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Written by JJ Barnes
I interviewed author Dmitria Burby about her life, her career, and what inspired her to write her new book, Return To The Light Within.
Tell me a bit about who you are.
I am an author and healer that helps people reconnect with their spirit. Helping them to see the parts of themselves that have been lost or forgotten on the way to building their life. She is passionate about people rediscovering the vibrancy of life that comes when you are able to feel whole and connected in your life.
When did you first WANT to write a book?
Writing a book was an idea that had floated in and out of my mind over the years, but not something that I thought I might actually do until I was already in the process of writing this first book.
When did you take a step to start writing?
I really started my writing journey about seven years ago when a couple of girlfriends and I got together to write a blog to share out authentic experiences as women and mothers. We wanted to share our own stories to help younger women have realistic expectations of what it was like to navigate the real world after high school and college.
How long did it take you to complete your first book from the first idea to release?
The entire process for this book was nine months. I started writing the book in January 2021 and will release it September 2021.
How long did it take you to complete your latest book from the first idea to release?
I have a second book coming out in November and the entire process will be about eight months including holding the release back for 3 months to accommodate the first book’s launch.
Focusing on your latest release. What made you want to write Return To The Light Within?
The driving force in writing this book is to support other people that are going through their own transformation. I wanted to share my story in hopes of helping one person out there feel less alone. I wanted to offer an alternate path for people to consider and explore.
What were your biggest challenges with writing Return To The Light Within?
The story is extremely personal, so my biggest challenge has been to overcome the moments of self-doubt. I have questioned myself often about what people will think of me after putting my own story out there so openly. In a way the publishing process has been another round of transformation and true integration of the work I did in a deeper way.
What was your research process for Return To The Light Within?
My research was life experience. The opportunities that have been placed in front of me the past several years have been extraordinary. I feel blessed that I was able to experience everything I have and able to articulate it in a way that is consumable and inspirational to people.
How did you plan the structure of Return To The Light Within?
The structure of this book came easily in chronological order. I decided to write it in this way and then see if the optimal way presented itself. After getting the story down on paper it felt right to leave it as I had written it.
Did you get support with editing, and how much editing did Return To The Light Within need?
I worked with an amazing copy editor that helped clarify parts that were originally written a little murky. She cleaned up my grammar and was able to leave my unique voice and tone to shine through. I was lucky enough that I did not need any structural help. I had a few developmental editors read my manuscript and they all felt it was structurally sound.
What is the first piece of writing advice you would give to anyone inspired to write a book?
Do it! Just start writing. It doesn’t matter what kind of writing or how long it is, just start to turn your thoughts into words and the book will come.
Can you give me a hint about any further books you’re planning to write?
I have a second book that is already complete. It will be coming out in November 2021. It is a framework for self-discovery that came from my own self-discovery experience. After writing my story, I realized that I had been using this framework to facilitate my growth and wanted to share it with others that it might help.
Find Your Light Within: A Framework for Self-Discovery is part masterclass, part workbook, part journal packaged into one framework that takes the reader through the steps of truly discovering new parts of themselves.
The intent of the work is to support people that are looking to rediscovery who they are, find the pieces of themselves that got lost or neglected as they built the life they current live. Because when you find those pieces of yourself, you can finally experience the joy, happiness, and ease that comes from being whole.
Find Your Light Within: A Framework for Self-Discovery (launching November 11, 2021 on Amazon)
And, finally, are you proud of your accomplishment? Was it worth the effort?
I am so proud of what I have accomplished. I set out to help others feel less alone, to inspire people to look within themselves and see the bright light that each of us are. Regardless of anything the future holds, it was worth the effort for the growth that has already come for me. And I know that my story will help someone else out there in a way that I can’t even imagine.
Pop all your book, website and social media links here so the readers can find you:
Return to the Light Within: How I Woke Up, Rediscovered Who I Am, and Found Happiness (launching September 9, 2021 on Amazon)
Website: DmitriaBurby.com
Business Website: LuminanceHealing.com
Instagram: instagram.com/LuminanceHealing
Clubhouse: clubhouse.com/@dmitria
Medium: dmitria.medium.com
Check out current industry reviews of the book here:
https://www.dmitriaburby.com/books
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