Author Interview – Sara Ellis – Stop Overeating When What You Want Is Sex

Written by JJ Barnes

www.jjbarnes.co.uk

I interviewed counsellor and author Sara Ellis about her book, Stop Overeating When What You Want Is Sex. She told me about her career, what inspired her book, and the advice she has for others.

Tell me a bit about who you are.

I am Sara Ellis, Hypnotherapist, Counsellor and Author of Stop Overeating When What You Want Is Sex.

When did you first WANT to write a book?

I had the idea about 10 years ago when I realised that a lot of my clients were not getting their needs met, and I wanted to tell my story of how I overcame the cycle of binge eating and punishing diets.

When did you take a step to start writing?

2014, I started marking out time in my diary to write, even if it was just half a page.

How long did it take you to complete your first book from the first idea to release?

8 years

What made you want to write Stop Overeating When What You Want Is Sex?

We live in a world where we are bombarded by conflicting messages, there is always a latest diet book, yet processed foods are powerfully and seductively marketed (think girl in the bath tub eating a Flake in an erotic way) It is seen as desirable to be thin and wear sexy clothes, yet women who enjoy sex are slut shamed. I managed to find a way through the confusion, and thought I could help others from going through the hell of punishing their bodies and denying their needs.

What were your biggest challenges with writing Stop Overeating When What You Want Is Sex?

Procrastination. It is hard when you are working full time with a busy practice, to discipline yourself and make the time to write.

What was your research process for Stop Overeating When What You Want Is Sex?

My own experience and almost 20 years of client case studies.

How did you plan the structure of Stop Overeating When What You Want Is Sex?

I planned each chapter around a case study, but each person I mention is an amalgamation of different people. Noone can be identified.

Did you get support with editing, and how much editing did Stop Overeating When What You Want Is Sex need?

I paid an Editor, she was very efficient and professional, so it wasn’t too much of a financial outlay for me.

What is the first piece of writing advice you would give to anyone inspired to write a book?

Just get started, don’t listen to anyone that says you can’t do it, including your inner critic. Remember that J.K Rowling received rejection letters from publishers and when she finally got a publishing deal, her publisher told her she wouldn’t make a lot of money from Children’s books!

Can you give me a hint about any further books you’re planning to write?

I am focusing on promoting my first book at the moment, but would love to write another one at some point.

And, finally, are your proud of your accomplishment? Was it worth the effort?

Yes, very proud! There was a point when it all seemed too difficult, I told myself that I didn’t want to be on my death bed and I hadn’t written it. So many people have a brilliant book in them, but don’t write it. If one person is helped by my book, it will have been worth it.

Pop all your book, website and social media links here so the readers can find you:

www.sara-ellis.co.uk
Instagram @sarahypnoguru
Facebook Sara Ellis