A WRITER'S LIFE: Tim Cagle

 

Have you heard the saying, Indecent Proposal? Well, author, Tim Cagle, had an "Indecent Rejection." Tim is the first of hopefully many writers I will be featuring on my blog in a segmaent tiltled, A WRITER'S LIFE, in which I interview writers and how they deal with the hills and valleys that come with a writer's life. 

Even though Tim is one in a million in his writing, he is also one of thousands of writers who have received the dreaded rejection letter from agents and publishers. But thankfully, he was not deterred from creating magic with words. What he did after reading the rejection letter is probably something some of us would love to do also (Or has done?).

I hope you will be inspired and encouraged in your writing journey after reading his interview. Make sure to check out his contact information at the end of the interview.

1.  I have been a writer since the 1990’s.  I was a medical malpractice, products liability and wrongful death attorney for decades and began to write as a way to share stories about clients I could not help because the law or the facts were against us. Unfortunately, at that time, I was working 100 plus hours a week and did not have the time to bring my books up to publishable standards until I retired.

2.  I have written two medical/legal thrillers, Unexpected Enemy and Class of Two, as well as one book about songwriting, Whispers from the Silence, based on the time I shut down my law practice after I passed the bar and went to Nashville to write songs. My big break never broke and I learned I would always be a songwriter trapped in a lawyer’s body.

3.  I have lost count of the number of rejections I have received. Most of the time, agents did not even provide the courtesy of a reply, and I consider that to be a form of rejection.

4.  The worst rejection I received was from an agent regarding my most successful novel to date, Class of Two. It is the story of two lawyers, one black and one white, ex-college roommates and football All-Americans, who reunite in Boston to go to trial against the country’s leading heart surgeon. They were the first black and white teammates to live together in Texas in 1964, during the height of the Civil Rights movement. It highlights what the turbulent 1960’s were like, and how the friendship of two men could overcome the evils of society.

I sent my manuscript to an alleged agent who wrote me back a scathing review. It was highlighted by the words, “I never knew one football player who was smart enough to go to law school, let alone two!” I was at my fiery, trial lawyer, take-no-prisoners, litigation self and wrote back to him the following, “Thank you for pointing how naïve I was to think that football players could have two separate IQ points to rub together. I am now on a quest to inform the following individuals that they are too stupid to survive, 1. Byron “Whizzer” White, J.D., University of Colorado and Pittsburgh Pirates (now Steelers) running back and US Supreme Court Justice, 2. Pat Haden, Rhodes Scholar, former USC and Los Angeles Rams quarterback, 3. Dr. Frank Ryan, PHD in Mathematics, former Cleveland Browns quarterback and considered a genius in geometric function theory, 4. Alan Page, JD. Former Minnesota Vikings defensive lineman and now Minnesota Supreme Court Justice, 5. Kris Kristofferson, Rhodes Scholar, Army Ranger, Pomona College end and prolific songwriter, and 6. Nick Buoniconti, J.D., corporate attorney and a graduate of Suffolk University Law School, my alma mater. I told the agent I would inform the foregoing individuals he considered them too vapid to exist and they should immediately withdraw from societal interactions.

5. The best way to bounce back is to keep writing!  This is the most subjective business I have ever seen. It is mostly based on guesswork and despite their frequent and multiple failures, even a bad agent occasionally guesses right.

6.  My best advice for writers is to be careful to whom you listen. Many writers consider agents to be god-like figures and all-knowing gurus, when in fact, they are often self-appointed pseudo experts. I once had an agent tell me a scene I wrote about a lawyer’s first meeting with a new client lacked form, originality, scope and substance. I told her that I was at a significant disadvantage because I only had twenty-five years of law practice and trial work upon which to base my descriptions, and would do my best to imagine how a Hollywood lightweight would write the scene.

Also, never forget that most agents have twenty-something year-old assistants whom they rely on to screen a writer’s work. I was also an Evidence professor for 25 years and have some insight into how the twenty-five-year-old mind works. Most consider someone of my maturity to be an irrelevant dinosaur and consider Taylor Swift to be a goddess songwriter. I have had conversations with them about GIFTED songwriters like Smoky Robinson, Jim Webb, Norman Whitfield, Jim Croce and John Fogerty and always ask how they would have handled Taylor’s insightful lyric about how “he didn’t like it when I wore high heels”, and wait for them to look at me with the same insipid glance as the agent who told me football players were too dense to do anything but run through a wall.

Finally, do not get discouraged. My success came after I abandoned the search for an agent as I can read and interpret my own contracts. Also, when it comes to agents, always consider the source. If the chance comes to become the next J.K. Rowling, Toni Morrison or John Grisham, make sure you have a top-notch advisor by your side. If success never comes, pull out every drop of fulfillment you can because you were able to so something few people can, finish writing a book.

Above all, keep writing and stay safe,

Tim Cagle, J.D.,  an ex-linebacker who made it through law school so I could deal with arguing with expert witnesses, after I finally stopped trying to run through walls.

PLEASE take the time to visit Tim's platforms, check out his work, and share with friends and family 

Twitter and Instagram:  @timcagleauthor

Facebook and LinkedIn:  Tim Cagle 

UNEXPECTED ENEMY https://goo.gl/joxZLH woman has interracial child after clinic gives her STRANGER’S SPERM;

CLASS OF TWO https://tinyurl.com/y2bsfgkt 2 lawyers, 1 black, 1 white, ex-roommates and football All-Amercans vs ELITE HEART SURGEON!

WHISPERS FROM THE SILENCE https://goo.gl/EVvYQZ two songwriters fall in love in Nashville & write songs by waiting for silence to whisper the lyrics....

***WANT TO BE FEATURED?*****

It's simple. Contact me at: rizerfall@yahoo.com

 

INTERVIEW: Sharise Johnson Moore, author

WELCOME TO WEDNESDAY WITH WOMEN

Today my blog features Sharise Johnson Moore who wrotes self help books. Being an author is hard work that does not start and end with writing a book. Sharise tells us it is only the beginning of your work once your book is completed. Finding your audience who will be helped or encouraged by your work is an ongoing process. There are many wonderful books and authors available for your picking and many author's work never make it into the hands of a reader. But Sharise continues to promote her work knowing it will help others to come to love themselves. Please take a moment to stop by her links and become familiar with her work and her as a writer and valuable resource in your daily journey.

 

1.  1.    What is the name of your book/genre? Coming To Loving Yourself -- Autobiography/Inspirational or self-help

2.   2.      When did you start your writing career? I started my writing career in 2015.

3.   3.    Did you have support from family/friends/community? Yes, I had support from family, friends, and the community.

4.    4.     What is most difficult about an author’s life? The most difficult part about an author's life is the many things an author has to do after the book is written, marketing and advertising and the exposure, such as interviews, books signing events.

5.     As a woman do you feel an obligation to write on women’s issues (in some form)? As woman I do feel obligated to write about woman issues because we are the overlooked, undervalued and marginalized in society.

6.     6.    Do you create stereotypical female characters i.e., weak, need to be saved? No, I do not create characters that need to be saved, they are brave, fearless, and powerful.

7.     7.    Do you try to be politically correct or stay away from politics/controversial current event as plots? No, I do not stay away from political topics because we are involved in that aspect too.

8.     8.    What makes a woman a success? What makes a woman a success is that she is determined to accomplish her goals and she lets nothing stand in her way no matter where she has come from...projects or homelessness or abandonment or how men stereotype her, she will always show you what she is made.

