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Tag: author spotlight

Q&A With Steve Taylor: Author of Time Expansion Experiences

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Time Expansion Experiences is a book unlike anything you have ever read. Exploring our perception of time, near death experiences and how we can control time. This mind-opening book is publishing on the 12th November 2024 and is available for pre-order now. In anticipation for its release, I asked Dr Steve Taylor a few questions to enlighten me on the subject of Time Expansion Experiences.

 

What first got you interested in researching Time Expansion Experiences (TEEs)?

It was when I had a car crash, which led to my own TEE. I’d heard about them before – in fact, I’d had TEEs before, in different situations. For example, I had a powerful ‘awakening experience’ – which I describe in the book – when I was walking by a beach on a rainy evening, when I felt as if time no longer existed, that I could have been there ten thousand years in the past or the future.

But when I had car crash on the motorway a few seconds of my car spinning around stretched ten or twenty times longer. I felt that I had a lot of time to try to deal with the situation, to contemplate what was happening, make decisions and take action. I felt strangely calm even though my life was in danger. My perception was very intense and detailed. Everything became silent.

So that experience encouraged me to research time expansion experiences, to find out how common they are and in what situations they occur.

 

Do you categorise accounts of near death experiences (NDEs) as something scientific, psychological, paranormal or spiritual? Are these categorisations useful?

NDEs are all of the above – apart from perhaps scientific. They certainly can’t be explained in standard scientific terms. There are so many attempts to explain them in neurological or physiological terms, but none of them make any sense.

In this book, for me the importance of NDEs is that they are experiences of extreme time expansion. They may also be experiences of time cessation. In ‘time cessation experiences’ (TCEs) time either disappears altogether, or it is seems to become a panoramic landscape, in which the past and the future exist alongside the present.

 

There are a plethora of books, films, comics and TV shows that depict time as something malleable. Can you think of a piece of fiction which best represents how you conceptualise time as a result of your research?

One of my favourite films is American Beauty, which portrays a near-death experience at the end. The main character, Lester Burnham, is shot by his neighbour. Suddenly he finds himself floating above his house and his town, serenely reliving some of the pivotal moments of his life. It’s a fantastic depiction of the ‘life review’ that NDEs often include. The character says:

I had always heard your entire life flashes in front of your eyes the second before you die. First of all, that one second isn’t a second at all, it stretches on forever, like an ocean of time…For me, it was lying on my back at Boy Scout camp, watching falling stars. And yellow leaves from the maple trees that lined our street. Or my grandmother’s hands, and the way her skin seemed like paper. And the first time I saw my cousin Tony’s brand-new Firebird…

 

What can readers expect from your new book: The Time Expansion Experiences?

  • Explanations of why time passes at different speeds in different situations
  • Why time speeds up as we get older, and when we’re having fun – then slows down in states of boredom and in accidents
  • An understanding why ‘time expansion experiences’ and ‘time cessation experiences’ occur
  • Strategies to slow down time – it is possible to control the passing of time and even induce time expansion experiences
  • An explanation of why NDEs and precognition are authentic experiences, rather than illusions
  • An explanation of why the ‘life review’ is not a hallucination, but gives us insight about the nature of reality

 

I’d like to thank Dr Steve Taylor for taking the time to answer my questions. Time Expansion Experiences is publishing on the 12th November 2024 and is available for pre-order now.

Q&A With Avril Price: Author of The Watkins Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot Colouring Book

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Avril Price, Tarot master and author of The Watkins Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot Colouring Book answered a few of my questions about her personal journey with Tarot and how colouring can help us form deeper connections with the meanings of the cards. This amazing resource for learning with mindfulness is publishing on the 12th November 2024 and is available for pre-order now.

 

How does the act of colouring help someone who is learning Tarot?

There’s something of a ritual involved when we colour, whether it’s a template or a stencil or whatever, really. We gather our pencils, inks or crayons, we make the space available to us, setting the intention and do whatever else is required to be in the ‘zone.’ It’s not unlike preparing for a reading. We put ours worries to one side and step into the moment. Whatever else is happening around us is of little consequence; it brings about focus, which is less about the external and more about the inner world.

