Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
This is my first published book, although I have a prolific blog. I began writing several years ago after the sudden death of my husband, and it’s just evolved tremendously. I went from a blog to published articles, to lengthy posts to a book! And here I am. I hope you enjoy my work. I’m just getting started.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My first and latest book, “The Narcissistic Tangle, ” was inspired by my own accounts growing up. I had no idea what I was living through, although I knew it absolutely wasn’t normal. I found a sanctuary in my husband of 23 years. It wasn’t until he died in 2020 that I started researching and labeling the trauma that I lived and was still living within my family dynamic. This propelled me to reach out, only to discover my story was not unique. So, my book is to inspire, educate, and help facilitate recovery for those suffering in the same relationship dynamics.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Well, I wouldn’t call them unusual. I take days to be creative, and then there are days to be productive and fiscally responsible. Then, there are days to decompress and just “be.” All are separate and I find when I define a day, it’s usually hard to switch into another mode.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love science fiction, although that doesn’t influence my writing per se. I have mentors who have influenced me along the way in my writing, one being my Auntie Marian. She writes sci-fi but has always been a hugely influential figure in my life from my early teens upward. I am me, and I’ve developed most of my writing on my own through love and the loss of my spouse.
What are you working on now?
Right now, I am working on a companion workbook for my book “The Narcissistic Tangle.” After that, I have planned a second book for readers of a different age. This first book was written for adults seeking validation and understanding of the situation they grew up in. My second book will deal with young adults and later teens/early 20somethings who are still in family narcissistic dynamics. It will encompass understanding, dealing with the situation, and learning how to heal themselves.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I just try to direct everyone to the amazon page where you can download my book or purchase if you want a printed copy. I am relentless about posting on Instagram and Facebook. Those who follow my blog and resonate with my message will be my supporters.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Wow, it’s so hard, I will say follow your gut. Do what feels right. I had to write and rewrite many things, from my author bio to my copywriting to my book description; it’s all part of the process. Learn it all. Do. It. All. Then farm out what you don’t enjoy or can’t do well to those who can do it better, and don’t be afraid to tell them no….it’s not good enough. This is your word, heart, feeling, and what you want to convey. Never, ever compromise.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Move on, and don’t become emotionally invested. I still have a hard time with that being my first book, but my mentors have said that in the end, not every book will succeed. You can give it your all, and it still fails. Don’t take it personally. Treat it like a business, and so I shall, and so should you.
What are you reading now?
Currently I am reading “Many Lives, Many Masters” by Brian L. Weiss, M.D. It was recommended to me and I am absolutely enjoying it. I will definitely read more of his work. I am also reading “The Art Of Happiness” by His Holiness The Dalai Lama and Howard C. Cutler, M.D.
What’s next for you as a writer?
My next venture will be the companion workbook to “The Narcissistic Tangle,” which will help those desiring comfort and healing in traumatic situations. The workbook is a companion yet stand-alone book that inspires self-awareness and facilitates the healing process without the use of a therapist.
Then, I’ll embark on the second book to address those in their late teens/early 20s, something that is in narcissistic entrapment and seeking understanding, self healing, recovery and relief from their situation.
What is your favorite book of all time?
This is such a telling question. My favorite book of all time has to be “Fahrenheit 451” by Ray Bradbury. As I’ve said, I’ve always been a science fiction fan, and reading this in my junior year of high school completely transformed my thoughts on literature. Until then, I had never read or heard anything so provocative or controversial in my short life. It made me question who I was and what I believed in and analyze everything moving forward. I lived in this sort of Utopian paradise, and the more books I consumed, the more questions I had. Mind you I have to tell you I am of Generation X, so questioning the very reality of everything became our nature.
Author Websites and Profiles
Leila Rivers Website
Leila Rivers Amazon Profile
Leila Rivers’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile