Will you tell us about your upcoming book?
Journaling as Sacred Practice: An Act of Extreme Bravery is the aggregate wisdom of journaling that I collected over a period of twenty years. There are 42 chapters—or lessons— that challenge the reader to explore what it means to be a writer, in the best sense of the word. Each chapter is a meditation on the mechanics of exceptional writing as it applies to the art of journaling. I believe that at the best writing is almost never random. Rather, it is intentional and inspired.
What inspired you to write it?
I’ve studied with some amazingly talented mentors and friends who are completely brilliant. I’ve also taught writing, and what I’ve discovered about new writers, is that they are hungry for the wisdom that will make them better writers. I believe Journaling as Sacred Practice can give new writers the courage to become good, if not great, at their craft.
Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
Yes. I have mainly written fiction, but when I opened up to the idea of creating a how-to of journaling, it happened very quickly. I wrote this book in just eight weeks. Then I put it in a drawer for several years, and let it rest. When I pulled it out again, it held up. It was still relevant, it had a sense of purpose, and most importantly, it’s voice still rang true. The biggest lesson I learned was to trust my muse, even when she has a crazy notion like writing an advice book!
Is there anything you’d like to say to your readers and fans?
Write from your soul. Discover your voice. Trust the creative process.
If money were not an object, what would you be doing right now?
I would visit my far-flung friends and family around the world for a week at a time, write down their stories, and publish their collected wisdom as thinly veiled fiction.
