We should all celebrate being women...strong women who can accomplish anything.
I met Lori Newman through The Redhead Riter blog. One day she sent me an email and invited me to join her author's forum called Coffee's Hot. To make a long story short, I did and we talk to each other all the time. I tell you this because I want you to know that I know that Lori is a wonderful, intelligent, kind, motivated, ambitious and brave woman. She actually reminds me of my mother in many ways and I think it is because they share something that is so deeply painful that only those who have suffered through their experience can truly understand the mindset of a woman in this situation.
Lori, like my mother, was an abused woman.
She survived and shares her story in a book she wrote called Here All Along and a poetry book called Looking To Be Seen
So that you can get to know Lori Newman better, here is my interview...
1. Why did you write this very personal journey through not one, but two abusive marriages?
I began writing my story on my blog Here All Along, to help other women in the same situation and to help me further my own healing process. After a few postings I was receiving really good feedback on how I was helping others and how my story would make a great book. Still new to the blogging world I continued to post and research how to go about turning my story into a book.
2. Where do you feel most inspired to write? Where do you write?
I get inspired to write all the time. In the car while driving an idea will pop into my head and I will jot down notes or record my ideas so they are still fresh when I get in front of my computer. My computer sits in front of the window so I can look out into the back yard, which is beautiful.
3. How long did it take you to write Here All Along?
It took me seven months to complete Here All Along. As I was writing the book I was sending out queries and proposals to Agents and Publishers. I was rejected three times and still have yet to hear from a few others. But, I knew I wanted my book to be published and I will admit I have no patience. So, at the same time I was writing my story, blogging, and sending out queries. I was also researching what it would take to self-publish.
4. Why did you self-publish? How do you advertise? What important lessons did you learn about both?
I decided I really liked the option to self-publish because I would be involved in all of the decisions. I market a lot online on a lot of different social medias. I really like Twitter for the many wonderful contacts I have made there and the reach my book has made just by others re-tweeting about Here All Along.
5. What do you teach your daughters to help them grow up strong women with high self-esteem?
I teach my daughters they can be anything they want to be in life. We have a great relationship and I always tell them communication is the key. I teach them and I guide them through this crazy thing called life. I tell them "Every choice you make will have a consequence and you will have to deal with that consequence, good or bad." I have always made time for them no matter what, they are my strength and I thank God for every day I get to see them smile, laugh, cry, and be themselves.
6. What is next on your horizon?
We are currently working on a new book series coming out this year called "It's All Relative" Our first book in the series is Mothers & Daughters, and it will be released in time for Easter. The next in the series is For My Father; From Dad. All details are on the web-site www.whenwelisten.com
7. What else would you like everyone to know about you?
I want everyone to always remember "You are stronger than you know." Always dream big and never give up on your dreams.
Thank you The Redheaded Riter for the opportunity to interview with you. You are an amazing woman and I am blessed to have found you within the big world of the internet.
Take care and always Be Safe!!
Lori Newman
Here All Along is one woman's struggle to leave an abusive marriage, twice. Her struggle through the court system in hopes of finding someone to help protect her and her daughters from her ex-husbands who refused to let go. Her fight to obtain and keep her restraining order three years in a row and finally learning who she could count on to protect her and her children. Here All Along is an inspirational story of one woman's fight for freedom, her desire to protect her children and finding the strength to believe in herself. No one should ever be abused by someone who says "I love you."
Looking To Be Seen is filled with poems of love, laughter, acceptance and inspiration to believe in yourself.
Blog Talk Radio interview with Lori Newman
When We Listen (blog)
Here All Along (blog)
Coffee's Hot (readers and writers forum)
Twitter
Facebook
Start reading Here All Along here
Isn't she lovely? So do you want to win an autographed copy of Here All Along?
Here are the simple rules:
• (mandatory entry) Become a Google Follower of The Redhead Riter publicly
• (mandatory entry) Tell us why you want to win the copy of Here All Along
• For more entries check out the Giveaway Entries tab here especially #21 and #22 (that's a total of 15 entries between the two of them)
Please make sure that you include your email contact if it is not listed on your blog.
The contest will end March 13, 2010 at midnight EST.
Thank you all for taking the time to read about this important issue. I would also like to thank Lori for the interview and for offering this giveaway to my readers. Good luck to everyone!
Disclaimer: Thank you to Lori Newman for sponsoring this giveaway! I will be receiving a copy of Here All Along for hosting this giveaway. No monetary compensation has been offered or accepted. The opinions above are entirely my own.
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