 

Social Media Links:

Facebook Business Page: https://www.facebook.com/ShariseJohnsonMoore2

Instagram:   https://www.instagram.com/sharisejohnsonmoore/

Twitter:    https://twitter.com/ShariseJMoore

YouTube Channel:    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClpQz9pVS-DnoSERSHBCKGw

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sharisejmoore 

LBM-TV -  https://www.facebook.com/lbmtvmedia

Fanbase:  https://app.fanbase.app/ShariseJohnsonMoore

 Book Links: 

Coming To Loving Yourself (Paperback): Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Coming-Loving-Yourself-Sharise-Johnson-Moore/dp/1539887294/ref=sxts_b2b_sx_reorder_v3_customer?crid=3CQQIMXWST3RW&cv_ct_cx=sharise+johnson-moore&keywords=sharise+johnson-moore&pd_rd_i=1539887294&pd_rd_r=fa8f6617-f412-4fcc-ab74-7de09b80b937&pd_rd_w=pHsfS&pd_rd_wg=pmj3l&pf_rd_p=f173f6ce-985e-493d-b730-0ddc8feb22e1&pf_rd_r=S03NMH2YGB1A1K85044K&qid=1647887379&sprefix=Sharise%2Caps%2C120&sr=1-1-722db4e4-77fc-4fb6-8cee-654ad16ce1d5

Coming To Loving Yourself (Ebook): Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Coming-Loving-Yourself-Sharise-Johnson-Moore-ebook/dp/B01MU8XLJN/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1647887379&sr=1-1-722db4e4-77fc-4fb6-8cee-654ad16ce1d5

Interested in being featured on WEDNESDAY WITH WOMEN? It's easy. Just contact me at: rizerfall@yahoo.com or share this information with anyone you would like to see featured on my blog. 

INTERVIEW: Deb Wilk, bipolar disorder

WELCOME TO WEDNESDAY WITH WOMEN

I have the absolute honor of introducing writer and children's author Deb Wilk who has been diagnosed as having BIPOLAR DISORDER. She is my first interviewee on this mental health condition and I could not have wished for a better person to interview on this subject. In her interview she is candid and insightful about every aspect of living with bipolar disorder. I have often said mental illness can not be understood by a non-sufferer if the sufferer themselves don't understand how the illness affects them. Deb Wilk is completely in tune with herself as she lives a fulfilling happy life managing a chronic health condition enabling her to be an invaluable resource on the subject for others through her blog. I cannot express enough what a gem of a interview this first of many interviews, I hope, on Bipolar Disorder is for my blog audience who have been diagnosed with this illness or know someone with this illness.

1.      When were you formally diagnosed as having bipolar disorder and did you accept the diagnosis at that time?

I was formally diagnosed with bipolar disorder at the age of 37. I did accept my diagnosis gratefully. I had known that I was mentally ill from the time I was 17 and had been searching for a diagnosis. Finding that diagnosis after two decades of suffering was actually a relief.

2.      Did you have preconceived ideas about mental illness before your diagnosis?

I had no preconceived ideas about mental illness in general before my diagnosis. The only preconceived idea I had was the personal knowledge that I, myself was mentally ill.

3.      Did you immediately share your diagnosis with family, friends, or romantic interest?

My husband was with me on my journey to discover what was “wrong” with me. So, he knew immediately when I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. I did not share my diagnosis with anyone else at all. Little by little, I told family members about the illness. This was mostly because my moods and behaviors made it difficult to hide the diagnosis. I now share the diagnosis with everyone who will “listen” through my blog.

4.      Did you have to adjust your lifestyle/career/parenting/social life due to bipolar disorder?

I had to adjust everything due to bipolar disorder. I had to learn to live life in moderation, careful to adjust my sleep cycle, my diet and exercise, and to guard against anything that might trigger a manic or depressive episode. Socially, I had to gather a “support network” of special friends and family around me who were loving, supportive, and who would be honest with me if they felt that my moods might be degenerating. As a parent, I had to learn to be far more patient and reasonable than I had been prior to my diagnosis and treatment. My career had always been tricky. I was a workaholic in both school and in my early career. This fueled my mania, which further fueled my workaholism. It worked for me until I crashed. I had to learn to slow down. That was even more difficult than the manic-workaholic cycle.

