Reviewer Michelle Kaye Malsbury:
Michelle was born in Champaign, IL. Currently, she resides in Asheville, NC
and is in her second year of doctoral studies at Nova Southeastern
University in Ft. Lauderdale with specialization/concentration in
conflict resolution and peace studies. She has over six hundred
articles published on the web and one book published thus far with
many more in the wings. Hobbies include; reading, writing, music, and
playing with her Australian Cattle Dog, Abu.
Author: Bella Mahaya Carter
Author: Bella MahayaCarter
Her degrees are in Literature/Film and Spiritual Psychology. Carter has been featured in interviews, essays, magazines, and elsewhere. (2021, p.323)
In the Introduction Carter talks about the importance of her hammock to her mental health. She had it in just the right place when suddenly a neighbor destroyed her revery and she was off kilter until she found another even better place to hang her hammock. This scenario sets the stage for change and why change can actually be a very good thing for us.
Chapter one invites the reader to dream. To look into who they are and she does not attach this to what they do. Carter suggests journaling. From there the journey is to determine what you want to be. You many say simple enough, but is it? Carter says, “Once you realize that you are playing roles in your life, you can focus on the word “play”. When we play we enjoy ourselves.” (2021, p.6)
Do you or someone you know suffer from anxiety. Carter talks about how debilitating this can be and how to overcome it. Again, journaling can help to see patterns and release old negative ways of thinking paving the way for new healthy thoughts to grow.
Another section is headed up by Nourish. This is about what your daily habits are and how to improve them so you can become what you want to be. Read, meditate, be kind, and take leaps of faith.
While the title may be misleading, the premise of this book is to help you write. Most writers are avid readers too. Carter says, “Despite my inner wisdom guiding me to, in essence, pick something -anything-and start writing, my mind didn’t believe it could be that simple.” (2021, p.121) Journaling was a very basic point to get that process started she felt. Do you want to blog, write memoirs, fiction? Do what you are passionate about and then publish it!
Publishing is not the end. Carter said, “When I finished writing my books, I received this response from seasoned authors, Congratulations! Writing your book was the easy part…”. (2021, p.165) Promoting your work is a very critical component to your success as a writer. Soliciting blurbs and comments that can help other people purchase your books is a good step in the right direction. Interviews, books signings, blogs, etc. can also do a lot toward garnering sales.
I enjoyed reading this book and learning about Carter’s journey to become a writer. If you want to write this is a good coaching book that offers good advice.