Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Cécile Poyet. I am a French-American explorer and nonconformist at heart. Before traveling the world full-time with my partner and our baby, I spent over fifteen years doing strategic marketing for startups and tech giants alike.
My spiritual awakening in 2016 within a community of meditators in San Francisco marked a profound turning point, gifting me with mystical experiences that continue to shape my journey.
In my first book, Reclaiming Life: From Burnout to Boundless, I share my personal journey going from a stressed out and exhausted tech employee to a mindful parent exploring the world with my partner and our son. Together, so far, we’ve gone to over ten countries across four continents. And the adventure continues!
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest (and first) book is called Reclaiming Life: From Burnout to Boundless. It was inspired by the intensification of the conflict in the Middle East. I wanted to bring my small piece to the edifice of self-awareness, spiritual development, compassion, and inner peace. As a mother, more than ever, I want to do my share to create a more peaceful world.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
While I have a fairly regular writing routine and feel most productive in the morning, when actively working on a book, I can get ideas at random times of the day and the night. I have found myself taking notes in the middle of the night or asking a local guide for a pen and paper on an island in Thailand because I did not have my phone and did not want to forget my thoughts. Daily meditation also helps me channel and organize concepts.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Here are some of my favorite books:
– Steve Jobs’ biography by Isaac Walterson.
– Everyday Grace: Having Hope, Finding Forgiveness, and Making Miracles by Marianne Williamson.
– The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself by Michael A. Singer.
– Be Here Now by Ram Dass.
– The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment by Eckhart Tolle.
– Die With Zero: Getting All You Can from Your Money and Your Life by Bill Perkins.
What are you working on now?
Besides raising my child and promoting my first book, I am also starting to put ideas in place for my next book, which will be about the spirituality of money.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I don’t think there’s a silver bullet. That’s why I use a mix of organic promotion on my social networks, post in relevant groups on Facebook and LinkedIn, and share my work with book websites like Pretty-Hot. I also make sure my Amazon page is on point.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Think about your “why” and get started.
Taking a few courses on Udemy about writing books helped me lay out the framework. My editor was incredibly helpful – we met via Fiverr. I also talked to one self-published author who gave me very useful tips.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Be yourself” and “don’t settle”. That’s what my American mom would tell me when I’d go on dates, but her wisdom goes beyond dating.
What are you reading now?
I just finished reading WILL, Will Smith’s biography written by Mark Manson. It’s an amazing book! I am now reading People Love Dead Jews: Reports from a Haunted Present by Dara Horn. My next book will be The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern. It was recommended to me by my editor and I can use something light-hearted.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I am putting ideas in place for my next book: it will be about the spirituality of money.
What is your favorite book of all time?
The More Beautiful World Our Hearts Know Is Possible by Charles Eisenstein. This paves the way for a new way of living, bringing harmony, collaboration and peace to our world.
Author Websites and Profiles
Cécile Poyet Amazon Profile