5.      How does the mania side affect you as well as the depressive side or show up in your life?

Occasionally, mania has given me tremendous energy that makes me feel like I can accomplish anything. This is especially true when I am working on some type of creative or work-related project. However, more often than not, I am extremely irritable and unfocused when I am manic. Due to the fact that I am working on many creative projects these days, I must control this mood state with the coping skills I’ve learned so I don’t transition to mania. Depressive episodes are more common and harder to control. For instance, I went through an episode a year ago that lasted for nearly 6 months and was unable to do much of anything. (This was caused by the fact that I stopped taking an anti-depressant “booster” medication.) Depression is far more sneaky than mania. I don’t always feel it coming.

6.      One thing about being bipolar is guilt/regret about certain actions you may have done during mania/depression. Have you experienced this? Share if you can.

I feel regret about so many things I did when I was manic. There were too many violent episodes to count, particularly directed against my husband. I am blessed in that he has always stood by me and never held any of those actions against me, understanding that it was the illness, not me, doing the things that I did. The one thing I deeply regret is that I was not a good mother to my children prior to diagnosis and stabilization. Although they have forgiven me and also understand that the illness drove my behavior, they are clearly scarred. I will never forgive myself for that. 

7.      Do you have to have a recovery time/period? If so, how important is it to your well-being?

Although I had that one bout of depression last year, my moods are normally very stable. I take very good care of myself and do everything I’m supposed to do. On a very regular basis, I meditate, practice deep breathing and yoga, and spend quiet time alone. I write a lot and do additional things that make me happy. Doing this consistently is terrific for my well-being.

8.      Bipolar disorder is difficult to treat with medicine. Everyone is different and usually must try out several medications or a cocktail of medications. Have you experienced this and how did it affect you going through trial and error of taking different medications?

I am on a cocktail of 6 different medications. It took an exceedingly long time to get this cocktail exactly right and I’m not exaggerating when I say it was probably 4 - 6 years before it worked well. We had to start with one medication, swap it for a different one, and adjust dosages. Then we tried another and adjusted dosages again. This continued ad nauseam. Sometimes when a new medication was added, an old medication had to be dropped. I have always had difficulty finding medications that fight my depression. Even now, we have had to add a “booster” medication to help the anti-depressants. That one is a miracle. I was never affected physically going through the trial and error of taking different medications, just mentally when a new medication did not have the desired effect. The disappointment was crushing because the process was so long. The cocktail I am on now, however, has been a game changer for me.  

9.      At this point in your life do you believe your bipolar disorder is managed? If not do you believe it can be? Are you able to live an enjoyable life now?

My bipolar disorder is exceedingly well managed, and I am leading a wonderful life. My husband and I are retired now and are having a great time together. We share many common interests but give each other space as well. In that space, I spend a lot of time writing. I have my blog, but I also have a children’s novel, “The Cottage at Clover Hill”, with a publisher. And I am working with an editor to put a book on bipolar disorder together, too. When I’m not doing that, my husband and I are living at our vacation home on the rocky coast of Maine or enjoying our peaceful Victorian in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire. We like to travel extensively as well. Yes, it’s a wonderful life.

I live in Laconia, New Hampshire, USA. I also have a vacation home in Wells, Maine, USA

My social media platforms are: Twitter: Deb Wilk@LivingBipolar   FB: livingpbdeb    LivingBipolar blog: https://livingbipolar.blog 

Please show Deb Wilk support by commenting, sharing, and following her on her social media.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO PARTICIPATE IN WEDNESDAY WITH WOMEN DM me or e-mail me at rizerfall@yahoo.com. 

 

INTERVIEW: Miah Sims, womanhood

 WELCOME to WEDNESDAY WITH WOMEN

 

Miah Sims is a content creator and is the first, I hope in a long list of many women, to tackle Womanhood in the 21st Century. At present, America is undergoing the first Supreme Court confirmation process of the first African American woman, Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson. On March 22, 2022, Mrs. Jackson was asked by Senator Marsha Blackburn to define what is a WOMAN and she declined to do so, in the context presented in that particular question. The question asked if biological males should be allowed to participate in Olympic sports events if they identified as a woman? Miah Sims has chosen to address the question of womanhood for my blog. I hope you as a reader can understand how important this defining is to women.

