Ask the Author: Sandra Sunquist Stanton
Answered Questions (6)
Sandra Sunquist Stanton
Read, read, read! and Write, write, write. I need to connect with that I've read by writing in the margins, highlighting, turning pages under, flagging passages that I want to return to later. For me, it's important to talk with other people about what I'm writing--but that's just the female brain at work. Then I give my inner critic an organizing job to work on so she doesn't sabotage my brainstorming. I'll put her to work when I move into the editing phase, but she can short-circuit creativity if she gets active too early. And stick with it! My book took 38 years to write!
Sandra Sunquist Stanton
For me, it's hearing reader's stories about their interaction with the book. One woman said "It's like having a good friend waiting on my bookshelf whenever I want to chat." I love hearing their "connections" to "my heart" as expressed in books and articles.
Sandra Sunquist Stanton
Turning to my senses and physical movement usually works for me. I go for a walk--with our golden doodle, Stella, yoga, water aerobics, dig in the garden, move to music, sing, or eat something smooth and comforting. Sometimes I just need a nap--so I give the little girl inside what she needs. Being kind to myself usually brings out the inspiration.
Sandra Sunquist Stanton
My writing begins with prayer and meditation. Pre-publication, I was inspired by Morning Pages as described in Julia Cameron's book The Artist's Way. Daily writing helped me distill the thoughts swirling in my head into words on paper. It felt great to "nail it down" at the time, and even better to go back later and retrieve memories.
Sandra Sunquist Stanton
I've wanted to know how the brain works since I was 13. That search for answers guided my professional growth as became a teacher, then counselor, and now Brain Coach and Author. It's been a life-long process. So thankful to finally be able to download all the information into Max Your Mind. It was getting crowded up there!
Sandra Sunquist Stanton
I'm about to send a children's picture book series off to some publishers. I used koosh ball characters in "plays" as a school counselor, and converted them to stories for children 4-8. Brain Coach Bailey has the "Keys" "Breathe, Talk, Listen, Plan" when big feelings take over and shut down their ability to "Think First".
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