Solstice Inspiration from Susyn Reeve

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 2011
World of Writing Interview

-- Conscious Living Events --

Candle Night Summer/Winter Solstice--June 22, 2011
Turn off the lights, and take it slow, for two hours from 8 to 10 p.m., on the evening of June 22. Candle Night encourages people to turn off the lights and to spend some quality time in the candlelight.
Info: http://www.candle-night.org/en

-- World of Writing --

Most of our readers are already aware that we offer occasional mini-World-of-Writing segments on this blog. Today we have a special guest line up for you - I think you'll enjoy what she has to say about the world of writing :)

I’d like to start with a shout out to Kat Sanborn, Editorial Associate with Cleis Press and Viva Editions (VivaEditions.com) for sending a query our way for today’s featured guest.

Author Susyn Reeve joins us today – she is a self-esteem expert, life coach and Inter-Faith Minister. Her published books include: Choose Peace & Happiness, With Forgiveness – Are You Ready, The Gift of the Acorn, and the upcoming Inspired Life. She is here to talk about here experiences in the genre of non-fiction book writing. Find today’s featured guest at: www.withforgiveness.com or at: www.self-esteem-experts.com

Q: Who inspired you to pursue a career in writing?

I have been an avid reader all my life, I can see in my mind's eye my treasured copy of Little Women that I received as a birthday gift as a child. I have always loved how reading expanded my experience of the world - opening doors to relationships and cultures that were outside of my daily experience. In addition, I have kept a journal since I received a diary as a birthday gift when I was seven. So rather than one particular person inspiring me - it has been a combination of books and the writing of my experiences that has most influenced me to pursue writing.

Q: How does writing help you make a difference in the world?

Writing has expanded my reach. Particularly given the Internet, it is possible to reach people throughout the world. I have been blessed to be invited into people's lives through my work as a coach and Inter-Faith Minister. Through working with tens of thousands of people throughout my career I have learned what makes a difference between people who have healthy vibrant self-esteem and those who feel victimized by the circumstances of their lives. My writing allows me to share what I have learned and offer hope and guidance to people, throughout the world, who desire to feast on the precious gift of life.

Q: Can you tell us what editors typically look for in a query letter or project proposal?

I have never written a query letter and am quite familiar with project proposals. It is crucial to have a clearly articulated description of your proposed project, including a synopsis, table of contents, sample chapters and through your bio a clear reason why you are the qualified to write your book - all of this relates to the content. I have found that it is sometimes even more important to demonstrate that there is a market for your project and that you have access to that market. Being able to identify your competition, and how your book is unique combined with a clear marketing plan is mandatory information for editors.

Q: What do you do when you are not writing?

I have a website that I add content to (www.Self-Esteem-Experts.com) and a Transformational Coaching practice. I work with clients in corporate settings to develop and embody Leadership skills; and privately with individuals and groups, partnering and guiding people to deepen and expand their capacity to give and receive love through cultivating a loving relationship with themselves. Many of my clients are therapists, coaches and clergy. I am a teacher of teachers.

Q: What gave you the idea (inspiration) for this book?

My new book, The Inspired Life: Unleashing Your Mind's Capacity for Joy (due out in September 2011 - Viva Editions) is inspired by my personal experience and what I have learned from my clients - happiness, living an inspired, life is an inside job. I am personally deeply committed to - being the change I wish to see in the world - contributing to the world by nourishing peace and love in my life. I want my grandchildren and their children's children to live in a world were cooperation, community, kindness, compassion and love are consciously cultivated. As a teen I wrote in my journal, What would the world be like if everyone loved themselves? This question has informed my life and has been a source or inspiration for me to offer a map for living an inspired life in my new book.

Q: What is the important role that writers play in today’s world?

Writers are artists who use words as their medium. We paint word pictures that have the power to open readers to new worlds and ideas. I find in my non-fiction writing that while I present information, it is through the stories that I share, from my personal experience or the experience of my clients, that allows readers to see that they are not alone - as well as offer a new perspective in meaning they give to their experiences. Words are real things, they are the expression of our thoughts, and in the beginning there was the Word... and it through our thoughts expressed as words that life is created.


*Don't forget to enter the contest that Dave and Lillian have going on this week: http://consciousdiscussions.blogspot.com/2011/06/summer-begins.html