Gabrielle Berstein always knew she had a story to tell, and in her latest book she shares tips on “creating a life you’re psyched to wake up for.” The life coach and author of ‘Spirit Junkie’ has also written ‘Add More ~ing to Your Life – A Hip Guide to Happiness’ and is currently working on her third book. If you’re already hooked, read on for more…
About your book:
Tell us a bit about your new book, ‘Spirit Junkie’…
Here’s an overview of the book: How does a New York City publicist and party girl turn into a spiritual guide for the next generation? In ‘Spirit Junkie: A Radical Road to Self-Love and Miracles’ I share the story of how I transformed my life, offering my spiritual journey as a guidebook for overcoming fear, changing perceptions, and creating a life you’re psyched to wake up for. I’ve traded self-doubt and addiction for a new kind of high. In 2005 I became a student of ‘A Course in Miracles’ and since then have been guided to teach those spiritual principles to the next generation of seekers.
You’ve worked on the lecture circuit and also in the field of life-coaching, what inspired you to branch out into the publishing world?
As a speaker and coach I had the opportunity to inspire large audiences. I knew it was my mission to help them continue the work and deepen their connection after the lecture or coaching session. This desire guided me to write my first book ‘Add More ~ing to Your Life – A Hip Guide to Happiness’. This became their guidebook and helped my audience grow and connect with their own internal teacher. The success of that book has guided me to continue to write a book a year. ‘Spirit Junkie’ quickly followed and now I’m in the midst of writing my third book, ‘The Lovetarian Way – A 40 Day Path to Become Spiritually Fed’.
What did you find difficult (if anything) about swapping public speaking and one-on-one coaching for writing?
Writing was challenging at first. I was more comfortable speaking extemporaneously than I was expressing myself in written words. Though the process became much easier when I committed to writing in my speaking voice. I found my voice on the page very quickly and have not struggled since.
What are you hoping readers of ‘Spirit Junkie’ will take away from the book?
My hope and intention for ‘Spirit Junkie’ is for readers to create a spiritual relationship of their own understanding. The book guides readers to release the blocks to the presence of inspiration and a connection to their own internal teacher.
Do you have any advice for budding novelists or future self-help book writers out there?
Write what you love and you will be guided.
About your work:
Apart from writing ‘Spirit Junkie’, what’s the most memorable work you’ve done?
‘Add More ~ing’ and I recently launched a new meditation album called MediDating – Meditations for fearless romance. I have been featured in the NY Times Sunday Styles Section, ELLE Magazine among many others (see press here: www.gabbyb.tv/press)
Is there anything you’d still like to accomplish in your career?
I would love to have my own television show.
Any plans for a future update on ‘Spirit Junkie’? Do you have any other ideas for future books?
In January of 2013 I launch my third book, ‘The Lovetarian Way’.
Are there any writers you look up to yourself?
Marianne Williamson, Wayne Dyer, Shakti Gawain and many more.
About you and PRs:
Do you tend to work with PRs frequently?
I love PR. I believe that is important to work well with publicity folks. If you work together you can create powerful stories that impact the masses.
How can PRs be useful to you?
Bringing story ideas and brands to the surface. They act as the liaison between the reporter and the media.
How and when do you like them to get in touch?
By email.
Do you find press conferences, trips, parties and other events useful or an interruption?
Not anymore.
If you could make one change to the way PRs deal with you, what would it be?
Make sure they know who they’re pitching and why.
About you:
What originally put you on the road to becoming a ‘spirit junkie’?
For the first 25 years of my life I was on an outside search for happiness. Then I had a quarter-life crises and had no other choice but to turn inward for my peace. I have been on the spirit junkie path ever since.
What is your favourite book/film, and why?
‘Super Sad True Love Story’ by Gary Schtyngart and ‘A Return to Love’ by Marianne Williamson.
What did you want to be when you were growing up? Did you envision going into what you’re doing now?
I didn’t envision this exactly but I knew I had a story to tell.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Turn inward for your happiness.
[img|jpg|Gabrielle Berstein]
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