As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
On The Table Read, “the best book magazine in the UK“, author and holistic wellness coach Tara Jackson talks about the work that went into her Embodied book series.
Written by JJ Barnes
I interviewed Tara Jackson about her life and career, what inspired her to start writing, and how her Embodied books help her readers.
Tell me a bit about who you are.
I am an embodied business mentor, holistic health and wellness coach, author, illustrator and the founder of Empathpreneurs®, a business service for empath entrepreneurs.
My work involves guiding entrepreneurs to create businesses they love, on their terms, by healing and releasing any blocks, and aligning with their creative power.
I am adopted from India, grew up in Kenya and then lived in London for 20 years. I now live between the UK and Kenya.
When did you first WANT to write a book?
I wrote my first book at the age of 9/10, which I still have. I then stopped writing and mostly read books for many years. In my mid-20s my desire to write a book came back, and I sat with it for quite a few years.
When did you take a step to start writing?
I began writing my blog and newsletter when I was 33 (much of which went into my first book), and when I was 35 I joined a writing mastermind, which I knew was going to support me with getting my first book together.
How long did it take you to complete your first book from the first idea to release?
It was 11 months from the intentional start of writing the book (called ‘Embodied’) to the release, even though pieces I had written within the past few years made their way into the book.
How long did it take you to complete your latest book from the first idea to release?
My latest book ‘Embodied Wealth’ took just under four months from idea to release.
Focusing on your latest release. What made you want to write this book?
I had just finished and released my third book called ‘Embodied Creation’, and the idea for this book (my fourth) ‘Embodied Wealth’ came so fast and furiously, wanting to be written as a kind of ‘twin’ to my third book. As I write with the energy of books and the words wanting to come through, I honoured this guidance and committed to writing it, allowing it to take me on a journey.
What were your biggest challenges with writing Embodied?
My challenges were more practical as I was still quite tired from just releasing a book. I was also planning to move countries and travel for a couple of months, in the time that the book wanted to be written.
What was your research process for Embodied?
The majority of the book actually came from experiences I had already had over the past year. It ended up including guidance, stories and inspiration from my work with colour (I use a system called Colour Mirrors), which I had done for myself and my own personal growth and healing. So, I had actually done all the ‘research’ already without even knowing it, as I recorded my experiences which could then be transcribed and re-written to suit the needs of the book.
How did you plan the structure of Embodied?
It’s a very intuitive approach which doesn’t actually look at the structure until the very end. I allow myself to get all my writing down, in various ways, and then I begin to pull threads from it and place similar themed pieces together, which then gives me a structure, rather than the other way around.
Did you get support with editing, and how much editing did Embodied need?
I did get support from my publisher The Unbound Press. I was super happy to have almost no editing needed as I was quite ruthless myself with what made the final cut, having written three books already.
What is the first piece of writing advice you would give to anyone inspired to write a book?
Just start. Write in ways that feel good to you. That might mean not even writing, but recording voice notes, which can be transcribed later. It may include journal entries. It might be notes scribbled on paper. You may decide to type things. Don’t put pressure on yourself to have an outcome or even a structure to begin, just begin to follow the whispers of words that come through, and let them guide you. They will piece together if you trust in the process.
Can you give me a hint about any further books you’re planning to write?
I’m planning to move into fiction as I have always had a vivid imagination and dreamscape and loved writing stories as a child.
And, finally, are you proud of your accomplishment? Was it worth the effort?
Absolutely. I can’t wait to see where this book takes me, as it feels like the foundation for my work to grow, so I am incredibly happy I followed the guidance and wrote it (and all my books).
Pop all your book, website and social media links here so the readers can find you
Embodied Wealth – I AM – https://amzn.to/3VW7zce
Embodied Creation – The sensitive’s way to consciously co-create – https://amzn.to/3N46aMT
Embodied Business – A guide to grounding and aligning your business chakras for empathpreneurs – https://amzn.to/3FeITpt
Embodied – A self-care guide for sensitive souls – https://amzn.to/3A8JhlR
Website: www.empathpreneurs.org
Instagram URL: https://www.instagram.com/empathpreneurs/
Facebook URL: https://www.facebook.com/groups/empathpreneurscommunity
We strive to keep The Table Read free for both our readers and our contributors. If you have enjoyed our work, please consider donating to help keep The Table Read going!
Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates.