Thursday , April 25 2024
"For me, every experience is a success."

Interview: Lee Papa, Author of ‘The Temple of All Knowing’

Lee PapaLee Papa’s mid-life courageous journey from the depths of despair amidst a challenging marriage, shattering financial collapse and heartbreak with caring for her elderly mother, finds her way back from the Light.  In her first book, The Temple of All Knowing, Lee’s near death experience provides much more than a glimpse into the unknown, she came back with tools to share with all.

Inspiring, motivating, engaging are words many have used to describe this self-proclaimed Holistic Entrepreneur.  Whether her format is speaking, teaching, writing, private healing practice, or any other endeavor she puts her attentions to, the thread that runs through the tapestry is mind-body-spirit wellness and navigating from the heart.

Lee resides in Henderson, Nevada with her young son and their dog. 

Thanks for taking the time to chat with me, Lee. What was your inspiration for The Temple of All Knowing? 

September 6th, 2008, I went to the Light.  Not by the hand of any horrible disease or hospital visit or terrible car accident.  No, my offender that took me to the other side was “words.”  I had created a less than optimal life full of trauma and drama that was all self-created.   Through a near death experience I understood what I had created and how to change it. 

Who is your ideal reader?

A reader once said to me, “Wow, how can all that happen to one person?”  I laughed, and I said, “I think it was the Universe’s way of my story reaching all people.”  Those who have illnesses, or a troubled marriage, or caring for an elderly parent etc. etc.  There is something for everyone!  The thing is, everyone goes through struggles at one time or another.  And, the core story is based on my near death experience, and we will all have the opportunity to transition sooner or later.  So it is a book for everyone.    

The Temple of All Knowing BWhat do you hope readers will get from your book? 

My hope is that people seeking answers in their lives will find hope, inspiration and tools to create the life they desire with no fear and worry.  That they will come to embrace change as a very important part of the flow of life.  That they will no longer fear death, as there is no death only life and life. 

Many writers experience a vague anxiety before they sit down to right. Can you relate to this? 

Absolutely, there is such pressure facing that blank screen.  And then in my case, I wrote so much there was the editing process that was daunting.  That little flutter is just a clue that you are pushing through barriers of self-limitation.  Bravo! 

Do you have a writing schedule? Are you disciplined? 

No, no and no.  At the time of the writing of my manuscript I was working full time – oh yeah, more than full time as the Founder of a spiritual wellness center in Las Vegas that at the end of its incarnation was 6,000 square feet.  Significant undertaking and I was teaching and had my healing practice as well.  Oh, and I was a mother to an elementary school aged son.  Just a wee bit on my plate.  For me, I could not carve out an hour here or there and shift gears and write this book.  I needed full immersion.   So, it took me 4 years.

How do you define success? 

Are you happy inside-out?  We are spiritual beings having a physical experience with our purpose to love, gain wisdom and knowledge and bring back to the one source.  For me, every experience is a success.  Did I do it from the heart?  Check.  Did I gain wisdom and knowledge from it?  Check.  Success!  Have I fallen short of expectation or desired outcome sometimes? Sure.  But that does not mean it wasn’t a success. 

What do you love most about the writer’s life? 

I have never thought of it that way, as I am not a full time writer currently. When I am writing, I love the freedom of expression.  The creative flow. You get the bug for sure.  I have books already stirring.  

Do you have a website or blog where readers can find out more about your work? 

Thought, you would never ask.  LOL.  www.leepapa.com and on Facebook, and here.

 

About Mayra Calvani

Mayra Calvani writes fiction and nonfiction for children and adults and has authored over a dozen books, some of which have won awards. Her stories, reviews, interviews and articles have appeared on numerous publications such as The Writer, Writer’s Journal, Multicultural Review, and Bloomsbury Review, among many others. Represented by Serendipity Literary.

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