Book: Letters To My Father: 7 Steps To Healing From The Loss Of A Parent
Q1. Hello Ma’am, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
I am Vernae Taylor, NJ based Authorpreneur, Speaker and Mentor and I help people move from a place of loss and grief, step into their confidence and break through to live life on purpose.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Letters To My Father: 7 Steps To Healing From The Loss Of A Parent’ book?
The first challenge I had while writing this book was that after losing my father back in 2011, I began writing in a spiral notebook every Father’s Day, every birthday and every anniversary to simply honor him and reflect. I never imagined that I would someday be sharing this journey with the world, so I had to reformat the entire book from scratch into a guide to help others along the process of loss and grief. I faced the challenge of staying focused and motivated in the midst of a pandemic and unimaginable uncertainty. Although my father has been gone for quite some time, I also felt myself being triggered by constant loss around me and my family, due to Covid-19.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
Sista Souljah, The Coldest Winter Ever; all of Langston Hughes’ poetry and writing, which always reflects the black voice; Alice Walker, The Color Purple, Terry McMillan, Disappearing Acts; Joyce Meyer, Beauty for Ashes; Stormie Omartian’s praying books; Eckhart Tolle, The Power of Now
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
My favorite place to visit is Miami, Florida in the U.S. It’s special to me, because it represents the perfect balance of relaxation, good food and electrifying music that makes you dance all night long.
Q5. Is there lots to do before you drive in and start writing a book?
Fortunately for me, my books have not required much preparation, as I believe my story and my experiences have already been written in some regard. I say that with great confidence, because writing poetry, journaling and cataloging written reflections have always been a daily practice for me ever since I was a child. The most involved process would be the publishing and marketing of the book, upon completion.
Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Letters To My Father: 7 Steps To Healing From The Loss Of A Parent ‘ book?
You’ll never believe it…but I DO have an award to prove it. I completed my manuscript in just 2 days!
Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘Letters To My Father: 7 Steps To Healing From The Loss Of A Parent’ book to buy?
By direct order (autographed with added gifts) at http://www.letters2myfather.com or personal website http://www.vernaetaylor.com
By email request at vernaetheauthor@gmail.com
Amazon central (author page) https://www.amazon.com/author/vernaetaylor
Amazon kindle edition
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Letters To My Father: 7 Steps To Healing From The Loss Of A Parent’?
While writing in that old spiral notebook, it was always titled “Letters to my Father.” The subtitle came later, as to clearly identify to the readers what to expect and what they would learn by picking up and reading this book.
When I thought of the word letters I immediately envisioned frayed written letters (in cursive) scattered about, along with a pen. Initially I was going to use the colors black and white or gray to represent the timelessness of these letters. However, after receiving the first draft, it gave me a feeling of weariness and sadness. So we had to go back to the drawing board.
I absolutely love purple and any color within that same family, so that’s where the lavender orchids came in. After seeing that second draft, my mood immediately perked up and a feeling of hopefulness and enlightenment came over me. That’s the feeling I wanted and needed my readers to have after experiencing the devastating loss of a parent.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
I’m not sure if I truly focused on the idea of freshness as much as I did on authenticity and transparency. Whenever I’m writing, I want it to be as honest and raw as possible. Remaining true to my authentic voice and point of view within that present space and during that period of the actual loss is what was most important to me.
Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?
There are two amazing human beings and writers (Alessandro Cerdas and Edna Frate) who I am honored to call lifelong friends that popped in and made a contribution in two separate sub-chapters. After reading, can you guess where these two people showed up?
Book Is Available On Amazon
Letters To My Father: 7 Steps To Healing From The Loss Of A Parent
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