The whole story came pretty easily because I lived it. The story came alive because I re-lived it on paper, as it were.

Marva Riley, RN – 2 November 2020

The Back Flap

In this book, I will share with you the power of healing heart disease, depression, severe allergies, insomnia, arthritis, headaches, including migraines, sinusitis and many more chronic health issues, using a drug free, wholistic approach. The healing virtues of natural resources such as food, rest, activity and meditation will lead you to experience health beyond your wildest imaginations, as they did for me. Come on, let’s get started!

About the book

What is the book about?

The book is about attaining and maintaining Health & Wellness using a wholistic approach: Great Nutrition, primarily plant-based. Good quality & quantity sleep. Adequate rest & relaxation. Meditation & prayer. Moderate exercise & activity. Lower stress levels and lots of water.  It’s a memoir which tells the story about my journey from near death due to severe heart diseases to total health & wellness. A vibrant happy & healthy life at 58 years old.  The book has  tips including healthy habits, simple plant-based recipes, along with a few healing herbal tea recipes.

When did you start writing the book? 

I started writing the book about 2 years ago.

How long did it take you to write it?
It took about 2 years to write the book.

Where did you get the idea from?

About 8  years ago, I was deathly ill with multiple chronic illnesses. I am a Registered Nurse and noted that drugs did not heal my patients.  When I became sick, I sought alternative medicine and found that it helped without my ingesting drugs that had so many negative side effects.  I was healed using wholistic care.  That’s when I decided that I needed to document my experience so that others will know that they have an alternative to traditional, western medicine.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

My struggle was that I felt that folks might not like that there were so many “Is” in the book.  Too personal, perhaps.

What came easily?

The whole story came pretty easily because I lived it.  The story came alive because I re-lived it on paper, as it were.

Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?

Real World people. Myself being the main character.

We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?

May Rowland, Gary Zukav & Catherine Ponder. I like the simplicity of their writing.

Do you have a target reader?

My target readers are those who are desirous of attaining & maintaining health through wholistic lifestyle & without drugs.

About Writing

Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?

This is my first book.  I just wrote as I was inspired.  I am sure that future books will require a more structured process.

Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?

No outline.

Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?

I did some editing as I wrote, however, the bulk of the editing was after I was finished writing.

Did you hire a professional editor?

I hired a professional editor.

Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?

I like to write in silence, no music.

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

No, I did not submit my book to agents.

What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?

I have a friend who self-published and has done very well.  She encouraged me to do the same.

Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?

I had my book cover professionally done.

Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?

At the moment, I’m winging it.  I’m doing a lot of reading online.  Amazon has webinars and Ingramspark has suggestions. Trying everything I can. Social Media. Youtube.

Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?

Start marketing your book long before you publish.  Interview as many editors and illustrators as you can until you find someone you connect with.

About You

Where did you grow up?

I grew upon the Island of Jamaica

Where do you live now?

I currently live in Florida

What would you like readers to know about you? 

I am a Registered Nurse with a deep love of people and want to see everyone healthy, happy and whole.  It is possible and I want to show them how to do it.

What are you working on now?

Since my book was launched, there has been much interests in Plant-Based recipes.  I am currently working on such a book and am hoping to get it out by the holidays.

End of Interview:

For more from Ms Riley, visit her webiste, watch her Youtube channel and like her Facebook page.

Get your copy of Eat! Sleep! Meditate! from Amazon US or Amazon UK.