1.      At what age do you believe you became a woman?

I honestly believe I became a woman when I had children, so at 17. I say this because I learned that womanhood comes with sacrifice. There is no greater sacrifice than being a mom in my opinion.

2.      Did you have a role model of womanhood?

At one point I did, my godmother, Denise. She came into my life when I was 11 years old and was the best example I could have of a mom.

3.      Have family, friends, romantic interest want you to meet a traditional/Biblical/stereotypical role or definition of a woman?

My family especially wants me to be the epitome of the “stereotypical woman.” That’s just not me unfortunately. I still uphold moral values, but I feel like the stereotypical woman settles and that has never been my personality. Being married young, I have learned you have to do what works best for you, not what everyone else tells you.

4.      Can you describe what womanhood means generally or personally to you?

Womanhood to me means a consistent journey of self-evaluation, sacrifice, and evolution. Womanhood isn’t defined by one thing; it’s defined by your journey.

5.      Do you believe men want a traditionally feminine wife/girlfriend without a career?

I personally feel like men sometimes want that traditional wife/girlfriend, but it’s a subconscious decision. They are taught, they have to provide, and be out in the world by themselves. The generation we live in today is not like that. There are so many opportunities women have and it takes pressure off the spouse. My husband and I have adapted, we help one another. God didn’t give me gifts for me just to be a homemaker.

6.      Is womanhood best demonstrated through motherhood?

I feel like it depends on the situation. I believe womanhood should be demonstrated through motherhood. Not everyone has a picture-perfect situation, because every female is not born a mother.

7.      Do you consider yourself a Feminist (believe men and women should have equal rights and opportunities)?

I wouldn't necessarily say I am a feminist. I just stand up for what I believe is right/wrong beyond gender.

 

A big thanks to Miah for sharing her thoughts and opinions on Womanhood in the 21st Century. Please support her by visiting her at:

 

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/everythingmiahsims

YouTube:  https://m.youtube.com/c/EverythingMiahSims 

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE FEATURED IN AN INTERVIEW FOR THIS BLOG CONTACT ME AT: rizerfall@yahoo.com

INTERVIEW: Nicky Shearsby, author

 

WELCOME TO WEDNESDAY WITH WOMEN

Choosing a genre that is a fit for a writer is important. Many writers are creatively gifted and can go seamlessly from one genre to the next before deciding which they enjoy the most. Author, Nicky Shearsby, is such a writer able to go from non-fiction to fiction without missing a beat. Her secret to being a happy fulfilled writer, AUTHENTICITY.

    

What is the name of your book/genre?

My debut novel is Psychological Thriller, called To The Bitter End. It tests true friendship, asking a fundamental question. How far would you go for the one you love? It contains dark material, suffering and aggression.

When did you start your writing career?  

I started writing when I was a child and have been writing most of my life. I wrote non-fiction for a few years for different businesses before taking early retirement to write novels full time in 2020.

Did you have support from family/friends/community?

I have a wonderful loving husband who is my rock. The Twitter community has also been an invaluable support.

What is most difficult about an author’s life? 

I don't find the life of an author difficult. I am doing the one thing I always dreamed of doing. I love the peace and solace writing provides. For most, the isolation may be an issue, but not for me.

As a woman do you feel an obligation to write on women’s issues (in some form)?

I touch on the dark subject of humanity. My writing shows the workings of the human mind, be it male or female. I don't stereotype. It is why I love what I do. Humanity experiences many issues. I would like readers to see things from a different perspective.

Do you create stereotypical female characters i.e., weak, need to be saved?

I do not create stereotypical females. Every one of us are different, with differing needs and emotions. I write REAL people, from the mindsets of each character.

Do you try to be politically correct or stay away from politics/controversial current event as plots?

I tend not to write about current affairs. It has the downside of dating a book. I do not wish to offend, only to showcase how humanity functions. 

What makes a woman a success?

As a woman, success comes when you are free to be yourself, do what makes you happy and not answer to others. I set my own rules, my own goals, challenging the norm. Success for women means always being your true authentic self.

