Book: May I Only Leave Rose Petals
Q1. Hello Ma’am, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
Hello there, fellow soul traveler! My name is Jessi. I am an author, a poet, a wife, a mother, and simply a human being trying to find meaning in this world I live. I live in Olathe, KS, but am from a small town in Wyoming. I live with my husband and one year old son. I love the challenge life offers in that it gifts me experiences to become more and more kind and more and more loving. There are times I fall flat on my face and times I soar, but what inspires me is sharing my raw, heartfelt truth–even when it’s “broken” or “ugly”. I am not perfect and I am a mess-making machine, but aren’t we all?… and isn’t that what makes us all so beautiful? So I thank you for being interested in reading my book and extend the invitation for you to email me with any questions, suggestions, or comments at mayionlyleaverosepetals@gmail.com.
With gratitude,
Jessi (J.S. Drake)
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘May I Only Leave Rose Petals’ book?
Most of the challenges were my own “inner demons”. I had to face the wounds within me that said, “You are not good enough. You are a failure. You’re unworthy!” This process took me standing up to these negative belief systems with love and conviction over and over—I had to affirm: “No! I am worthy! I matter and I want others to feel they matter, too, so I’m writing this book and am going to publish it no matter how many times I have to face and overcome these doubts and fears.” It was one of the most healing inner journeys I’ve taken and it is my greatest hope my book acts as a catalyst for others’ inner healing as well.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
As a teen I read Oriah Mountain Dreamer’s book, “The Invitation”. It was so healing for me and I was greatly inspired by her and hoped one day to write like her. However, what created the catalyst for me to compose, “May I Only Leave Rose Petals” was reading “Milk and Honey” by Rupi Kaur.
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
I love to be anywhere that’s in nature. I find nature so healing. One of my favorite places I’ve been is in Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. It is like being in a fairytale. 💗
Q5. Is there lots to do before you drive in and start writing a book?
Yes. Mostly it’s the mental battle for me…overcoming doubts, fears, and negative belief systems. Once that is taken care of, it flows.
Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘May I Only Leave Rose Petals’ book?
Many of the poems are from my teenage years and young adult life…I’d say it’s been in the works years before I was inspired to compose it into a book. Once I got the inspiration it took 6 months to a year from start to finish.
Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘May I Only Leave Rose Petals’ book to buy?
It can be found on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/May-Only-Leave-Rose-Petals/dp/1945026499/ref=nodl_
Or anywhere books are sold online. 😍
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘May I Only Leave Rose Petals’?
This process was very intuitive. I meditated on the title and heard it during one of my meditations and it comes from a concept taught by Louix Dor Dempriey—my Guru—who inspires each of us to only leave rose petals in every moment and circumstance in our lives (to bless everyone and everything especially when it’s most difficult to do so—i.e when someone cuts us off in traffic—instead of giving the finger—let us choose instead to bless that one).
The cover came to me in a meditation as well and I shared my thoughts with the book publisher and they created the image from what I shared.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
It’s important to be gentle with yourself when writing a book or doing a big project. “The energy you are in when you create is what you create”- Louix Dor Dempriey. When I found myself getting impatient or frustrated, I’d take a break and breather and return when I felt inspired and more centered. The energy that one is in when creating anything in life (a book, a meal, wrapping gifts, etc) is translated to the finished project and can be picked up on, consciously or unconsciously, by those who partake in the finished product.
Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?
I simply want my readers to know, “You matter. I see you. And I hope and pray that by reading my journey through pain and darkness that you feel less alone. This journey on Earth can be so challenging, heartbreaking, and chaotic…May I only leave rose petals in your hearts and lives by you reading this book.
Book Is Available On Amazon
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