Today, Norm Goldman, Editor of Bookpleasures.com is pleased to have as our guest, Pie Dumas, author of Pieces of Pie Surviving Love.

Good day Pie and thank you for agreeing to participate in our interview.

Norm:

Pie, what made you want to write your autobiography?

 Pie:

At first, I wanted to get my history straight and write about it without defending it. My whole life, I’ve pretended to be someone—an amalgam of others’ notions of who I am and what I want.

Why does anyone decide to write a memoir? I suppose we all think we have something unique and compelling to share—something that the reader can identify with, use to gain a better perspective and hopefully integrate into a more compassionate way of life.

I decided to share my life experience because I believed I had a story to tell, something that might be of interest, perhaps even helpful to others. I wanted to make a difference.    

Norm:

You write with a very vivid and descriptive style, particularly your travel descriptions.  Do you use any particular techniques to help with your writing or to help flesh out descriptive imagery? Are there any writers you admire or look to for inspiration?

Pie:

Thank you. I visualize and “place” myself in the action to thoroughly “see” the picture—perhaps the way an actor would immerse herself in the texture of a character to connect completely—then I allow myself to “feel” and reconstruct the scene so the colors and emotions come alive.

William Least Heat-Moon is one of my favorite authors, his imagery and language jump off the pages with precision and depth. He has also been my best- writing teacher/coach.

Norm:

What would you say are your biggest strengths and weaknesses?

Pie:

This is easy. Strengths are: honesty, kindness, being direct, enthusiasm, positive outlook and courageous. Weaknesses: innocently trusting too much, impetuous, judging too quickly and spoiling my dogs to the max!

Norm:

How would you respond to potential readers who might be skeptical about the subject matter of the book, particularly about the hot-button issues as incest, abortion, etc?

Pie:

I don’t know why anyone would be “skeptical” about incest or abortion, since both are real-life experiences, affecting many peoples’ lives. It is my delight to add my name to the illustrious roster of brave souls who have gone before me, speaking and writing their stories to enlighten others who may be in denial. Those of us who are willing to heal and move beyond our immediate dramas are then able to step forward to inspire and encourage others to access their truth. I will always speak out against violence, child abuse or racism and speak up for anyone’s privilege to choose what is right for them.

Norm:

Your book seems to have a broader mission than simply being an autobiography? Can you talk more about that mission and what you hope readers will take away after they have read your book?

Pie:

Of course it is my dream and hope to inspire courage and willingness in others to take charge of their lives, let go of the abusive relationships, recognize the significance in challenging situations and, most of all, forgive themselves. But, the truth is...this story is my experience and in and of itself is not important. What’s ultimately important is what readers will take away and integrate into their lives, something of value that remains with them.

Norm:

Any unique ways you'll be marketing your book that is different from how other authors market their books? Will you be using the Internet?

Pie:

Yes, I will use my website to drive as much traffic there as possible. I have a distributor and am following many key points in marketing/promotion books.

The ones I recommend are: The Complete Guide to Self-Publishing-Tom & Marilyn Ross; The Self-Publishing Manual-Dan Poynter; 1001 Ways to Market Your Books-John Kremer.

I have submitted galleys to newspapers and other reviewers despite what the “experts” write about how impossible it is to get the “big guys” to review self-published authors. I have enlisted the help of my daughter, former boyfriends (there are plenty!) and anyone I know who could possibly have a connection to the world of publishing or marketing.

I have hired two marketing coaches—one is an author, the other is a filmmaker. I plan to market my book directly to independent bookstores located in the cities where I have lived and are significant locations in my story. I will participate as exhibitor/bookseller/author-publisher in three book fairs this fall.

Finally, I plan to get a walker with a basket attachment and stroll through the downtown mall of my college town—wearing a funky hat to attract attention—offering a free slice of delicious pie to anyone who buys my book!  

Norm:

After reading your powerful book, I am compelled to pose the question, what kept you going after all of the horrible experiences you had endured?

Pie:

Mostly my strong and determined spirit. Once I was able to “connect the emotional dots” and fully realize how damaged I was, I became committed and dedicated to healing, taking my recovery as seriously as a career. Through therapy, daily affirmations and meditation, opening-the-heart workshops, the Caron Foundation, 12-step meetings, sponsoring and mentoring, self-help books and support groups, I gained confidence and began to regain self-worth.

Norm:

What is your present occupation and do you intend to write any more books-fiction or non-fiction?

Pie:

I am a publisher, writer and certified life coach. I am working on a sequel to Pieces of Pie and later will write the story of building my first house. I imagine fiction will be in my future, however, now I choose to focus on writing more real stuff to hopefully inspire courage in others.

Norm:

Do you set yourself daily, weekly, yearly goals? If so, what are some of your goals?

Pie:

Absolutely! Borrowing from 12-step program material, I use the tool of “taking a personal inventory” to tune into my psyche to determine what’s missing and what’s next on my spiritual agenda for growth and awareness. Goals include: being as kind and compassionate a listener as I can, always “serving” to help people, remembering to nurture myself each day, creating and executing a self-esteem oriented program for inmates, getting my private pilot’s license and trekking for mountain gorillas in Uganda.

Norm:

How do you want the world to remember Pie Dumas? (Although you are not leaving us just yet!)

Pie:

As a person who was kind and understood the value in helping a stranger cross the street, or hold someone when he was grieving, or pick up a stray dog. And, as a person who had the courage to speak her truth no matter what anyone said.  

Norm:

Is there anything else you'd like to share with us?

Pie:

Yes, two important quotes I use daily to help guide my destiny.

“Do one thing every day that scares you” – Eleanor Roosevelt

“The secret of happiness is freedom – The secret of freedom is courage” – Ancient Greek Proverb

Thank you once again and good luck with all of your future endeavors.

Norm, it has been my pleasure. Thank you so much!