My work can be found on my website - including links to books and retailers - www.nickyshearsby.com

My debut novel was launched - 22nd February 2022. 

Visit, follow, and support Nicky Shearsby who graced us with an inside look into the life of a writer and author.

WANT TO BE FEATURED NEXT FOR WEDNESDAY WITH WOMEN?

Contact me by leaving a comment or use e-mail form to the right of the page. I look forward to you being a part of the conversation.

Dreadlock Glory

 

I have been working especially hard on securing interviews from people who wear Locs from each state and country. Everyone does not make the cut and the picture quality has to be clear, so I have not yet reached my goal of featuring as many women as possible on my blog.

I am depending on you to help get the word out about the interviews and pictures needed.

You only live once. Is this your time to shine? Contact me at rizerfall@yahoo.com or message me here, or on Facebook: Dorothy Guyton, author, Twitter: ndefenseofwomen with your loc journey including the BIG CHOP, how family, friends, and strangers react to your hair style choice and must importantly a PICTURE of your lovely locs. 

There are so many styles and possibilities to showing who we are through our hair. Have you put your hair in a style that you are especially proud of??? Come on share it with us along with why you love your hair.

          

Go ahead take that beautiful picture of your locs and let the world see their beauty.

I will be waiting. And of course, you can leave me a message here in the comment section and I will get back to you as soon as possible. I think it is time to make some magic.

INTERVIEW: Hyapatia Lee, author

WELCOME to WEDNESDAY WITH WOMEN

In this interview you will be taken in-depth into the writing style of a seasoned writer and author. You will gain insight into Native American culture in practice and philosophy. I found her interview profound in the way the feminine and masculine of an individual is accepted and honored and how Hyapatia Lee incorporates this concept into her writing. 

        1.    What is the name of your book/genre?

I have written 6 books so far.  The titles Include Native Strength: The First Step on the Path to an Indomitable Life, Overcoming Bullies, The Circles of Life, Star People Skinwalkers and Raven Mockers, Stories Around the Wheel of Life, and The Secret Lives of Hyapatia Lee.  The latter is an autobiography that was written before I had a proper diagnosis and was being told my problem was psychiatric in nature.  Panhypopituitarism can result from traumatic brain injury and repeated concussions.  In the early stages, it presents with various behavioral symptoms, and this is often exhibited in NFL players who may later be given a proper diagnosis. As the condition advances it becomes life-threatening for many reasons as the pituitary gland dies from front to back.  

Four of my books focus on medicine stories, Hawaiian huna, and the traditional centuries-old Native American system of mindfulness and mental health care. I have one book on the legends of various tribes regarding mysterious phenomena. 

The genre is non-fiction with most of my books being about self-help mental health and the centuries-old system of original inhabitants of North and Central America including Hawaii. I am currently working on my seventh book.

2.    When did you start your writing career?

I began writing a monthly column for a magazine in the early 1980s when I was in my twenties.  I also wrote a weekly column for five years for High Times about relationships. My first book was published in 2000. I am working on my seventh book.  

3.    Did you have support from family/friends/community?

My support was very sparse in the early years.  In the last five years, I have found tremendous support from my family.  The online community is very helpful as well.

4.    What is most difficult about an author’s life?

Many say it is self-motivation.  I have never really found that to be a problem.  Personally, I am challenged with many rare and difficult health issues and that has been my largest stumbling block. Not being distracted by movies and TV has saved me a lot of time I have put to use in my writing career.

5.    As a woman do you feel an obligation to write on women’s issues (in some form)?

When it comes to mental illness, the sexes are different: Women are more likely to be diagnosed with anxiety or depression, while men tend toward substance abuse or antisocial disorders, according to a new study published by the American Psychological Association. I try to address both these issues equally as they can affect anyone, regardless of sex. I have also experienced a need for mental health care personally as well as with my second son.

