: Transforming Wounds into Wisdom; Scars into Stars. Many of them carry a similar theme, such as “I couldn’t put it down,” “It’s a must-read,” ” It’s an inspiring testament to the human spirit,” “deeply moving,” “Her pros have profound insight into human endurance,” and “The heartfelt story and wise insights make this a gripping read.”
2 Do you play music while you write — and, if so, what’s your favorite?
Music is an integral part of my writing process. Instrumental and Spiritual kinds of music work best for me. I have trained my brain to flow when the music is played, allowing me to block out distractions.
3 Do you prefer ebooks, printed books, or audiobooks most of the time?
I am a printed book kind of girl. There’s something about touching it, turning the pages, and even smelling the print that helps me dive into the story more.
4 Does writing energize or exhaust you? Or both?
I have to say that writing drains my energy because everything I write about tends to be personal and vulnerable. The sense of accomplishment and knowing my writing is helping others make the draining of my energy worth it. Plus, I have made it a priority to do the things that replenish my energy and spirit. Self-care is a must!
5 Have pets ever gotten in the way of your writing?
Not at all; in fact, my dog, Abbi (a 9-pound Shihpoo), comes and lays near me quietly while I work. Not sure if it’s the soothing music, or the inviting sound of the crackling candle I light each time, or the divine intervention I feel supporting me through my writing. No matter the reason, she loves it and it tends to cause her to rest quietly in the space.
6 Have you ever traveled as research for your book?
Yes, I traveled back to where the story began (850 miles away from where I live in Colorado) and interviewed the fire chief and ER nurse whose recollections make up the very first powerful chapter. I interviewed my family and a couple of close friends to create a more accurate picture of the story that impacted so many people. Giving them the space to share their stories was important not only to the beauty of the writing but also for personal healing in both them and myself.
7. Have you listened to any audiobooks? Which did you enjoy the most?
Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey was excellent on audiobook. His familiar voice, combined with his incredible writings and insight, made the book even more impactful for me.
8 How did you come up with the title for your book?
I call myself Beauty From Ashes – stemming from the Bible verse Isaiah 61:3: “To bestow upon them a crown of beauty instead of ashes…” I use the title Beauty From Ashes in all I do as a Mindset Coach and Inspirational Speaker, and since my story is literal Beauty From Ashes – having it as the name of the book made complete sense to me.
9 How important was professional editing to your book’s development?
Having the right editor, another professional eye, on a writing project is key. For Beauty From Ashes: Transforming Wounds into Wisdom; Scars into Stars, I asked my brilliant high school English teacher to help me. Dave Williams was such an important person to take it on with me. He knows the community that the real-life story takes place in and helps ensure that all involved in the story would feel honored through it. He is also brilliant with anything to do with the written word, so for this project, he was the perfect person to invite into my writing. I am so happy I did. The book is being very well received by all readers, and I couldn’t be more proud of the final product.
10 How do you celebrate when you finish your book?
I celebrated a few different ways; once the writing part was finished and submitted for publishing/printing, my family and I went out for a nice meal. When I had books in hand, I gifted them to the people who were a part of the story and the creation process. A month or more after the official release, I hosted 2 large book launch parties; one where I live in Colorado and one where the story began in Eastern Iowa. It was great to make a big deal about the completion of such a huge project that I am incredibly proud of.
RN, BSN, Inspirational Speaker
Author of Beauty From Ashes: Transforming Wounds into Wisdom; Scars into Stars
Soul-Strengthening Mindset Coach
Podcast co-host of Listen Soul Sister
Mrs. Colorado 2021
2019 Woman of Courage
www.BeautyFromAshesSpeaker.com
(970)215-7186
Danette@BeautyFromAshesSpeaker.com
IG- danette_beautyfromashes
FB – Beauty From Ashes