Working through my book, colouring in the Tarot templates allows you to relax into the imagery. You might choose to use a different colour scheme – this is okay! It means that you are connecting to the imagery on a personal level. The act of colouring is meditative, reflective and very absorbing. It supports you in learning the essence of the card, perhaps you might be drawn to a symbol or an aspect of the image which is particularly significant to you. The process of developing the colours in the card, encourages you to remember how you might interpret it. The most valuable part of this is that you have designated a time and a place and a method to devote to connecting to your Tarots, in return they will speak to you!

 

What is the importance of colour symbolism and correspondences in Tarot and your wider psycho-spiritual practice?

Psycho-spiritual Tarot is the observation of the integration between the spiritual and the physical worlds we have created for ourselves.
The world we live in wants to speak to us all the time! It does this through symbolism. We read this symbolism all the time, often without realising it. Colour is very much a part of that. It would include the colours we choose to dress in – they say so much about how we are in the moment. The colours we have in our environment, including our home and garden. We often associate memories with colour, our unconscious uses colour as part of a language, they allow us to have a dialogue with a hidden part of our being.

Certain meanings of colour are traditional. For example, red can mean passion, anger or energy. Blue can be peaceful, calm and mystical. Green can be seen as spiritual or fertile. If we look at The Emperor in all his red and orange, we immediately get the impression his connection to fiery Aries. It conveys his energy, passionate leadership and the warrior dynamic. The blue and green of the High Priestess take us into the inner sanctum, the quiet spirit, the psyche in the waters within. That’s the thing – colours, along with the imagery, give us impressions to which we can relate.

 

Can you tell me a bit about your own personal journey with Tarot reading and how you first learned the meanings of the cards?

I was gifted my first deck: a Spanish version of the Marseille – not that I have a connection to Spain, it’s just that my friend had them and couldn’t find a use for them! He knew I had a big fascination with the mystical and thought I’d appreciate them. It was a long time ago now, but the instant I had them in my hands I knew we were inextricably linked. I still have them.

At the same time, I came across a book by Alfred Douglas, it didn’t quite compute at the time that the book and the cards were from two very different schools, but it was better than nothing and, in effect, I was learning two perspectives of Tarot at the same time! I still have the book too, although it is very dog-eared and worn now.

I was living with a bunch of women at that point and it was often chaotic! I started to practice my card reading on my housemates, they seemed to have had all sorts of life issues going on. Our reading sessions not only became an oasis of peace each time, but I got some invaluable insights into the language of Tarot and how they recount with accuracy, the past, present and future. The story within all of that was often comforting and life affirming. I also think that Tarot cards provide a platform for conversation that you would not necessarily have with people anywhere other than around a Tarot table. By their very nature, the cards embody truth, impartiality, integrity and insight.

I have come to understand, over the years, that this is very much a large part of a healing process. My advice to anyone learning Tarot is to get as many real life stories to work on as possible, get acquainted with the traditional meanings of the cards and then work with them to build up your own style and connection.

 

I’d like to thank Avril Price for taking the time to answer my questions so openly. The Watkins Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot Colouring Book is publishing on the 12th November 2024 and is available for pre-order now.

Q&A With Anita Cleare: Author of How to Get Your Teenager Out of Their Bedroom

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Anita Cleare, author of How to get your teenager out of their bedroom answered a few of my questions about how we can look after ourselves and our families when parenting feels especially overwhelming. Her insightful book is publishing on the 10th September 2024 and is available for pre-order now.

 

The title of your book is the most commonly asked question you get from parents of teenagers: ‘How do I get my teenager out of their bedroom?’ What were some other contenders?

The questions I get asked most frequently by parents of teens usually revolve around being worried about them one way or another! “How do I get my teenager off their screens?” is a hot topic, plus how to get teenagers to do things we know are good for them (such as studying, exercising and having a good sleep routine) but which they are often very reluctant to do.

Being the parent of a teen can be a worrying time. We care about them so much, and we want the best for them. When teens close up or start withdrawing from family life, it can be hard to know whether they are just going through a normal teenage phase or whether there is something going on that we should be concerned about. The book is all about giving parents information and tools to support teens through this tricky time.

 

Looking after teenagers can feel like a battle. Do you have any self-care advice for people looking after teenagers?

