JoeyPinkney.com Exclusive Interview
5 Minutes, 5 Questions With…
Annie Burnside, M.Ed., author of Soul to Soul Parenting
(Wyatt-MacKenzie)
Soul to Soul Parenting, a guidebook for parents to expand spiritual awareness in the home, is a 2011 Nautilus Silver Book Award Winner and a 2011 Next Generation Indie Book Award Winner.
It is non-denominational in nature and focuses on the missing piece (PEACE) in our world today. Principles such as: soul to soul versus role-to-role, oneness, self-love, boundaries and authenticity invite spiritual development for both parent and child. Readers will learn to use universal themes coupled with everyday reality including books, music, movies, parent contemplations and more to integrate a new perspective into their family and raise consciousness in our world—one individual and one family at a time.
A spiritual journey book for all ages, a mother weaves her personal path of self-discovery into a positive and transformational parenting approach creating a framework for other parents who desire the same.
Joey Pinkney: Where did you get the inspiration to write Soul to Soul Parenting?
Annie Burnside, M.Ed.: Spiritual development/personal growth has been my greatest passion since I was nineteen. As it has brought such joy, purpose, gratitude and liberation to be truly comfortable within my own skin, I desired to take my children with me on the journey.
I began to break down my spiritual insights and teachings into digestible bites for my own children, and conscious parenting became the most important aspect of what we offered them. Other parents noticed and started asking for guidance, so I began speaking on the topic locally. Soon, it became apparent that there was a book inside of me ready to emerge.
JP: What sets Soul to Soul Parenting apart from other books in the same genre?
AB: It is extremely practical, as well as, theoretical in nature offering everyday tools such as—songs, movies, picture books, chapter books, adult books, hands-on activities and parent contemplations for each universal spiritual theme. Ample opportunity to actually integrate large esoteric concepts is provided. Soul to Soul Parenting is a blueprint for parents on the spiritual path.
JP: As an author, what are the keys to your success that led to Soul to Soul Parenting getting out to the public?
AB: While I did hire a traditional publicist initially, a year later, I see that utilizing Facebook and finding wonderful sites such as this one that are willing to help spread the word of a book that feels in simpatico with their offerings has been the best way. A huge bonus to that has also been connecting directly with like-minded people around the world.
JP: As an author, what is your writing process? How long did it take you to start and finish Soul to Soul Parenting?
AB: First, I keep a notebook of ever-expanding ideas, chapter titles, intuitive flashes for my book, then eventually I sit down and start to organize its initial framework. At this time, writing becomes a top priority, and I write excitedly and daily.
Once this stream gets going, it took me about six months for a first draft, but of course months of rewrites, honing and finding an agent. The whole process from beginning stages to a publisher publishing it took two years. I have learned so much about my self and the publishing business!
JP: What’s next for Annie Burnside, M.Ed.?
AB: I am in the process of writing my second book. It is flowing much the same way as the first. I can feel when a good idea streams in, and I write it down and put it in my now over-flowing notebook. I am just about at the “piece it all together” stage where I will write everyday.
In the meantime, I blog for the Chicago Tribune and Modern Mom, teach workshops, give talks on my book, write articles, continue with my own ongoing spiritual development and enjoy raising my family.
http://www.facebook.com/annie.burnside
Thanks so much for giving me the opportunity to share my beloved book on this great site. It is much appreciated!
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