- What inspired you to begin your publishing journey?
When I began my spiritual journey to overcome many hard obstacles I began to sing for Deepak Chopra and participate in many of his seminars. I found that spiritual ideas could turn obstacles into tools for a happier life. I thought how wonderful it would be to learn these tools at a young age to help you throughout your life. Since singing and music are my forte, first I wrote catchy life lesson songs, so they are easy to remember. Then I wanted to give an example situation to explain each life lesson. I also have always had a strong desire to show how all of us and our seemingly different cultures are in essence all the same.
2. What led me to choose the self-publishing route vs. traditional publishing?
I was led to self-publishing because it seemed that it would take too long to wait to submit and get responses from traditional publishers and I was ready to get going!
3. How did you select Gatekeeper Press as your publishing family?
The Alliance of Independent Authors rated Gatekeeper Press with an Excellent rating.
4. Were there any moments during your publishing journey where your expectations differed from the actual process?
YES! The entire journey way exceeded any of my expectations. They made it so easy and fun and encouraged me to get it done!!
5. What aspects of the process did you find most enjoyable?
Seeing it all come to fruition – seeing everything laid out, the stories, the music, the pictures – it was seeing a lifelong dream turning into a physical reality.
6. What challenges did you encounter during your publishing journey?
The only challenge I faced was because I added recorded songs to each story. However, they found the PERFECT way to make it work for digital release. We are still working on how to make it work for hard cover release.
7. Would you change anything if you could do it all over again?
I am hoping to release my 2nd book with Gatekeeper Press. I think once the music is all figured out there wouldn’t be anything else I would do differently.
8. What were the most surprising aspects of self-publishing with Gatekeeper Press?
How they made the process SO easy and EXCITING!!
9. Would you recommend fellow authors self-publish with Gatekeeper Press?
ABSOULTELY!!
10. With your dream book a reality, what goals do you aspire to achieve with your story?
I want this to begin my journey of a brand to help children learn to turn obstacles into tools for happiness. I REALLY can’t wait to do book 2. My dream would be to start to do a weekly podcast or turn my book into a children’s tv show.
Apple books page: https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-magic-in-you/id6474884618