As parents know we should look after ourselves but finding time or energy to actually do it is never easy. Self-care is especially hard for parents of teens as it’s a time of life when we often have stressful jobs and caring responsibilities for elderly parents (not to mention the challenges of peri-menopause and midlife wobbles!). It’s a period of transition for us as well as our teens.

Simple everyday actions like exercise and healthy eating help a lot, alongside a big dose of humour and friends you can offload on about teenage parenting woes (or just escape with for an evening). Looking to the future and facing the big questions head on about who you are going to be in this next phase of life can sometimes lead to wonderful brave leaps into new hobbies and ambitions.

 

What sets this book apart from other parenting manuals?

I set out to write a book that was grounded in empathy – both for parents and for teens. Being the parent of a teenager can feel incredibly frustrating, disempowering and hurtful. A lot of parenting books are full of dire warnings about the consequences for our kids if we (or they) get it wrong, which isn’t helpful. Or they contain prescriptions for how we should parent that are fine on paper but just don’t translate when you are living with an actual teenager who refuses to listen to anything you have to say.

My aim was to offer practical advice that is do-able and reassuring. I try to help parents understand their teens a little more and see the world from their perspective, and I walk parents through some concrete ideas for connecting with teens that will help reduce conflict and build a stronger relationship and a more resilient teen. 

 

Find more tips and resources, How to get your teenager out of their bedroom is available to preorder now. Visit anitacleare.co.uk to learn more about Anita and her work.

Q&A With Dr Janina Maschke: Author of A Feminist’s Guide to ADHD

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I asked Dr Janina Maschke, author of A Feminist’s Guide to ADHD about the writing process and managing life as a woman with ADHD. Her incredible book is being released 8th October 2024 and is available for pre-order now.

As someone who identifies as having ADHD yourself, how difficult did you find the process of writing a book?

As someone with ADHD, getting the opportunity to write a book I’m deeply passionate about was honestly amazing. That excitement definitely made things easier, but I didn’t fully realize just how much work goes into writing a book. Staying focused and not getting too caught up in the details and wanting to rewrite everything or start over were real challenges, but when I felt stuck or overwhelmed, I always tried to use my ADHD tools, and breaking things into smaller pieces really helped me out. Watkins was awesome in giving me deadlines for each chapter, which made a huge difference, and was super helpful. Through all of this, I learned a lot about myself—like how to manage a big project, manage my energy levels so I don’t burn out. I really hope my book inspires others with ADHD to see that with the right strategies and support, your dreams are totally achievable. And it’s totally okay to ask for help whenever you need it!

How does ADHD affect women differently to men? What are the most common struggles for women with ADHD?

ADHD manifests differently between females and males, which often leads to disparities in diagnosis rates. In girls and women, ADHD symptoms are typically less overt and more internalized, this might include daydreaming or internalized hyperactivity such as a racing mind, which is not visible to the outside. This contrasts with the more noticeable external behaviors—like hyperactivity and impulsivity—that is commonly seen in boys and men. The externalization of ADHD behavior fits more the “typical image of ADHD” and also makes it more noticeable that the person might be struggling and needs help and support. As a result, the subtler manifestations of ADHD in females may be overlooked or misinterpreted as shyness, a lack of effort, laziness, or even anxiety, rather than as indicators of ADHD.

In addition to the different symptom presentation in girls and men, societal norms and gender stereotypes can further hinder the accurate identification of ADHD symptoms in females, often resulting in further delay in a diagnosis and intervention. That’s why addressing these biases is essential to ensure that ADHD is identified and treated effectively across genders.

How can readers support a woman in their life who has ADHD?

Gaining a deeper understanding of ADHD and its impacts is crucial for anyone looking to support someone with the condition. Educating yourself about ADHD not only helps you understand what it’s like to live with it but also prepares you to be more empathetic and supportive. It’s also helpful to ask her directly about her experiences with ADHD, to gain even deeper insight into her personal challenges.

It is also very important to support and play towards each other’s strengths. Celebrate her strengths and talents, which often include creativity and problem-solving, and be patient with the fluctuating nature of her engagement and energy levels. Advocate for and with her, you can also support her in seeking professional help and appropriate accommodations at work. You can also try body doubling together —working together on tasks or chores she finds challenging. This not only aids her in managing these tasks but can also boost productivity for both of you.

