Wednesday, November 14, 2018

20 Questions with Poet/Author J. Autherine @loveautherine

Janet Autherine is the author of Growing into Greatness with God: 7 Paths to Greatness for our Sons & Daughters, and Wild Heart, Peaceful Soul: Reclaiming Your Heart in order to Live and Love Harmoniously.

Wild Heart, Peaceful Soul, is a beautiful collection of poems that tell the stories of strong, vulnerable, courageous women who love deeply, sometimes fall hard but always lead with their hearts. It is a deep and gritty, fresh and robust look at the thrill of loving unconditionally, as well as the mental and physical toll that it takes when peace and harmony are sometimes lost in the process. Drawing on personal experiences from her own journey of the past 30 years, J Autherine delves into the vulnerable hearts of women from around the world, including from her early years in Jamaica.

Growing into Greatness with God, 7 Paths to Greatness for our Sons and Daughters is inspired by her own experiences growing up in Jamaica, as well as her experience raising her three sons to recognize and nourish what God has planted within each of them. Her goal, through her writing, is to empower adults and children to see themselves as unique and amazing, already blessed with the ability to succeed in life and achieve their dreams.

Janet was born in St. Thomas, Jamaica, and immigrated to the United States when she was twelve. She grew up in Philadelphia and graduated from Pennsylvania State University and Boston College Law School. Janet continues to practice law but wakes up at 5am almost every morning to cultivate her inspirational writing and introduce readers to great books through her publishing company, Autherine Publishing. She is a proud introvert and running and reading are her peaceful passions. Her books are available on Amazon and she blogs at www.JanetAutherine.com.

Website Address: www.JanetAutherine.com

Blog Address: http://www.janetautherine.com/wild-heart-peaceful-soul/

Twitter Address:@loveautherine

Facebook Address: https://www.facebook.com/JanetAutherineJ/

1. Are you a morning writer or a night writer?

My favorite time to write is usually 30 minutes after I crawl out of bed. I meditate for a few minutes, make a cup of tea and start writing what is in my heart.

2. Do you outline or are you a pantster?

I didn’t outline my poetry book, Wild Heart, Peaceful Soul. I feel the emotion and then let the writing flow. My first book, Growing into Greatness with God used bible stories to inspire children to grow into their greatness so I took the time to outline the book before writing.

3. Which comes first – plot or character?

Usually the plot. My most recent book, Wild Heart, Peaceful Soul a beautiful collection of poems that provide inspiration to strong, vulnerable, badass women who love deeply, sometimes fall hard but always lead with their hearts. It is a deep and gritty, fresh and robust look at the thrill of loving unconditionally, as well as the mental and physical toll that it takes when peace and harmony are sometimes lost in the process.

The poems are from the heart so are largely driven by a strong emotion, such as pain, love, fear or joy. When I ride the emotional wave, the words of the poem flow.

4. Noise or quiet when working on your manuscript?

Quiet is best for me. I love to write early in the morning before everyone else in the house is awake. 5am is my magic hour. An exception is the sound of the ocean, which sparks creativity.

5. Favorite TV show?

I gave up television when I started writing daily, however, when I do indulge, I love to watch the Voice. I love to see dreams fulfilled.

6. Favorite type of music?

Reggae. I was born in Jamaica and a bit of Bob Marley is the perfect combination for anyone who is creative.

7. Favorite craft besides writing?

I used to make jewelry before I became far-sighted. I love the instant gratification of creating something beautiful.

8. Do you play a musical instrument?

In my dreams, I play the piano and the drums.

9. Single or married?

Single

10. Children or no?

I am blessed to have three boys. It is a big, noisy party at my house but we love it.

11. Pets?

I am a cat person. I loved Rudy for about 14 years and he passed away in my arms. He was a very temperamental cat who would go out of his way to let me know when he was displeased but that is what made him special.

12. Favorite place to write?

My favorite place to write is at any time overlooking the ocean. All the senses are engaged and creativity flows.

13. Favorite restaurant?

For a special night out, I love Eddie V’s in Orlando because it has amazing seafood. I am a pescatarian. For a laid-back vibe, Mark’s Caribbean Cuisine plays reggae music and serves up good Jamaican food.

14. Do you work outside the home?

I graduated from law school in 1994 and has consistently worked in the profession while getting up early almost every morning to write.

15. What was the name of the last movie that you saw?

The Black Panther. When I was writing, Wild Heart, Peaceful Soul, I didn’t see many movies but the Black Panther was amazing and I am so glad that I saw it because it inspired me to write the poem, Wakanda Love, which is one of my favorite love poems in the book.

16. Favorite outdoor activity?

Running. I ran the Marine Corps Marathon when I lived in the Washington, DC area.

17. Pet peeve?

Unkindness. Chose to treat everyone well; it is the best choice for humanity and our own mental health.

18. Your goal in life?

My goal is to continue to write books that resonate with readers and share them with as many readers as possible. My first book, Growing into Greatness with God, has become a mission for me because it is an important motivational read for children. I am working to get it distributed internationally and to as many churches, and international children’s missions as possible. I would love for every child to have access to it and to provide it at no cost to those who cannot afford it. Wild Heart, Peaceful Soul is really resonating with women and I am excited to get out and meet all the readers. My next book is Everything’s Irie: An Island Girl’s Approach to Mindful Living and Being. It will be available on Amazon January 2019.

19. Your most exciting moment?

As a writer, I love that moment when the book first appears on Amazon or I walk into a bookstore and it is there. It is a powerful feeling of gratitude.

20. The love of your life?

Without a doubt, my three boys!

About the Book:

Title: WILD HEART, PEACEFUL SOUL: POEMS AND INSPIRATION TO LIVE AND LOVE HARMONIOUSLY
Author: J. Autherine
Publisher: Autherine Publishing
Pages: 158
Genre: Poetry

BOOK BLURB:

Wild Heart, Peaceful Soul, is a beautiful collection of poems that provide inspiration to strong, vulnerable, badass women who love deeply, sometimes fall hard but always lead with their hearts. It is a deep and gritty, fresh and robust look at the thrill of loving unconditionally, as well as the mental and physical toll that it takes when peace and harmony are sometimes lost in the process.

Drawing on personal experiences from her own journey of the past 30 years, J Autherine delves into the vulnerable hearts of women from around the world, including from her early years in Jamaica. Poems such as Quiet Storm reveal the pain of sudden loss, while The Rebel Soul carries with it that air of doubt or uncertainty we all feel when in love.

The pain and struggle of women who love deeply and pour into others without first filling their own jars is prevalent throughout, as is the reoccurring theme of reclaiming your heart in order to live and love harmoniously.

Wild Heart, Peaceful Soul has the ability to pick you up in moments when you feel broken or not good enough to be loved and provide the strength in the love you always need as we search for the one who is worthy of our love.