From book concept to cover - in one week

I need to focus on studying for my last two Psychology exams, but I'm sure I'll find a few minutes each day to add to the new book, even if it's just notes and ideas. By mid November I'll be free to really get stuck into writing.

Cover image and title of book #3

These both feel like a perfect fit. I love the process of pulling a book together. Usually the title and the cover come last but hey, I'm open to new ways of being creative:

How to Cherish Yourself as a Grown-up

New book in the making

I have begun a third book, tentatively titled: Self-Parenting: Creating a safe and nurturing life. Here is a snippet ...

Why You Should Read This Book

In my 20’s I remember asking my mother why, when I visited my parents’ home, their house was full of happy, safe, familiar feelings. It was as if the very molecules within the atmosphere of their home were full of nurturing and support. In comparison, the molecules in my flat seemed cold, empty, and uncaring. I wanted to change this. I wanted to learn what it was that made such a difference in the two abodes.

I went back to my flat and added a few pot plants. It made no difference. I wanted to infuse my flat with emotional warmth. I wanted it to look homely. I added ornaments. I added books. I added music. Nothing seemed to make a difference.

I’m 44 this year. Now I get it. It’s not the material things per se that make a difference. Sure, to have your prized and treasured possessions around you is a wonderful mirror to remind you what you love and value. But the molecules within the atmosphere are made of love. Love for others and love for self.

We can’t control other people - they may leave us through relationship breakdown or death. Sometimes other people are less available to us, due to time pressures and their own emotional needs.

We can fill our lives with molecules of self-love. We can care for ourselves and create a degree of safety so that we flourish instead of wilt and stagnate. We can do this by becoming our own nurturing parent.

This book explores how you can do that.

The new

When I write

Before I had written a book, I used to wonder: "How do writer's write?" I read creativity books looking for a single insider's gem that would illuminate the secret knowledge that only 'real' writer's knew and were blessed with.

I was too impatient to do writing exercises found online or in books.

I was too impatient to read books of popular authors.

I was too impatient to read about technique.

What I discovered was - words live in me. Sometimes I use my creativity, intuition and intelligence to work through a plot idea, or to craft a sentence, or to edit later on in the process. But for the most part, I simply write the words that live in me. I ask my guides to support my writing, then I start typing and it all comes out. That's my process for writing when I loosely know what the scene is about.

http://www.clairesewell.com/

http://www.clairesewell.com/

This website is a culmination of all I know through battling depression, spilling my heart and mind on blank pages, and going deep within to discern what my soul gifts are.

I hope I can be of some light to other soul travelers.

A soul whisper

This morning I heard a soul whisper. You know the ones - a grain of truth that reverberates you to the core with its simplicity.

For the last decade (which, let's face it, is a long time), I've worked my butt off to become a self-employed therapist. I had visions of listening deeply, to the sound of soft background music, being paid to work from home.

Recently however, I concluded that this path is not working for me. I had the realization that I'd rather write about psychology and spirituality than directly practice it.

Today my soul whisper asked this:

"What if ... you had success with writing. Would you still want to be a therapist?"
The quick and resolute answer was: "Writing is my first love."

I see my path more clearly now.