 

Find more tips and resources in her book A Feminist’s Guide to ADHD and visit www.adhdempowermentcoaching.com.

Derek Frost on Pride and Prejudice

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To quote from awarenessdays.com:
‘Pride Month is a month-long celebration that recognises the LGBTQ+ community and their contributions to society. It’s a time to acknowledge the challenges faced by this community and to stand in solidarity with their fight for equality, acceptance, and human rights.’

I’ve recently read two works of fiction based on fact – Radical Love by Neil Blackmore and The New Life by Tom Crewe. Both authors write about aspects of queer life in 19th century England – the first set at the very beginning of that century and the second at its end. Both books illustrate the appalling levels of prejudice aimed against what I prefer to call, in place of the ever expanding acronym, our queer community.

In many parts of the world little has changed.

In sixty five countries homosexuality remains a criminal offence and in seven UN member states punishable by death – a flagrant contravention of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In many countries prejudice against our queer community grows at an alarming rate.

Read Masha Gessen on Russia where she claims the newly adopted gay propaganda law has ‘led to a huge increase in anti-gay violence, including murders.’ Read also Artic Summer, about E. M. Forster, by Booker Prize Winner Damon Galgot and what Forster himself observed about the challenges faced by queers in his lifetime – most particularly in his posthumously published masterpiece Maurice.

Two recently published books, The Glamour Boys by Chris Bryant and Never Silent by Peter Staley, serve to remind us why we should be proud of the many important contributions made by members of our queer community for the betterment of all – about extraordinary achievements in the face of extreme prejudice.

In our own country such prejudice now rarely exists – an amazing change. Look around, if you’re attending a Pride event in the UK. What you see is liberation, the support of the general population, equal rights and full protection for these rights. What you see is our queer community happily out and proud. Long may that remain the case. Be vigilant. Freedoms can be lost.

My message for Pride 2024:
Celebrate with pride. Fight against prejudice.

 

Thank you to Derek Frost for providing this blog post. Find his book Living and Loving in the Age of AIDS at all good book retailers.

© Derek Frost June 2024

A Brief History of Diverse Love by Dr Liat Yakir

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Pride Week celebrates love in its many forms, transcending boundaries and highlighting the universal bonds that connect us. One fascinating aspect of love is its biochemical foundation, particularly the role of oxytocin—the “love Hormone” that creates all human (and all mammalian) relationships.

Oxytocin, often dubbed the “cuddle hormone,” is a peptide hormone produced in the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland. It plays a crucial role in social bonding, sexual reproduction, and during and after childbirth. Oxytocin acts as a natural facilitator of human connection, enhancing trust, empathy, and emotional intimacy between individuals.

During Pride Week, understanding the science behind love underscores the commonalities we share. Oxytocin’s effects are universal, affecting everyone regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. This hormone’s influence begins at birth and during childhood. The surge of oxytocin during child rearing and caregiving promotes parental behaviors and strengthens the emotional tie, laying the foundation for the child’s future social interactions.

In romantic relationships, oxytocin is pivotal. It is released during moments of physical intimacy, such as hugging, kissing, and sexual activity. This release fosters a sense of closeness and attachment, which is crucial for maintaining long-term partnerships. Oxytocin reduces stress and promotes feelings of contentment and security, which are essential for sustaining healthy and loving relationships.

Pride Week also brings to light the diverse ways in which love manifests. Oxytocin doesn’t just facilitate romantic and familial bonds; it also enhances friendships and community connections. Group activities shared meals, and collective celebrations all trigger oxytocin release, reinforcing the importance of social cohesion and mutual support. In the context of Pride, these activities help forge a sense of belonging and solidarity within the LGBTQ+ community.

Moreover, oxytocin has a role in overcoming prejudice and fostering acceptance and empathy. Research indicates that oxytocin can promote pro-social behaviors and reduce fear responses, potentially lowering biases and encouraging inclusivity. By enhancing our ability to empathize and connect with others, oxytocin supports the core values of Pride Week: love, acceptance, and equality.

As we celebrate Pride Week, it is heartening to recognize that the biochemical basis of love and connection knows no bounds. Oxytocin reminds us that at our core, we are all wired for love, empathy, and connection, reinforcing the beautiful diversity and unity of the human experience.

