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On The Table Read, “the best book magazine in the UK“, author Lisa Blackshaw talks about her self help book, Rise & Thrive, and inspiring readers to find a positive mindset.
Written by JJ Barnes
I interviewed Lisa Blackshaw about her life and career, what made her want to start writing, and the inspiration behind her self help book, Rise & Thrive.
Tell me a bit about who you are.
I am the author and creator of the Rise & Thrive motivational lifestyle books. As an experienced mariner, I have sailed four of the seven seas gathering insights from all over the world.
My dream is to inspire the world through my writing and make it possible for everyone to use the ‘Rise & Thrive’ techniques for their own positive mindset.
When did you first WANT to write a book?
Since I learned how to use a pencil, I have wanted to be a writer. So the truth is, I’ve been waiting almost 30 years to make it happen! My idea of fun as a child was taking 3 pieces of scrap paper, folding them in half, stappling it for a spine and then design a 6 page picture book. In my early teens, I would make a start on writing novels but never finish any of them.
Rise & Thrive was initiated because I was searching for a morning routine template. I wanted to start the day with positive actions which would work for my lifestyle. I scoured the earth for all the personal developments on habits and morning rituals, but they only explained how to create a routine – not provide the toolkit. I downloaded ‘The Big Book of Quotes’, however, the pizazz was missing. There wasn’t any narrative to it, so the quotes just floated around in my head aimlessly. This is when I knew what to do. Write what I was searching for.
“Let us make our future now, and let us make our dreams tomorrow’s reality.” ~ Malala Yousafzai
When did you take a step to start writing?
It was March 2022 during lockdown. When I was working in a very remote part of the Caribbean. Quite literally stranded in paradise, with no flights home! Researching the ability to grasp a positive mindset as part of my writing was serendipitous. All the uplifting quotes I was curating really helped me through the first lockdown, which was shrouded in so much uncertainty. I made it home 3 months later with a manuscript and set to work on learning how to self-publish a book and share this Rise & Thrive lifestyle with the world.
How long did it take you to complete your first book from the first idea to release?
I thoroughly enjoyed the writing stage and assumed this was the biggest part of the process. I was woefully mistaken! The book cover design took 2-3 months with roughly 12 revisions before I was satisfied. Choosing the right fonts for the quotes was more difficult than anticipated, but the formula would only work if I could make them ‘pop’ on the pages. Then I sent the first draft to my editor. Once it was pieced together, I began campaigning and publishing it!
From start to finish, 2 years had passed by.
Focusing on your latest release. What made you want to write Rise & Thrive?
I began writing Rise & Thrive because I couldn’t find a book to help me start the day – no matter what crazy shift I was keeping at sea or time zone I woke up in in.
To me, the morning is the first chapter of every day and my favourite time to read, learn and find focus. I had a eureka moment – the genre I was reading would set the tone of my day so I decided to engineer positive energy by reading affirmations and quotes of wisdom.
It would have been discourteous and unneighborly to keep this concept to myself. I just knew other people could benefit from utilizing the power of positive quotes to start their day!
What were your biggest challenges with writing Rise & Thrive?
The writing part is where I ‘thrive’. I write almost every day! I can’t help it! Ideas and words swim around in my head and it’s so cathartic to put pen to paper or fingers to laptop. I use Instagram posts to funnel some of this passion, but I hold back sometimes so the captions aren’t too long or overbearing.
The biggest challenge in writing Rise & Thrive was the editing stage. Having the manuscript ripped apart and put back together. A sentence which would make perfect sense in my head couldn’t be decrypted by my proofreader or editor! Some of the passages were nothing more than overzealous ramblings. Maybe like I’m doing right now?
Did you get support with editing, and how much editing did Rise & Thrive need?
My mother read it first and helped to map the idea. Growing up, she always had a keen eye for correcting the grammar in my homework. Then my husband read it and asked several questions about the format. If that wasn’t enough, a friend of a friend in publishing cast his eyes over it and opined the necessity of hiring a professional editor. Amanda, at Top Choice Content, smoothed the cracks and harnessed my voice.
What is the first piece of writing advice you would give to anyone inspired to write a story?
I have just the quote for this answer! “Start before you’re ready. Don’t prepare, begin.” ~ Mel Robbins
Can you give me a hint about any further books you’re planning to write?
I have already made a start on the second book in the series, ‘Rise & Thrive: Quotes To Start Your Day For Fitness Motivation’ which is full of invigorating quotes to help readers follow a fit and healthy lifestyle! Just the pressure of writing this book has got me in the gym twice as regular.
And, finally, are you proud of your accomplishment? Was it worth the effort?
I would do it all over again. I’d do it differently… but I have no regrets. I love to hear from readers about how the book has enriched and empowered them. Even though I’ve written it – no two people take the same thing away from any book. It’s so inspiring, like a mirror, to receive positive feedback. Helping others is the whole point of the book!
“We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone.” ~ Ronald Reagan
I set out to do something and I did it! Self-publishing takes a lot of hard work but I am so proud of the journey and the outcome.
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