Ask the Author: Edie Summers
Answered Questions (6)
Edie Summers
I love this question. First, my friend suggested I write a book, based on my experience and knowledge with health, alternative health, etc. So, I kind of took her at face value and said "okay." The idea for the title of my latest book came from, I believe, reading Deepak Chopra's classic book "Quantum Healing." I have read it twice, and I'm pretty sure he mentions the phrase or concept of the memory of health. The title for my book, "The Memory of Health," came to my mind almost immediately when contemplating a title for my book back in 2006. I was, at first, thinking mostly about just the memory of being well. But, memory in its original form, means mindfulness, I believe. So, there is this idea of being mindful of what it's like to be "well" and then inhabiting that feeling again, in order to return to wholeness. If you take the concept further, there is this idea that we are already whole on some level, like our bodies have an imprint or hologram of being well and whole, and we just have to step into that wholeness. This may also be what Deepak Chopra was talking about in his book, but I recommend reading it yourself. In any instance, if we can visualize and feel whole in every cell of our being, and on every level of being, then we can step into and inhabit true well-being. :)
Edie Summers
The most effective way for me to feel inspired to write is by creating chi in my body. I am a huge believer in the mind-body connection. So, if I really wish to feel in the zone when writing - and feel the most inspired - I do yoga first or take a walk in Nature. I am also inspired by other people's actions, quotes, comments, and music - I often work and write to neo-classical music.
Edie Summers
Wow, great question. I wish I could say I was currently writing. After finishing The Memory of Health, I told myself this might be my last book. But, the creative drive is in all of us, and I have found myself contemplating another book and even another screenplay. The book may be on natural beauty and confidence. The screenplay took me forever to figure out (the topic), but I feel I have figured out the theme. I wasn't sure how to write dialogue, but now I feel I do (focus on what people say and think subconsciously). Beyond writing, I am working on practicing more self-care, creating authentic community, and looking to (eventually) finish grad school. :)
Edie Summers
Go for it. Fulfill your soul and dream of being a writer. It's so worth it. It gets easier too, with each project you accomplish. This can give you confidence to tackle bigger projects. If you desire to write just for yourself, seek courage, and just see what comes out. For any kind of writing, the courage to be vulnerable is key. Allow yourself to be yourself and share your unique story.
Edie Summers
So many things. It's such a journey and catharsis to write. It really does take you to the core of who you are. It has been such a blessing to discover insights along the way too. For example, I have a general idea of what I am writing about, but words and ideas have lives of their own too. The best part, however, has how writing has connected to me other people. I always feel so grateful and blessed to hear from people who have connected in some way to what I have written, etc. I am a reader too, so I just love words, books, and stories. I feel that stories and storytelling is hugely cathartic and healing. :)
Edie Summers
I used to believe in writer's block. When I got deep into writing my book, The Memory of Health, which took me 10 years to write, I realized that I had to start showing up more consistently if I was ever going to finish it. :) I do believe in being inspired to write, and often, some times and days were more ideal than others to write and research. But, what I found to be the most true was that once I started working on my book each day (or, on the days I did), it only took a few minutes before I was deeply immersed and in the zone with writing it. I didn't write every day, but I did find that writer's block became kind of an obsolete term and experience for me once I committed to writing and finishing my book. Hope this helps. :)
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