 

This article was written by Dr Liat Yakir, author of A Brief History of Love which is available now at all good book retailers.

Visualizing the Future of Pride with Kodo Nishimura

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Who are some of your role models within the LGBTQ+ community and why?

Anyone unafraid to be who they are can be a great role model. One of my role models is a professor at my art school, Parsons School of Design in New York. Growing up, I used to feel that being part of the LGBTQ+ community meant something unsophisticated, associated with sexual connotations and wild parties. However, my art professor was so poised, leading the Fine Arts Department I was in. He was stylish, wise, and well-respected. He was not shy at all about sharing the presence of his husband. This was different from the “stereotypical gay man” often negatively mocked in the Japanese media. His presence showed me that people from the LGBTQ+ community are diverse and limitless. I learned that there is nothing to hide about my sexuality, and I was able to come out proudly thanks to him. Now, I hope to show that a Buddhist monk can also be a proud homosexual with my existence.

What does Pride Month mean to you personally? 

We have to be proud of ourselves always, but having a reminder like Pride Month is a great way to reflect on how far we have come and the obstacles we still have to overcome. For example, in Japan, we still do not have the right to marriage equality. During the Pride Parade in Tokyo, people say “Happy Pride” as a slogan. Some criticize that we are not truly “happy” because we still lack certain rights. However, the situation in Japan is slowly improving. My motto is that, even in difficult situations, we should always work for equality, focusing on the happiness that can come from change, and trying to enjoy the process. I don’t want to ruin my everyday smiles with constant anger about injustice.

How do you envision the future of Pride Month celebrations? 

I think what we celebrate each year varies, depending on the events and progress of that year. I hope that in the future, we will be able to look back at the present and celebrate how much progress we have made. It is up to us to visualize and realize the future that we want to live in!

What message would you like to share with readers about the importance of self-acceptance?

I want to share my realization that we should always feel valuable and never feel inferior to others for any reason. One of the reasons Buddhism was introduced 2,500 years ago was to liberate people from discrimination. With my book, “This Monk Wears Heels: Be Who You Are,” I hope to share my personal stories of overcoming feelings of inferiority as a homosexual, along with the Buddhist teachings I learned from my monk training. My mission is to encourage you to follow your heart and shine in your own unique color.

Kodo Nishimura’s book This Monk Wears Heels: Be Who You Are is available now at all good book retailers. Follow his Instagram @kodomakeup to keep up with his latest endeavours.

Book Extract: She Fights Back by Joanna Ziobronowicz

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As children, we are often told stories about good prevailing over evil, and about that elusive “happily ever after”. As little girls, we may be taught that if we’re obedient, we will be rewarded for our goodness. When we grow up, some of us realize that always conforming and always being kind can threaten our boundaries, shatter our sense of self-worth, and at times, expose us to trauma.

I wouldn’t be writing this book if I myself hadn’t fallen victim to detrimental cultural conditioning, psychological trauma and physical attacks that I had to overcome. It took many years and many uncomfortable life lessons to cultivate a strong sense of self-belief, as well as to acquire the valuable physical skills needed to protect myself, but these experiences were necessary in helping me understand what women need to do to keep themselves safe.

After years of working in the security sector, I’ve learned that in addition to relying on my martial arts skillset, it is also crucial to stay alert and keep a watchful eye over people and surroundings.

When I was working in security, threats could come from anyone and anywhere, often when I least expected them. All it took was one moment of inattention to be caught off-guard. However, over time, I found common patterns and warning signs that allowed me to spot and assess threats early on, leading to more efficient responses.

By watching my work colleagues handling conflicts, and also by getting involved in various physical interventions myself, I came to realize that some of the most critical aspects of self-defence are having confidence in your own abilities, and having conviction in your actions. I noticed that these qualities were primary drivers for performance, and for finding solutions when faced with highly triggering situations. Today, I know that I could teach you how to impeccably execute the most effective self-defence moves, but without the ability to assert yourself and without self-belief in your capabilities, they won’t be enough. 

