Nov 8, 2020
I was privileged to invite Author Trish Ahjel Roberts for an interview to discuss her latest book Thinking Outside the Chrysalis: A Black Woman's Guide to Spreading Her Wings and the inspiration behind it. Enjoy!
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What's your book about, and what inspired you to write it? |
"Thinking Outside the Chrysalis: A Black Woman's Guide to Spreading Her Wings" is a roadmap to a self-actualized life. I started writing the book as part of a wellness retreat I was planning. I named the retreat "Thinking Outside the Chrysalis" because I love the butterfly's story of transformation. Before you can get outside the butterfly's chrysalis, or cocoon, you have to imagine life on the other side. I wanted to teach my retreat participants how to get out of their own way to become more joyful and fulfilled in their lives, like butterflies. I actually woke up in the middle of the night with ten of the chapter concepts. The retreat ended up getting cancelled because of COVID, but my signature work was born. |
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Who is
your target audience, and why do you think this book will appeal to them? |
Anyone
can benefit from the wisdom in the book, but it is my unapologetic love
letter to Black women. It will appeal to women who are looking for healing,
inspiration, personal growth and happiness. I really hope that means all
women. |
|
What
message do you wish to pass across to your readers with this book? |
I want my
readers to know that we are the architects of our own lives. Many times we
feel controlled by circumstances, but when we look closer, we find options. I
want my readers to find joy, fulfillment and ultimately, freedom. |
|
What
was the hardest thing about writing your latest book? |
I had
to relive difficult times in my life in order to share my story. Some of
those writing sessions were really draining, but it was important to let my
readers know that, like them, I've been through stuff. Ultimately it's my
most challenging experiences that have helped me expand my knowledge and
compassion. |
|
As a
writer, is there anything you've learned about yourself while writing this
book? |
Because
this is my first memoir, it's really allowed me to stand in my truth and
authenticity. I've learned how courageous I can be. I found my voice. |
|
For
your own reading, do you prefer ebooks or traditional paper/hard back books,
and why? |
I love
paperback books and audiobooks. I'm not a fan of electronic books at all,
although I appreciate that they don't leave a carbon footprint. I also don't
really like hard covers. I like my books soft and squishy! I'm working on the
audiobook for "Thinking Outside the Chrysalis" now. I can't wait to
release it. |
|
What is
your niche genre, and if you were to write in a different genre, what would
it be? |
I'm an
independent author, so I've had the luxury of writing in different genres. My
current title is a self-help memoir, but my first book was a romantic drama.
If I could choose a name for my genre, I would say "inspirational."
Whether I write self-help, memoir, young adult or adult fiction, or even a
cookbook. My goal is to inspire my readers. |
|
What
books and authors have most influenced you? |
"I
Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" by Maya Angelou, "The Autobiography
of Malcolm X" by Alex Haley, "Beloved" by Toni Morrison, and
"Their Eyes Were Watching God," by Zora Neale Hurston were a few
that had a big impact on me. There are so many more. I love to read. I could
go on forever. |
|
Is
there anything you'd like readers to know about you? |
It's
never to late to change your life. I quit my job after twelve years as a
financial advisor and launched my business to write, coach and teach yoga and
meditation full-time. Even if it's baby steps, never stop working toward your
dreams. |
|
Do you
have any more books in the works? |
I'm
releasing "12 Steps to Mind-Blowing Happiness: A Journal of Insights,
Quotes & Questions to Juice Up Your Journey" on 11/11/2020. I'm
working on two offerings for 2021: the self-help memoir, "Raising
Caterpillars: A Black Woman's Guide to Inspired Parenting" and the young
adult novel, "Butterfly Squad." |
|
Do you
read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones? |
I definitely
read my book reviews. When I published my first book back in 2015 most of my
reviews were 4- and 5-star, but I got one 3-star review. I didn't like it,
but it wasn't really bad. I've never gotten anything lower than that, so I'm
grateful. "Thinking Outside the Chrysalis" currently has a 4.9 star
rating on Amazon. I'm really proud of that. I also got a 5-star review from
Indies Today. When I get great reviews and compliments, I accept them with
grace, gratitude and honor for my many teachers. |
|
Your
first book was under the name "Trish Ahjel" and your new book is
"Trish Ahjel Roberts." Why the change? |
Using
my full name is part of my own personal growth. When I wrote my first novel,
I used my middle name to create some space between me and my role as a
corporate employee. By the time I wrote "Thinking Outside the
Chrysalis," I had made the decision to work for myself, find my freedom
and stand in my truth with my whole name. I'm so grateful |
|
I see
you're a blogger. What do you like best about blogging? |
I love
blogging because it gives me the opportunity to inspire folks on a weekly
basis, and it's always current. Either I'm discussing relevant topics in the
news, or I'm writing about events in my life. At the end, there's always
inspiration. Words are so important. We all need to be encouraged and
inspired, especially during difficult times. |
Trish Ahjel Roberts
is a blogger, self-actualization coach, yoga and meditation instructor, reiki
practitioner, retreat organizer and founder of HoneyButterflyz Wellness &
Transformation. She was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY and attended Stuyvesant
High School in Manhattan. She holds a Bachelor's degree from the Metropolitan
College of New York and an MBA from Long Island University. She has ten years
of Buddhist study at Kadampa Meditation Center in Atlanta, GA and twenty years
of yoga experience. She lives with her daughter and their dog in Atlanta, GA.
She believes movement and nature are therapy and loves hiking, running and hot
yoga.
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