On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment eBook magazine UK“, Valerie Price shares how her caregiving journey for her late mother led to her heartfelt book Peanut Butter and Jelly, Anyone?, offering solace and a journaling space for others facing similar challenges.
Written by JJ Barnes
I interviewed Valerie Price about her life and career, the experiences that inspired her to write her new book, Peanut Butter And Jelly, Anyone?, and her creative process.
Tell me a bit about who you are.
I am a wife and mother of 3 children, and grandmother of 2, and the primary caregiver of my 95-year-old father. I have been active in caring for my family, aging parents, serving in the dental and medical community, my church, and neighborhood community groups.
When did you first WANT to write a book?
I first wanted to write a book after the passing of my mother, who was with me for about 14 years and whom I cared for through palliative and hospice care at home. That caregiving journey leading to the loss of my dear mother, my closest friend and confidant, significantly impacted my thinking of what I wanted to accomplish and leave behind for my family. That made me want to write a book for them to see some of what I was experiencing during that time.
When did you take a step to start writing?
During the years of caring for my mother, I took the first step to start writing when I compiled all of the recorded entries from my cellphone’s Keep Notes app into a Word document. This helped me with my grieving process and feeling of loss.
How long did it take you to complete your first book from the first idea to release?
It only took about two months for me to complete my first book, Peanut Butter and Jelly, Anyone?, from the first idea to release. Using the technology on the Spines platform made it easy for me to upload my Word document, get Copyright protection, and take what started for me as recordings on my phone to an actual published book to release to the public! From start to finish, it was a streamlined publishing process that made it faster than I expected.
What made you want to write Peanut Butter and Jelly, Anyone?
I wanted to write this book because it was an extremely challenging time, but very rewarding in so many ways. To navigate through these challenges was difficult, physically, mentally, financially, and spiritually, for me and my family. I wanted to share my journey with others who will go through or may have been going through similar situations, so that they wouldn’t feel like they are the only ones going through it. And to give them a place to journal their thoughts and emotions that they may not be sharing with others.
What were your biggest challenges with writing Peanut Butter and Jelly, Anyone?
The biggest challenges with writing it were finding the free time to follow through with what I started, and reliving the emotions of those moments. The Spines platform made it a more organized, step-by-step process, so I didn’t feel overwhelmed in completing the process.
What was your research process for Peanut Butter and Jelly, Anyone?
My research process was from the actual day-to-day, real-life experiences that I was dealing with during my caregiving journey.
How did you plan the structure of Peanut Butter and Jelly, Anyone?
In planning the structure of my book, I was thinking about what I wish I had during the journey. I never had much free time to read, so I didn’t want the book to be lengthy. Instead of recording my thoughts, prayers, and emotions into my phone, I wish I had a place to journal them. And touching on the impact on several areas of my life. That is my reasoning behind the structure of my book.
Did you get support with editing, and how much editing did Peanut Butter and Jelly, Anyone? need?
Although my book did not need much editing, I received some editing from my siblings who proofread it and from the Spines platform and Production Manager Kira.
What is the first piece of writing advice you would give to anyone inspired to write a book?
The first piece of advice I would give anyone inspired to write a book is just to take the first step! With each step that you take, it makes it easier to take the next step. Everyone has their own unique story to tell, and you may be surprised, as I was, that your story may be a significant help to someone else going through a similar situation.
Can you give me a hint about any further books you’re planning to write?
I have thoughts of a 2nd Peanut Butter and Jelly, Anyone?, Another Journey. And during the time that I have been able to spend with my grandchildren, I have loved using our imagination to make up bedtime stories! I have published one children’s book recently and have 2 more children’s books coming!
And, finally, are you proud of your accomplishment? Was it worth the effort?
I am proud of my accomplishment. I pushed past my fear and became vulnerable enough to put the book together, get it published, and get it out there. With receiving the awesome feedback of calls, letters, and reviews of how the book was helpful to so many, I definitely feel that it was worth the effort.
Pop all your book, website and social media links here so the readers can find you:
Kindle: https://amzn.to/4kyCiaK
Paperback: https://amzn.to/4jq4E6g
Hardcover: https://amzn.to/43k5fld
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