I observed similar psychological aspects of performance during my sports career, both as a coach and as an active competitor in various martial arts. With over 23 years of training experience, I have seen that high performance is fuelled by incredibly strong self-belief, unwavering conviction, and a razor-sharp mindset. I’ve studied alongside world-class athletes, have competed at the highest level, and time and time again I’ve demonstrated, both to myself and those that I coached, that everything begins in the mind. I’ve seen exceptionally talented athletes freeze before tournaments, mentally giving up before even setting foot into the competition arena. I’ve learnt that a champion is made not just through appropriate physical preparation, but also through a strong mental drive toward their actions and achievements.

With this in mind, we should explore both the physical and psychological aspects of self-defence. If you want to win your battles, it’s time to acknowledge and build upon the confidence that will enable you to assert your rights, stand up for yourself, and stay physically prepared.

 

She Fights Back by Joanna Ziobronowicz is publishing July 9th 2024 and is available to pre-order now.

Haunted Lighthouses of Britain by Roger O’Reilly

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There can be few lighthouses that do not have a ghost story or some tale of the ethereal attached to them. Often isolated and watching over vessels of all stripes slipping into an out of port under cover of darkness, they are witness to a shadowy world that often leaves more unexplained than illuminated.

At Whitby, in this most famously eerie of all towns, the west pier has its own tall tale. One stormy night the keeper, having temporarily left the tower (some say he was engaged in the local game of knurr and spell), looked over his shoulder and noticed that the light had gone out. Hurrying back and soaked to the skin, he sped up the steps to reignite the lantern. Having rekindled the lamp he attempted to go back down, but slipped and fell headlong into the void departing this mortal coil. Some folk say that on a black blustery night, a lonesome figure can be seen making his way with a covered lantern towards the lighthouse before his disappears through the locked and bolted door.

On the Pembrokeshire in coast in 1801, an altogether more unsettling tale unfolded when one of the two keepers died and his colleague went slowly mad, waiting almost four months for rescue while his deceased partner who had been fastened to the outside rail in an attempt keep the stench of death outside the cramped quarters, stared through the window at him accusingly swaying in the howling wind and knocking incessantly on the storm battered pane. Until that time, two keepers had been deemed sufficient, but from then on, three were always posted on offshore stations.

Sometimes the spirits can seem a little more benign, such as at the Souter Lighthouse on the Sunderland coast where it is reputed to be haunted by Grace Darling’s niece Isabella, who lived here in the late 1880s. Staff have reported spoons floating in mid-air, unexplained temperature drops, and some have even reported having been clutched by unseen hands.

Probably the most famous story strange goings on concerns the Eilean Mór lighthouse on the Flannan Isles about 115km off the Scottish mainland in the Outer Hebrides. The steamer Archtor noted that the light had gone out one stormy evening in December 1900 and the alarm was raised. When a relief ship came to investigate, the keepers were nowhere to be seen. The report stated that the doors were closed, the clocks had ominously stopped, the beds were unmade and that two of the keeper’s oilskins were missing, but the third set was still in place. No trace of the men could be found. The disappearance of the three men, coupled with the death of an assistant keeper a few years later gave Eilean Mòr a sinister reputation. The popular poem, “Flannan Isle” by Wilfrid Wilson Gibson took a number of liberties with the truth and made the story familiar to the wider public, sealing the episode’s fate as a suspense mystery worthy of Edgar Allen Poe.

Roger O’Reilly is a lighthouse expert, artist and founder of Lighthouse Editions. O’Reilly’s incredible book Legendary Lighthouses of Britain is available to pre-order now and is releasing April 9th 2024.

A Brief History of British Lighthouses by Roger O’Reilly

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The earliest lighthouses in Britain used whatever materials were available locally; wood, brick and stone. The life of these structures was predictably short, especially if they were offshore.

The rebuilding of the Eddystone Rocks lighthouse off Plymouth Sound by the engineer John Smeaton set a milestone in the progression of lighthouse design. This, coupled with the developing technology of projecting light across vast distances, would revolutionise the lighthouse service around the country.

In England and Wales, Trinity House was empowered since 1836 to compulsorily buy out any remaining private lighthouses and they were soon fully engaged on an ambitious programme of expansion that included stations such as Beachy Head, Wolf Rock and the North Foreland in Kent.

