I believe in having an open mind and because of this belief, I was willing to read a book I would normally would not have read. Daniela Norris’ book Collecting Feathers: Tales from the Other Side is an interesting read. Daniela agreed to be interviewed in order to shed light about her personal journey and what led her to write about tales from the other side.
Can you tell me about yourself?
I am a former diplomat, turned political writer, and over the past few years, turned spiritual and motivational writer. As a former atheist and someone who considers themselves very grounded, I was intrigued and pushed to find out more about death and what lies beyond following the sudden death of my 20-year-old brother, Michael, in a freak drowning accident in 2010.
My first spiritual book, On Dragonfly Wings: A Skeptic’s Journey to Mediumship (Axis Mundi Books, April 2014) is now followed by Collecting Feathers: Tales from the Other Side (Soul Rocks Books, November 2014) – a collection of short stories, some previously published in magazines and anthologies, some brand new.
What inspired you to become a writer?
I’ve written stories and articles for as long as I can remember, and always hoped to be a writer one day, but I also knew that I needed to first acquire the life experience [and] the skills to become a full time writer. This was a slow process that started with my first publication in a teen magazine in 1985, followed by other publications in my late 20s. It was only six years ago, and following many jobs and a career in the Foreign Service, that I decided it was the right time to ‘become a writer’.
How long did it take you to acquire the skills to become a writer?
The best part of 30 years… although it is still an ongoing process!
How many books have you written?
So far I’ve written four books, with three of them published. I am hoping to have the fourth published in 2015, and finish the fifth that same year.
Some writers go on long walks; others keep a journal, write at a café, or listen to music. What do you do for inspiration and unleashing your creativity?
As I have three young boys, I tend to write at night, as I am busy during the day. I find the silence of the night inspiring and conductive to creativity. I also meditate, and keep a dream journal. Many of my short stories started as dreams!
What are you working on now?
I am currently working on a novel, which is based on several past-life regressions I’ve experienced personally.
Where can readers find more information about you and your books?
Please visit my website and my blog or follow me on Twitter.
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Nice interview… I enjoyed learning more!!