Welcome, Anita Ryan-Revel!

Today we have with us Anita Ryan-Revel, whose new book is out (and you can check that book out, by the way, over on the sidebar). Viv caught up with Anita to ask her some questions about her latest book, writing in general, and how she finds inspiration for her work.

Viv: Who (or what) has most influenced you, in the way you live your life from day to day?

AR> I know every mother says their child is a gift, but mine absolutely is!
;-) My 13-year-old son has really opened my eyes to the 1000s of things to
be grateful for -- the laughs we have every day, the new ways to look at
old things, the gift of unconditional love. He has enabled me to find new
and richer ways of connecting with people, tactful negotiation skills, and
how to be conscious of positive morals, habits and values I am passing on
to him (and those around me)... Because of my son, I live life day to day
with a feeling of expectation (what is he going to surprise me with next?!),
laughter, gratitude and lotsa warm, juicy, tigress-mother LOVE.

Viv: How about as an author--what writers have inspired you?

AR> I met with Mama Gena (School of the Womanly Arts) in New York and she is
as gorgeous and warm in "real life" as she is in her empowering books. I
also love Janice Taylor (Our Lady of Weight Loss), Lucy Cavendish (White
Magic), and Sharon Turnbull (Goddess Gift). The one thing in common with all
these authors is that they're REAL! They're soooo authentic, it is easy to
trust them and follow their advice.


Viv: Why did you decide to write "Selena's Crystal Balls, a Magical Journey Through the Chakras"?

AR> Between myself and the dozens of Goddess Playshop Facilitators who
conduct my empowerment workshops around the world, we were finding that
mothers were asking for tools that they could take home with them to share
with their children. They got so much out of the workshops they could see
the value in passing some of the lessons about self-worth and self-love on
to their children. The demand for a children's book was so high, I couldn't
ignore it any longer (not that I was ignoring the hundreds of requests -- I
just had to sort the story out in my head before I could begin writing!)

Viv: What do you find is the biggest challenge each time you sit down to write? What advice would you give to aspiring writers out there?

AR> The biggest challenge is finding blocks of uninterrupted time! I resolve
this be letting my husband and son know that when I'm at my desk, I'm in
"Anita Time" and "please don't disturb me unless you've broken a leg or set
the kitchen on fire" (or one of several variations depending on my mood)
; -) Seriously, when you're called to write (and it IS a calling!) the
biggest gift you can give yourself is the time and space to let the words
flow. If you are interrupted by real life, don't worry -- when this happens
to me I visualise pushing a "pause" button. I then respectfully ask Spirit
to "hold that thought while I put the fire out" (or deal with whatever
emergency has presented itself).

Viv: What message do you most hope readers will take away from your work?

AR> To be conscious about the seven essential aspects of life, and knowing
that this consciousness manifests great blissings. Being able to share this
gift with children helps them become empowered, self-approving and
insightful beings.

5. What is coming up next for you? What can we look forward to in your future?

AR> I'm currently putting the finishing touches to my next book, "The 7-Day Chakra Workout" -- again, just like "Selena's Crystal Balls", I've got a waiting list of enthusiastic life affirmers who are jumping up and down with anticipation! ;-) It's very exciting, and I feel very blessed to be living my dream.

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