In Scotland, meanwhile, Robert Stevenson was busy building a mini empire of lighthouse builders. Between them, the Stevenson dynasty was responsible for designing and building over 80 lighthouses in Scotland and the Isle of Man during the years 1811 to 1937.

As an island nation, the safety of Britain’s coastline is of immense importance to the shipping plying its waters. The proliferation of lights that dot the north Atlantic shores, the Irish sea, the English Channel or the eastern lights that welcome shipping returning across the North Sea, bear testimony to this dedication to the safe passage of vessels into and out of home waters and the wider oceans beyond.

Roger O’Reilly is a lighthouse expert, artist and founder of Lighthouse Editions. O’Reilly’s incredible book Legendary Lighthouses of Britain is available to pre-order now and is releasing April 9th 2024.

International Women’s Day Author Spotlight Q&A

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In celebration of International Women’s Day and the important work that organisations like the UN are doing to level the playing field between genders, we asked six female authors a few questions. Promoting the voices of women, inspiring empowerment and taking an active stance in gender equality are values Watkins stands by.

 

Who are the women who have inspired you in your work and in your personal journey?

 

Jackie Lynch, author of The Happy Menopause:

So many women – my Mum was my first female role model as a little girl. She was the Senior Sister in charge of the isolation ward at the local hospital. She inspired the respect of the doctors and the devotion of her nursing team. Seeing her in this very important role, at a time when many women either didn’t work or had small part-time jobs, I never doubted as I was growing up, that women are capable of great things. and could lead and inspire.

As an adult, I find so many women inspiring, there are almost too many to name. From dedicated investigative journalists, such as Carole Cadwalldr, who dares to speak up when so many don’t, to champions of ageing, such as Joan Bakewell; there are a lot of women out there who are doing great work. In the menopause arena, which is my own area of expertise, I value the work of Professor Anne McGregor on hormonal headaches; Kathy Abernethy, menopause specialist nurse; and Dr Jen Gunter, who speaks out fearlessly against the rising of tide of untrained influencers involving themselves in health matters.

Clio Wood, author of Get Your Mojo Back:

Laura Bates and Caroline Criado Perez for (separately) their amazing work bringing to light the sadly very common discrepancies that women face in all walks of life.

Kim Vopni, author of Your Pelvic Floor:

Katy Bowman, Dr Sara Gottfried, Sherrie Palm, Jill Miller, Julie Wiebe, Kaisa Tuominen, Dr Tamara Rial, Dr Kelly Casperson, Dr Stacy Sims, Shirley Weir!

Ellie Austin-Williams, author of Money Talks:

My mum has always had a strong work ethic and worked tirelessly to provide for me which has inspired me to work hard in whatever I do. I’m also inspired by stories of women who go against the grain and carve out a life that works for them – whether that means a traditional career path, being a stay-at-home parent or something totally different.

Almudena Rocca, author of The Intuitive Drawing Journal:

My mum has probably been my biggest inspiration and influence throughout my work and personal life. I’m very fortunate to have a beautiful relationship with my mum and she has been my biggest supporter as well as someone I go to for advice, guidance and feedback. She has taken many steps and hardships to get to where she is today and in doing this has made the path of being an artist a little easier for me. I’m very grateful for her.

Le’Nise Brothers, author of You Can Have a Better Period:

My mother and all the women who’ve spent years being told that painful and heavy periods are normal and who’ve tirelessly tried to find answers on their own.

 

What advice would you like to share with your female readers?

 

Jackie Lynch:

Be kind to yourself. The menopause can be a difficult time, so a little self-care goes a long way. Simple changes to your diet and lifestyle can make a world of difference to the way that you experience this tricky phase of life. Reach out for help and support from health professionals and your loved ones. If they don’t know that you’re struggling, how can they help?

Clio Wood:

So many societal stereotypes are based on the male gaze and patriarchal norms. If you don’t conform, there’s nothing wrong with you; there’s something wrong with society. Also, it can take years to find the confidence to express and live that. I’m still working on it.

Kim Vopni:

Don’t accept suffering, for any reason. Be curious. Seek multiple opinions for care/treatment. Believe in your body’s ability to adapt. Get informed and make the decision that is best for YOU.