One of the reasons I have found so much wisdom and comfort in exploring my Native American roots is the acceptance of both men and women as equal and valuable. Furthermore, the Native Strength system based on tribal traditions and medicine stories honors two-spirited (LGBTQ) people. They are consulted on all important issues.  Clan mothers, medicine and holy men and women, tribal elders, and the two-spirited people are always present when deciding to break camp, go to war, or when other important issues are debated.  Medicine stories demonstrate the importance of recognizing both male and female sides of ourselves.  This is often done by speaking of the main character in the story as a man, and then switching to speaking of them as a woman and back and forth many times. This establishes the importance of honoring both parts of the persona as equal.

6.    Do you create stereotypical female characters i.e., weak, need to be saved?

As I don’t write fiction, this is not an issue.  I also have a TV program based on the information in my books that is seen in 47 different cities across the US, in which I live. As the editor, I am sure to choose clips that represent women of all races in strong roles, experiencing anger, power struggles, expectations, sadness, substance abuse, and depression, the full gamut of human experience, just as I do for men of all races.  If a particular dialogue would tend to illicit the feeling I am speaking of a woman’s issue, I make sure to show men in that scenario on camera, and vice-versa.

7.    Do you try to be politically correct or stay away from politics/controversial current event as plots?

There are times, such as in recent years, that I have found this to be unavoidable.  Certain unnamed politicians exhibit behaviors, for example, that demonstrate precisely a particular medicine wheel. Some medicine wheels show us behaviors to avoid.  Without naming them, I believe it will be apparent to anyone with an honest knowledge of current events.  I try to avoid using a particular likeness, but it is almost transparent when the behavior may describe a person in such a way it is obvious whom I am describing.

I don't choose to discuss teachings based on current events, but the similarities may be uncanny. 

8.    What makes a woman a success?

In my humble opinion, a woman, or man, is a success when they are self-reliant, for the most part, emotionally.  Of course, we all have times we need a friend.  Another ear to gain a different perspective is always positive. The goal is not TO be a “needy, wounded, child” on the circle of foxes.  We don't want to rely on the approval of others for our self-esteem. We have no need to be told we are doing a good job to know they have done our best and we can be proud of our work. They don’t run to others for approval.  If no one is looking, they can be trusted to do the right thing. They soothe others in crisis and help them find their own path.  They don’t judge or disparage others to build themselves up and prove to observers they are worthy of approval.  They practice maximum efficiency with minimal effort and adapt quickly to new situations. They are willing to learn from others with an open mind, without self-made rules, and armed with an understanding of logical consequences, as well as universal karma, they go through life as a warrior. This means they are more of a caretaker than a person always seeking help and advice. They realize anything worth keeping must be properly maintained on a regular basis, and this includes relationships. They have remembered the plan their soul made for this life and by walking this path, they are surrounded by the love and blessings of the Creator. 

Naturally, they still run into roadblocks now and then, little stones they may stumble across on their path. But quite often they are prepared as their focus has allowed them to foresee situations that may only occur on occasion. They proactively plan for these events. By paying close attention to the world in which they live, very little tends to take them by surprise.   

People can find out more about my books on Amazon.  https://www.amazon.com/Hyapatia-Lee/e/B004XE7SXG%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt

I have six courses available on Udemy https://www.udemy.com/user/hyapatia-lee-2/

My YouTube channel has several playlists, including the Native Strength full episodes, Native Strength shorts (featuring brief and easily digested explanations of key points), Medicine Stories (where one can hear the medicine stories and their explanations), and more.  https://youtube.com/c/HyapatiaLeeNativeAmerican

I have apparel in all sizes, as well as many other useful items available from my shop and I invite you to take a look.  nativestrength.threadless.com/

Thank you very much for this opportunity!  Your questions were a wonderful way to explain my work.

I live in Colorado, USA.

YOU CAN BE THE NEXT FEATURED WEDNESDAY WOMAN. CONTACT ME TO PARTICIPATE. SUPPORT WOMEN THAT HAVE BEEN INTERVIEWED, LEAVE COMMENTS, QUESTIONS, AND SHARE WITH FRIENDS.