Ask the Author: Barbara Burke
Answered Questions (2)
Barbara Burke
My inspiration for writing both modern fable books came from my work as a customer service consultant. A few years ago I made my life's mission to do everything I could to help people who work in customer service enjoy their work more and feel less stressed. I'd worked with thousands of these reps and saw their biggest problem having to be on the receiving end of a steady stream of irate customers. That was my initial inspiration for writing my first book, The Napkin, the Melon & the Monkey. At the time I was thinking about the story line for the book I was studying Buddhism philosophy and hearing amazing wisdom stories that had been around 2500 years. So, those stories (repackaged for a modern audience) played a large role in the story. The idea of being mindful was translated into the acronym -- SODA (Stop Observe Decide & Act) the 4 step formula for dealing with irate customers and other emotionally charged situations. The word for meditation in the book was "unplugging." The resulting book was a melding of all those ideas.
Barbara Burke
I hadn't seriously considered writing a sequel to my first book, The Napkin, the Melon & the Monkey. At book signings and in my seminars, readers who felt a strong connection with Olivia, the main character in the story, asked me what happened to her. I'd assure them she was doing find, still working at Mighty Power, enjoying her new job as a supervisor. "Thanks for asking," I'd politely reply.
In truth, I had no idea how Olivia was. I hadn't talked to her in ages. I decided to find out. Thus the sequel!
In truth, I had no idea how Olivia was. I hadn't talked to her in ages. I decided to find out. Thus the sequel!
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