Ellie Austin-Williams:

Financial literacy is one key way we can work towards a more inclusive society for women, so invest in your financial education and you’ll reap the rewards.

Almudena Rocca:

I don’t know if this is advice but, I say: “we are all on our on paths – some may be very different from others but you are doing your best and that’s more than enough!”

Le’Nise Brothers:

Painful and heavy periods aren’t normal and aren’t something you should just accept and live with. If you’re not getting the answers you deserve, get a second, third or fourth opinion until you get the support you need.

 

Thank you to these inspiring women for participating in this Q&A! You can find their incredible books on our website. Browse the Blogs section for more Author Q&A sessions.

 

Q&A With Briana Pegado: Author of Make Good Trouble

Posted on by hayley.moss

 

We sat down in candid conversation with Briana Pegado, author of Make Good Trouble to find out her inspirations and top tips for trouble-makers. The book is being released April 9th 2024 and is available for pre-order now.

 

What do you hope readers will take away from Make Good Trouble? 

I hope readers will take away the courage and confidence to step into their own energy and to better understand it. This book has been written to help people make connections, learn from my experiences, and hopefully have a deeper understand of how beneficial disruption can be. For the people out there who feel that disruption is constantly in their wake, may they feel reassured that this is not a mistake or a fluke, but incredibly intentional — it is part of the fabric of why they are here on this earth. Ultimately, this book is a framework for all of us to live in a more peaceful world, filled with authenticity, if we are all brave enough and courageous enough to shake things up. 

 

Give us one tip for taking care of your own energy. 

A big part of taking care of our own energy, is the capacity to recognise what is our energy and what is someone else’s energy. Protective tools are a good way to practice this discernment. Whether that’s crystals that we carry with us, or taking a moment to cleanse ourselves of lingering energy in the shower, there are many ways we can protect our energy. 

One of my favourite tools is imagining a warm white light all over my body that acts as protective shield. I visualise this before leaving the house. Another simple way I protect my energy is through using an essential oil blend every morning. I take a moment to breathe in the smell and apply it to my pressure points. It is a little ritual that grounds me, and something that can be returned to throughout the day. I use ritual oil blends from my friend Brooke at Black Moon Botanica in Edinburgh, but you can use any blend that appeals to you, or even one you’ve made yourself. 

 

What does goddess energy mean to you?

Goddess energy means channelling the energy of the goddesses, who are incredibly powerful beings. Through their power, they enable us to remember our own power. Studying them, performing rituals in their name, and asking them for support, opens their energy to all of us. By focusing on a certain goddess through meditation and asking them questions; or wearing colours, objects, and talismans that represent them, they can guide us and protect us on our journeys. Some goddesses find us at pivotal points in our lives, so it is important for us to incorporate them into daily rituals and begin to build that relationship. 

To me, goddess energy means power, but power that enables us to better understand ourselves and our role in the world. They can remind us of different aspects of ourselves and of the world around us. If we trust them, they can show us the entire nature of the universe. 

 

How can energy catalyse change in society?

Change in society only happens by catalysing change, in other words, organising and bringing people together under a clear set of values. It is through movement, supporting one another, and daring to question the world around us, that we can cause a flow of energy and bring about change. However, changing society requires us to start with ourselves. It is only by daring to look inwards, at ourselves, our families, our communities, that change can begin. By making positive choices at an individual level we can change our inner world, which reverberates through wider society. 

 

Who do you see as the ideal reader of Make Good Trouble?

The ideal reader for Make Good Trouble is anyone curious about making good trouble. For readers who often feel out of place in their families, workplaces, and friend groups. For those led by their principles and values, or anyone looking to live in closer alignment with these values. For anyone who has been part of movements for change, or leaders in movements for change. This book is also for the curious reader and those led by their intuition. This book is for the bold; the certain and the uncertain; for the seeker with a long relationship to energy, and the seeker at the start of their journey. This book is for anyone interested in changing their life gently and incrementally. This book is for everyone. 

Watkins Media Limited
Shepperton House unit 11
89 Shepperton Road
London, England
N1 3DF

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Watkins Media Limited
Shepperton House unit 11
89 Shepperton Road
London, England
N1 3DF

View our latest catalogue
Google-plus-g Facebook-f Twitter Instagram Youtube Meetup Rss
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