Deborah Herman, Spiritual Writing From Inspiration to Publication: Second Edition
What Inspired You to Write Your Book?
Spiritual Writing stemmed from two places. I have been on a spiritual journey that began in earnest when I was in my 20s and I had a career in publishing. Although I had started writing books, I also worked as a literary agent curating titles for the Jeff Herman Agency. I saw a trend of submissions that were going to be dismissed out of hand because, at the time, the agents and publishers didn’t know what to do with the material. I understood firsthand the longing and frustration these writers felt when they were unable to share their messages without being labeled as too “out there.” The term of art at the time was “woo, woo.”
Thankfully times have changed since the first iteration of this book and the options for spiritual writers have broadened. However, the first part of the book is an expanded description of the challenges of being on a spiritual journey and the responsibility shared by anyone who wants the role of messenger. I felt it would be important for me to share this vital information to help writers find their Divine inner voice and then show them how to navigate the publishing world as businesspeople. Too many significant writers are never heard because they can’t get past the gatekeepers.
Can You Tell Us About the Book from Your Point of View?
This book feels like a personal triumph for me because I feel I am finally presenting it at the right time and for the people who need it. We are in a troubling time period in society when these writers need to be heard more than ever before. I am also fully sharing my spiritual message, which is something I have grown into through the years. I now have 13 books under my belt, including a frontlist bestseller, experience as a publisher, and many years of spiritual practice. There is a level of authenticity to my writing that I believe is beyond what I have accomplished in any of my other books. The book is only my words and my heart with the sincere goal of inspiriting other writers to dig deeper into their sense of mission and Divine responsibility.
What Can Readers Expect from This Book?
In the first part of the book, they will learn about what I term the seven lessons of Soul Odyssey. Over many years I created this system, but as many spiritual writers will attest, it was more of a download, to understand the patterns we face on the spiritual path. All people experience these lessons, but some are more energetically attuned to them and proactive in seeking an understanding of our place in the universe. The Seven Lessons are not overly esoteric but are intended to be grounded in day-to-day living. They are also then applied to the path of the Spiritual Writer.
The rest of the book, although it harkens back to the Lessons, is everything a writer needs to know to navigate the ever-changing climate of publishing. I present the ways to approach the traditional route through query letters and book proposals, as well as alternatives to traditional publishing and how writers can succeed.
This new edition is completely updated to reflect the burgeoning opportunities presented by the internet. Technology was in its infancy twenty years ago. During the intervening years, I studied digital marketing strategy and share a high-level look at author branding and platform building.
Can You Tell Me Three Fun Facts About You?
I telepathically speak to animals and they speak back to me, especially horses.
I collect beautiful things like antique porcelain.
I am a bibliophile with an online bookstore. My dream is to one day open a location filled with floor-to-ceiling books, a sitting area, and a cat.
What Are Your Plans for Future Writing Projects?
I am in the process of researching a book proposal about a notorious cult. It follows on the heels of my book about the Manson Family Cult, Member of the Family. I see these as cautionary tales of triumph over tragedy.
I also have some fun projects in the pipeline for my TV Classics Publishing Imprint as well as some other ideas for fun pictorial books.
What Do You Want the World to Know About Your Book?
I hope people will see that this is an inspirational book as well as a guide to writing and publishing. The message of the Seven Lessons is vital for people to see that, although we live through challenging times, there is a reason for Faith, Hope and, above all, Love. Our world is like a classroom and, although we have free will, there is guidance and protection all around us. We are meant to live in safety and Peace. The Seven Lessons explain this and the guidance in the book will help people will important messages learn how to bring them to the people who need them.
How Do You Think Your Book Relates to The World Today?
I have been told I was ahead of my time with the first edition. People need messages of hope and guidance. They also need cautionary information for how to be a proper spiritual messenger. The energy we put into the world through our world has an impact on consciousness. The book gives clear instructions regarding the responsibilities of the spiritual messenger to assure the information comes through at his highest level to help humanity. There is no room for egoistic gurus in today’s world. We must encourage people to find their inner Divine sparks and to believe this is a world worth saving and protecting and that we are one universal family.
What Do You Hope Will Be the Everlasting Thoughts for Readers Who Finish Your Book?
I hope they see themselves through God’s eyes, however, they perceive God. They are good and they are worthy. They can do what they set their minds to doing. I hope they finish the book with the confidence they need to pursue their dreams.
What Should Remain with Readers Long After Putting Your Book Down?
That they are not alone. There are many people working for the universe to bring it to a higher vibration. Many spiritual writers or people on a spiritual path perceive that they are doing this by themselves. There is an entire universal family of people seeking the betterment of humanity. They only need to do their part with sincerity and authenticity and that is enough.
If People Can Only Buy One Book This Month, Why Should It Be Yours?
My book may be for writers, but it is for anyone on a spiritual path who wants to see a change in the world for the better. Or perhaps in the words of Gandhi, they want to be the change. The book is filled with important information and inspiration for anyone whether they wish to write a book. Who knows, maybe by reading the book they will discover levels of creativity and expression they didn’t know they had.
Check out Deborah’s new book on Amazon.
