Are you the writer or do you feel more like the reader of your story?
This is a collection of unlikely messengers bringing you 19 concepts about life, designed to awaken the writer within you. Your thoughts are your pen and paper.The purpose is to encourage you to connect the dots of your own story. And to love your story no matter how crazy or dysfunctional it seems. It's what makes you so wildly human. Ultimately, you'll want to rise up like a mama bear in how you love yourself, and who and what you allow into your life. As long as you're on this earth, it's never too late to write a happy ending for yourself."In her disarming collection of short stories, Christina Barnes explores the strength and resilience of the human spirit. This book will resonate with anyone who has experienced trauma and found the courage to move past it to a place of healing."
Author Interview
1. What inspired you to write the book?
I wanted to write a book that combined the myriad of subjects I have been exploring over the last few years. Spirituality, metaphysics, social attitudes and abusive relationships. Many don’t realize they are in unhealthy relationships but they know they feel bad and they aren’t sure why. I wanted to explore those feelings in a non-confrontational way. I also wanted to include some humor because there is always humor or irony in life. I do this with both the story lines and the art.
2. Who helped you in writing the book and please say about their contributions?
The inspiration of the Universe for the art and stories, my Editor in her talented way of making things more clear where they were not, and a very nice man in the UK, Fred Harding, who helped me to format it for Kindle with his software program.
3. How is your book going to inspire the readers?
The stories deal with the inner wisdom we all have in a very creative way. They encourage the reader to see her life, her talents, her burdens and all that happens as ultimately good, meant to teach lessons and lead her to her life purpose. The stories are disarming and quirky. Quotes throughout the book show the same concepts have inspired others from Socrates and Rumi to Bette Midler and Oprah Winfrey.
4. If you are given the chance to change one thing in your book what would it be?
I have been surprised to find out how many men really like it! If I changed one thing I would not have made it just for women.
5. How do you find time to write and which part of the day is best for writing for you?
I like to write early in the morning in my journal for about 2 hours, I’m talking REALLY early, to clear my mind. I mostly write in the morning. I seem to solve problems I’m having as soon as I lay my head down to go to sleep at night. I keep a pad and pen next to the bed or I will never go to sleep if I don’t write down the solutions that come to me. Honestly, sometimes it’s like I am experiencing some kind of ‘download’ of information where it just pours to me, love it when that happens!
6. Which books have inspired you the most, in the journey of writing this book?
Oddly, I would have to go back to my childhood and Grimm’s Fairy Tales. I’ve been told the stories are like fairy tales with a modern vibe.
7. What is the best advice, you would give for writers who are trying to write a book?
Write every day, even if it isn’t for a book, write in a journal at least 4 pages by hand. Say anything, be totally uninhibited, then shred it. Also, read everything that interests you on any subject that interests you, daily.
8. What are your hobbies?
I like to fix things, do sculpture, jewelry design, play with my dogs, Banjo and Cleo, exercise and meditate. I enjoy meeting with friends for good appetizers and wine. Sometimes I will binge on Netflix shows, tortilla chips and salsa.
9. What can we expect from you in the future?
I just started my next book! I am keeping in the same non-existent genre of what humans do and how we do it, with spiritual influences, in a creative and imaginative way. All for the betterment of the human condition, and this will be for everyone to enjoy.
10. How important was creative thinking in creating the story plot?Extremely important. I didn’t want to be confrontational or advice giving, yet wanted to get the point across in each story. If I was ridiculous in the story, the purpose and point seemed to resonate more clearly.
11. Dream is what makes you or are you because of your goals that you set for yourself? What defines and inspires you the most?
I believe we are all here for a purpose specific to us and our gifts and life experiences. If I am running with a thought that excites me I am probably going to act on that thought. That is how I live my life. I love to create. I don’t worry about if I know how to do what I want to do, I just start and figure it out as I go. But some things intimidate me, like the 3D printer that is still in the box after receiving it 3 years ago. Maybe 2016 is the year I will unpack it and figure it out!
About the Author
Christina Barnes is an artist living in Arizona. She is also a successful dog whisperer after years of study and practice. Her two dogs are very accomplished at sleeping on her bed, begging for whatever she is eating even if they don't want it, and dragging her behind them as they enjoy long walks. Acceptance and persistence, she feels, is the key to her success.
