Fascinating Authors

Q: Why did you decide to write this book?

A: Writers tend to be observers, we get our inspiration from all around us, and it becomes the substance that makes up our inner world. My habit of observation led me to write, The Tao of Mia and Leo. What’s more fun than watching two kittens at play and to discover that their playful antics are the keys to living authentically. My observation of Mia and Leo taught me that the simplest creatures in simple scenarios could teach us the most profound life lessons.

I adopted Mia and Leo when I was going through a series of significant life transitions. These uniquely different creatures helped usher in the meaningful changes that reshaped my perceptions about myself, and my world.

These vignettes give the reader insight into my life, and the lives and adventures of Mia and Leo, two cats that through their everyday antics helped me to reawaken to life, to rediscover the tools for creatively and courageously living my life.

Q: Do you have any secret writing tips you’d like to share?

A: I do have a ritual I perform, before writing, I light a blue candle and quietly and prayerfully remind myself that I’m going to have fun, that this is a gift to be able to sit down and go into my own heart and create a world for others to share. When I come to the empty page and I find that nothing is coming through, I wait for about a half an hour, then I go clean something, usually that helps my muse to awaken. I don’t return to the computer, instead I find my note pad and take notes on whatever is coming through, and then I return the following day, rereading my notes and ready to write.

I’m a voracious reader; my favorite authors run the gamut, Alice Walker, Toni Morrison, Anne Tyler. I also read several metaphysical or New Thought authors, Deepak Chopra, and Eric Butterworth are especially good; and I love to read children’s books, Sandra Belton is one of my favorite authors.  However, I don’t read while I’m working on a project, I want to make sure that I remain true to my own style.

Q: Tell us a quirky or funny story about you!

A:  Before writing I usually do some form of exercise, like walking. When I walk I try to be fully conscious of the world around me. Even when the sun is shining, I refrain from wearing sunglasses so that I can see the beautiful landscape of colors and other things that comprise a walk around my neighborhood or along the Bay. One day while walking I saw an interesting sight, three wild turkeys standing on a curb, and a somewhat perplexed neighborhood cat, sitting a few feet away from them. This is a sight you might see in the mountains, or further out of the city. However, I live right in the city of Oakland, and was excited and surprised to see these turkeys, especially so near Thanksgiving. And from what I could see the cat was just as surprised as I was. The cat sat for a moment, then continued on his way, glancing back once more at the unaffected turkeys. After issuing them a warning about the upcoming holiday, I bid the turkeys’ adieu, and I continued on my walk as well. Vowing never again to leave home without my camera.

Q: Have you ever battled writer’s block? How do you deal with it?

A:  I love writing; writer’s block hasn’t been a problem for me. Occasionally, the problem is keeping my commitment to write daily, whether I’m working on a project or not.  I mediate everyday which I believe helps to bring up and release any blocks even before beginning the writing process. I think it’s important to exercise, to “prime the pump”, to get the creative juices flowing. My mood dictates which form of exercise I choose to do; I may go to the gym, do my yoga practice, or walk. I especially love walking. I love to look into the faces of everyone I see as I walk.  I don’t carry my iPod, because I want to hear all the sounds around me, including passing conversations, and sometimes the silence of an evening walk.

Q: What’s your favorite quote?

A: One of my favorite quotes is by writer and essayist, James Baldwin,
“Those who say it can’t be done are usually interrupted by others doing it.”

Q: Who inspires you the most?

A:  People who, against the odds overcome their adversity and become a source of inspiration and support to others, this is true generosity of spirit. I love when everyday folks make what appears to be the impossible, possible. The Universe is a loving, supportive place, we just have to believe it to be so.