From time to time in this space, Balboa Press publishes articles written by our authors in which they share some aspect of their self-publishing journeys. These are the words of Rowena Jayne, author of “The Joy of Real Food“. You can find out more about her book at her website www.rowenajayne.com. Download our free publishing guide to receive more information on self-publishing your book with Balboa Press.
Tell us a little bit about your book. What inspired you to write it?
The Joy of Real Food is a book about transformation. It offers concrete solutions for people to make changes to their livelihood, health and well-being and literally change their life.
It discusses mindset, yoga, Ayurveda, the food industry of today and how it impacts upon society at large. The book delves into my very personal story from adversity, illness, pain and unhappiness and how I turned my life around through yoga, real food and changing my mindset. The book also contains over 150 raw ( and minimally cooked) recipes with 65 full colour images.
I had a strong premonition twelve years ago that I would write a book. Not long after I ended up in hospital with a bleeding colon (I already had rheumatoid arthritis and an eating disorder for YEARS prior to this), Being in hospital altered the course of my life and woke me up. I began to build a new relationship with myself and my body.
Synchronistic events took place which led me to find yoga and as a result it changed my life completely and created a whole new positive relationship with food by helping to change my mindset.
Five years after being in hospital I did a cleansing fast whilst in the USA and had the insight that my illness and eating disorder had happened for a greater universal purpose to help others and I knew my first book would be based on my story and how I turned my life around through yoga, real food and healthy living with real food recipes.
I was inspired to write the book to share the message that we can turn our lives around and create a wonderful existence. We can heal and improve our lives. I knew deep down that it was my calling to help others to reach people I would have to follow suit of the premonition and guidance I received along the way .
What is the one message you would like to convey to your readers?
There is a solution to the very human struggles such as illness, stress and unhappiness. Each one of us has unlimited potential – but in order to truly tap into it we need to take care of ourselves.
Holistic living provides a very sustainable and legitimate path to offer every human being world wide a chance to feel our best, look our best and as a result use this empowerment to change our lives and create a life we love that is rich and abundant in every way.
What do you love most about self-publishing and would you recommend it to other authors?
Self-publishing offers the author a great platform to get their name and message out to the world, without the cut throat rejections that are offered from traditional publishing houses – particularly for new authors of this modern era.
It also offers a way for the author to produce a book with their own creative flair and vision. The tedious work of finding buyers/book stores is covered in order to free up the time for the author to focus on what they do best – write and spread their message!
What advice would you give to aspiring authors?
If you have a vision – trust it, believe in it. I believe all dreams are made to be fulfilled and when we follow our hearts synchronistic events take place to ensure the vision comes to fruition. Allow additional time for unexpected delays and go with the flow – Believe that your book will be produced in divine timing! Research as much as you can – view many books, book covers, book sizes, themes similar to yours so you are as informed as possible about the book process.
Ask around for other authors experiences in producing their books and be open to the entire process and the gift and blessing it is to bring your vision to life. Good luck!
Balboa Press authors who’d like to share a 350-600 word experience related to the self-publishing of their books, are invited to do so by sending a message through our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BalboaPress, by tweeting us at @BalboaPress, or by emailing blog@ balboapress.com. We may not be able to use every story, but we will read and consider all of them. Balboa Press reserves the right to edit stories for content, grammar and punctuation accuracy; as well as for space.