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On The Table Read Magazine, “the best book magazine in the UK“, Sonraya Grace talks about the inspiration behind her new book, Mother Earth Is Calling You.
Written by JJ Barnes
I interviewed Sonraya Grace about her life and career, what inspired her to write her new book, Mother Earth Is Calling You, and her creative process.
Tell me a bit about who you are.
Hi I am Sonraya Grace. I am a Mother, wife and a REbirth Doula and Intuitive Channel with a passion to support the awakening of our true authentic Divine Nature. I am incredibly passionate about the Earth and honouring the sacredness of all Life – I am an Earth Wisdom Keeper and Peace Warrior supporting the return of unity consciousness.
From a young age I have always loved and been in awe of Mother Nature, her beauty and the myriad of living creatures she supports in a delicate balance of harmony and reciprocity. She has been my rock and foundation. It has been Mother Earth that has called me to the path of the Goddess, of the Sacred Feminine and in embodying the Feminine wisdom coming into balance with the Sacred Masculine.
I also love working with the Cosmic energies that bring healing and support to humanity and the Earth and am actively participate in planetary healing for Gaia. I love to run women’s circles, Retreat days and weekends, sharing earth medicine, feminine wisdom and using my voice and Sound to bring in the higher vibrations of the Angelic rays.
When I am not supporting others or the planet, you will often find me in nature walking through woods or down by the sea walking along the shore or playing in the waves. I love creating sacred ceremonies in celebration of the seasons and life’s gifts. I love to dance, swim. I love roses, especially red and white ones that connects to the Christ consciousness.
When did you first WANT to write a book?
The seed of an idea first came from friends and clients who encouraged me to write down my wisdom and share the practical tools I used in my work. This was around 2010 just before we moved down to Poole, Dorset in 2012.
When did you take a step to start writing?
Interestingly, the first words came when I was visiting Poole with my husband in December 2009. We were staying in a hotel in Poole Harbour, so looking back I was close to water which is always a place I receive inspiration and guidance. I had taken an afternoon nap and it was when I was on the brink of waking up that the first words came streaming through my consciousness and I had to scrabble around for a piece of paper to write them down. When I returned home to Surrey, I had this motivation and passion to continue writing and so the first chapters of my book were written in 2010/2011.
How long did it take you to complete your first book from the first idea to release?
Probably over 10 years. The first words I wrote were the backbone of ideas. I then began to realise that my soul’s journey of remembering who I truly am was intertwined with my writing. The two could not be separated. As my life experiences naturally deepened, so did my writing. I had to trust in the timing and flow of my writing. It required a lot of patience, trust and surrender to Mother Earth who was sharing her wisdom with me often through life challenges and healing experiences.
What made you want to write Mother Earth Is Calling You?
I am passionate about people waking up to remember who they truly are, so that we can live authentically, and in unity and respect with each other, the planet and all living creatures.
I am passionate about helping people to unravel and unplug from mass consciousness that keeps them small, suppressed, limited, unhappy and unhealthy. This has been my personal journey and I felt inspired to help others remember too.
I wanted to write a book that helped people to remember their true wild and authentic nature and how being deeply connected to the rhythms and seasons of Mother Earth, like our early ancestors did, we have the solid foundation on which to build a life in flow and balance with both our Sacred Feminine and Sacred Masculine qualities.
What were your biggest challenges with writing Mother Earth Is Calling You?
In the early years, I wondered if people would be interested in reading my words. I joined an online writing membership, The Creative Cabin, around 2018, where I was able to share my writing and receive feedback. This was a wonderful way to work with a writing mentor and other writers that built my self confidence in my writing voice. I also started writing for magazines, such as Kindred Spirit Magazine and this helped extend my writing skills and self-belief..
The second challenge was not giving up on my passion and desire to finish and publish my book. The support around me from friends and especially my writing mentor, really helped me. Also my daily connection to Spirit and the Earth, through meditation, embodiment practices, and on my nature walks gave me the strength to continue and trust in Divine timing.
What was your research process for Mother Earth Is Calling You?
My research was more about experiencing and living authentically with the seasons and cycles of Mother Earth and the Cosmos, and embodying this wisdom in my own being and heart. Through a deep connection I am able to channel the voice of Gaia and her energy is felt through my words.
Over the years I have also participated in many courses and workshops including becoming a Priestess of the Goddess in 2000-2002, a two year course that helped me remember and awaken the wisdom and power of the Sacred Feminine within. Also practicing earth and shamanic medicine and many other spiritual healing courses.
How did you plan the structure of Mother Earth Is Calling You?
The seasons and cycles of the Earth, based on the Celtic Wheel of the Year, naturally became the framework and structure for the book. I then took Nature’s Seasons and mirrored them internally to look at our inner Feminine seasons becoming our internal map to navigate and work with. Part One is the context and preparation for the journey. Feminine womb wisdom was an important part of this. Part Two became the deep dive into Winter and what that means for us on a personal level.
Did you get support with editing, and how much editing did Mother Earth Is Calling You need?
As I mentioned earlier, I did get support from a writing coach online. Jo Roberts of Writing Inside Out, a Facebook Writing group, gave me mentoring support and she reviewed my book chapters a couple of times. This allowed me to refine my writing skills and as I became more experienced she suggested less changes.
When I joined Unbound Press there were no suggested changes to content or wording. An Unbound Press Copy Writer went through the whole manuscript to ensure consistency and grammar.
What is the first piece of writing advice you would give to anyone inspired to write a book?What is the first piece of writing advice you would give to anyone inspired to write a book?
Just allow your words to flow on to paper. You could start with 10 minutes or 20 minutes. Keep writing and don’t read what you’ve written until afterwards. It doesn’t need to be perfect.
It is best to get most of your words and content out first before you start editing as that will block the flow. Even if you don’t know what you are writing, just start somewhere and you will find your way.
Don’t worry about a structure straight away as the feminine energy of creative writing needs to flow from your heart and being. The Structure is the masculine yang energy and that can come later.
Create a space where you feel inspired to write. This could be a sacred space at home or when out walking take a notebook with you. Find your best place. For me I loved walking in nature and by the sea which always inspired me.
Writing a book is a healing and soulful journey in itself.
Can you give me a hint about any further books you’re planning to write?
Winter Wisdom is the first in a series of books on the seasonal wisdom of Mother Earth and our inner seasons and the energies of the Sacred Feminine and Sacred Masculine. My next book is already bubbling away with ideas – Spring and Summer – connecting to our Wild and sensual nature. I am excited to see how she unfolds.
And, finally, are you proud of your accomplishment? Was it worth the effort?
It has been a labour of love for sure and very intense the last few months getting the final manuscript and copy design just right, but it is so wonderful to see her in form and published now. I am overjoyed and yes proud of all that I have achieved. It is wonderful to get feedback from readers on their experience, how they feel the voice of Mother Earth, how the book speaks to their soul and how it is helping them to remember their true nature.
Pop all your book, website and social media links here so the readers can find you:
‘Mother Earth is Calling You – Winter Wisdom’
Website: www.sonrayagrace.com
Facebook: Sonraya Grace
Instagram @sarahsonraya
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