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The Self-Care Solution
A Modern Mother’s Must-Have Guide to Health and Well-Being
Written by Julie Burton
SHE WRITES PRESS
Apparently my love of books has become well known because I was contacted by Richard, the awesome owner of The Book Stall in Winnetka, IL, about an up and coming author Julie Burton who was hosting an author event at his shop. He was pretty sure she was a good fit and man was he right. Julie’s book, The Self-Care Solution, speaks volumes to me right now. I am at a point in my life where I have been a wife and mother for the last 20 of my 39 years. I have found the ability to lose yourself in the day to day tasks of family life becomes almost second nature and you find yourself drowning before you know it. I will be posting a review of the book later on in the week.
#amreading The Self Care Solution by @juliebburton #momslife #selfcare #books
A photo posted by Jen Rattie – Lifestyle Blogger (@thecraftymomof3) on
Over the past two weeks I have gotten to know Julie through emails and social media and I have to tell you, she’s a doll. I love authors that are personable, are obviously invested in their books and understand that connection with fans of their book is key. But don’t just take my word for it, check out my interview with Julie to see just how fantastic she is.
An interview with Julie Burton – Author of The Self-Care Solution
Try to describe your book in one sentence.
The Self-Care Solution is the permission slip that every mother needs to serve as an ongoing reminder that taking care of herself physically, mentally, emotionally, and relationally is not only not selfish, but essential to her ability to healthily care for her family.
Tell me a little about yourself.
Writing is not an optional activity for me. It is right up there with breathing. I am a mom to four kids: 2 in college, one starting high school and one starting 6th Even though my husband and I still argue on a regular basis, I am still in love with him after 23 years of marriage. On most days, one of my kids rolls his/her eyes at me—usually when I dance in the kitchen—but that doesn’t stop me from trying to have fun.
When did you decide to become a writer?
In first grade, I wrote my first story about a fox that gets lost and is desperately trying to find his mom (inspired by. P.D. Eastman’s Are You My Mother?) I loved writing my own story so much…I was hooked!
Do you have any advice for unpublished authors?
Do not give up! If it is your dream to publish your book and cannot find a traditional publisher to help you fulfill that dream, then publish it yourself or work with a hybrid publisher. There are so many great options for getting your book published, and a whole list of pros and cons to all of the options but pick the best option that is available to you, move fear and doubt out of the way, and go for it!
What’s the hardest part of writing a book?
Managing the fear and the demons of self-doubt that hang out on your shoulder and cackle away and heckle you as you dig for the courage and strength needed to get the book to the finish line. From that point it is also challenging to find the trust and faith you need to release your labor of love into the publishing universe with no certainty or guarantee of how it will be received.
What’s your favorite part of writing a book?
I love the work. As grueling as it can be, I enjoy fully immersing myself into the art and craft of writing and the creation of the manuscript. Along with the sweat and tears involved in the process, there are some incredibly euphoric moments along the way. I loved the trusting relationship I developed with my editor and how much I learned about writing and myself during the process, especially during the times when I wasn’t sure if I had it in me to finish it.
Did you do any research before start or during of the writing of the books?
Yes, I did several years of research for my first book and am currently doing research for my second. My research involved/involves exploring topics from a wide variety of different angles, and from a variety of people and resources. I enjoy the research/information gathering component of book development tremendously because of how much I learn and how many interesting and inspiring people I meet.
Are there any particular books and/or authors that inspired you and continue to do so?
I am continually inspired by all of Brene’ Brown’s books messages around courage and vulnerability. I am inspired by the authenticity in Dani Shapiro’s books, specifically Slow Motion. And Wendy Mogel’s Blessing of A Skinned Knee and Blessings of a B-Minus inspired me to write about motherhood.
Where can your fans find you ?
On Instagram and Twitter: @julieBburton, Facebook: /julieBburton2 and Amazon: http://amzn.to/2aVirSZ
Morning person or night owl?
Night owl.
What is in the works for you next?
Continued research and writing on self-care and motherhood, along with the development of additional self-care tools and reminders for moms.
About the author:
Julie Burton is a freelance writer, blogger, co-founder of the Twin Cities Writing Studio, a yoga instructor, and a wife of twenty-three years and a mother of four children, ranging in age from twenty-two to twelve. Her first book, “The Self-Care Solution—A Modern Mother’s Essential Guide to Health and Well-Being” will be available in May 2016. Julie earned her advanced degree from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University, and writes about parenting, relationships, the aging process, and self-care on her blog, as well as on local and national websites and publications. She lives in Minnetonka, Minnesota, with her family.
Find Julie on:
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Website
Julie will be on Good Day Chicago the morning of August 11th talking about her book and at a book signing at The Book Stall, 811 Elm St., Winnetka, IL 60093 – Thurs, August 11th, 6:30 pm. Stop by and say hi. I will be there! – Jen
Author Julie Burton is giving away TWO copies of her book, The Self-Care Solution! Two My Crafty Life fans can win a copy of the book. Giveaway is for fans in the continental US and ends 8/16/16 at 7pm CST
