As the stories accumulated, I realized they may be something others would enjoy reading and possibly, spark something within them to begin tossing out their own version of a Nugget of Hope.
Kim Lengling – 26 December 2024
The Back Flap
Kindness can be a beacon of hope and connection in a world often overshadowed by stress and uncertainty. Nuggets of Hope invites you to embark on a journey of compassion towards others and yourself. The author reveals the transformative power of simple acts of kindness through heartwarming personal stories and practical advice.
Discover how to turn everyday moments into opportunities for spreading joy. Learn how small gestures, like a smile or a helping hand, can create ripples of positivity that extend far beyond their initial impact, touching lives you may never know. The author’s mission is clear: to inspire you to make your slice of the world a better place, one act of kindness at a time.
In Nuggets of Hope, you will find Personal anecdotes of sharing physical “Nuggets of Hope,” illustrating the profound effects of kindness. Practical tips for integrating kindness into your daily life, regardless of how busy or stressed you might feel. Insights into the importance of self-compassion and how being kind to yourself enhances your ability to be kind to others.
Join the author in spreading hope and positivity. Choose to cultivate kindness and watch your part of the world transform into a more connected, compassionate, and hopeful place.
About the book
What is the book about?
Hope and how we, as individuals, can cultivate kindness, making our small slices of the world a better place—one small act of kindness at a time. Or in my case, one small Nugget of Hope at a time.
When did you start writing the book?
The idea of tossing Nuggets of Hope out into the world came to me a couple of years ago.
How long did it take you to write it?
I had been keeping a sort of journal of my interactions with the people I had given actual Nuggets of Hope to. As the stories accumulated, I realized they may be something others would enjoy reading and possibly, spark something within them to begin tossing out their own version of a Nugget of Hope. If I look at a timeframe of penning those notes to the finished manuscript, I’d say it took just about two years to write.
Where did you get the idea from?
Have you ever had a number begin appearing everywhere and you think to yourself, “I should play that number in the Lottery!” Whether you play the lottery or not, we’ve all had something like that happen.
That was the case with the word Hope. It began to appear everywhere. I would read it, see it on billboards or signs, hear it on the radio or television. For two weeks this went on and I thought, “Hmmm, maybe I’m supposed to do something with ‘Hope’.” Once I had that thought, I had a strong nudge to do something. Ideas began dancing around when I remembered I had a small deck of cards someone had gifted me a while back. Cards with inspirational sayings on them such as, “You are awesome!” or “You rock!”
I thought, “Okay, I’ll tuck those in my purse and when I’m out and about, I’ll leave them places where people can find them.”
Once I had used all my cards, I next thought was, “That’s that, I’ve tossed out some Hope.”
But if anything, the word Hope began to appear even more. Again, I had a strong nudge, not to leave little cards, but to give a physical nugget of hope to someone.
I did some research, found polished stones with the word Hope engraved on them, purchased them and began to carry a few with me.
This part of my Hope journey began while I was grocery shopping. I had a very strong nudge to approach an older woman in the aisle that I was in. My only thought was, “Oh boy, here we go.”
As a approached the woman, I held out my hand, “Excuse me ma’am, I’d like to give you a Nugget of Hope today.” She looked at me and down at my hand as she held out her hand. I gently place the Nugget into her hand and said, “I wish you a blessed day.” And I turned to walk away. I don’t feel as if I am to stay and chat, but to simply give a Nugget of Hope.
As I walked away, I hear the woman say, “Oh my, thank you, you have no idea. You have no idea.”
And so, my Nugget of Hope journey began.
Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?
I wouldn’t say I struggled, but I did have days where I wanted to write, but I didn’t have any “hope” in myself that day.
Being transparent, your head needs to be in the right place to sit down and concentrate on writing. I live with PTSD and there can be days where I just don’t feel like writing, I don’t feel hopeful or even friendly.
Some days I just needed to not think about the book or giving hope to someone. Some days, I had to find the hope within my own realm and apply it to myself instead of someone else.
What came easily?
The idea of the book came relatively easy. Giving Nuggets of Hope has become a passion of mine and sharing my encounters in a book felt like the next best step.
Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?
As this is a nonfiction book, each person I write about is an actual person I encountered and/or approached.
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?
I am an avid reader. Always have been. There are many authors I enjoy reading. I can’t think of any one in particular that has influenced how I write, but there are many who I love to read and see how they are able to weave words together creating a realistic view for me or they are able to pull emotions from me with just a few sentences; tears, laughter, sadness, etc.
Nicholas Sparks, Tricia O’Malley, Elin Hilderbrand, Nora Roberts, Cindy Kirk, Jean Grainger and so many more!
Do you have a target reader?
The seekers. The ones with a heart for helping. Those who are looking for something more. Those who know they can do something good, but struggle where to start.
About Writing
Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?
I have found I am not a planner. I am more of a pantser, one who has an idea and must hurry to my laptop or the nearest notebook to get the ideas down and out of my head. Once I’ve got the idea down, I let it sit for a bit. Let it simmer. Then I come back to it and flesh it out. I just start writing.
Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?
I don’t outline per se. Although I do like to get my ideas or short summaries of the stories written out and then let them simmer for a bit.
Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?
I prefer to get it all out and then go back and do a proper read through and edit as I do my read through.
Did you hire a professional editor?
For several of my anthologies I had a professional editor. The last two books, I’ve done the first round edit and I have another author do a deeper edit for me. Along with a few beta readers providing input.
Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?
I find that I prefer quiet when I write.
About Publishing
Did you submit your work to Agents?
I have not submitted work to agents, but did pitch my book ideas to agents at writer’s conferences. The process was quite interesting and a learning experience finding out what an agent was looking for and what they would or would not even want to look at.
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 wanted to be able to have control over how my book(s) were published and marketed. After doing a lot of research, I decided to go indie. It is a lot of work, and I am still learning as I go, but I am enjoying the journey!
Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?
I sketch out the idea and give it to a graphic designer to bring to life.
Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?
I think I do a little of both, some planning and some winging it. Interestingly enough, when I wing it, opportunities I hadn’t anticipated pop up!
Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?
If you have a passion about something, or a story in your head that won’t let you be, start writing. Don’t let self-doubt, other people or your thoughts of “I don’t have time.” keep you from writing.
We can always come up with excuses of why we can’t write. Instead of excuses, ask yourself, why shouldn’t I write?
Those words and stories are in your head for a reason. Someone is out there waiting to read them.
About You
Where did you grow up?
Pennsylvania
What are you working on now?
I’ve got a few ideas in my head for books to work on for 2025. A nonfiction book and an anthology. But who knows! There may be other words that clamor to get out in a book I’ve not yet thought of!
End of Interview:
For more from Kim Lengling visit her website, listen to her podcast called Let Fear Bounce on either Youtube or Apple Podcasts, and follow her on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Get your copy of Nuggets of Hope from Amazon US or Amazon UK.