Author Interview – Dr. Samantha Harte – Breaking The Circuit

On The Table Read Magazine, “the best book magazine in the UK“, Dr. Samantha Harte shares the inspiration behind her new self help book, Breaking The Circuit, and what inspired her to write it.

Written by JJ Barnes

www.jjbarnes.co.uk

I interviewed Dr. Samantha Harte about her life and career, being inspired to write her new self help book, Breaking The Circuit, and the work that went into creating it.

Tell me a bit about who you are.

I am so many things. I am a Doctor of Physical Therapy, author, performing artist, podcast host, and sober mom of two. I am on the May 2024 cover of New York Lifestyles Magazine and have been featured in People magazine, Time magazine, Best Life and the New York Post for my expertise on the intersection of mind-body health and wellness.

My self-help memoir, Breaking The Circuit: How to Rewire Your Mind for Hope, Resilience and Joy in the Face of Trauma, releases on June 10th. The book is a raw and honest depiction of my life, which has had its fair share of loss and heartbreak. More than that, though, the book is a modern reinvention the 12 steps of recovery so that the universal truths baked into them can help, addict or not, turn tragedy into triumph.

With 15 years as a clinician and recovering addict, I hope to elevate the fitness and wellness space with an authentic combination of expertise, vulnerability and lived sober experience. 

When did you first WANT to write a book?

Since I was a little girl. Somehow, I knew I’d have a story to tell. But I believe we all have a book inside of us, it’s just a matter of whether we are catalysed into putting pen to paper.

When did you take a step to start writing?

On March 13th, 2022, my big sister died of a drug overdose. That moment changed me forever, and I knew I had to write. At the time, I had no idea what it would become, but my soul had to grieve through writing and ultimately, giving my sister a voice.

How long did it take you to complete your first book from the first idea to release?

The entire process took two years, but I started with a small and attainable goal. I made a commitment to write for 30 minutes a day for 30 days. The words came pouring out so I kept extending it for another thirty days.

What made you want to write Breaking The Circuit?

When my sister died, I knew I no longer needed permission from anything outside of me to write a book. I knew I had a story to tell and a message to share. I had to take my pain and do something purposeful with it to help those suffering in silence.

What were your biggest challenges with writing Breaking The Circuit?

How deeply confronting it was. This book reveals the hardest stories of my life and how I got to the other side. It also forced me to make the steps universally applicable to anyone so I could cast the widest net on who I could help.

What was your research process for Breaking The Circuit?

I have been studying the works of Brene Brown and Gabor Mate for years, and their insights were very helpful in this process. I also have a ton of training from my doctoral program on how to rewire the brain body connection

How did you plan the structure of Breaking The Circuit?

It took a while to figure the structure out. It started as a memoir, but the clearer I got on my goal, which was to help as many people as possible, the more I refined the structure into a self-help memoir. That changed the trajectory so there were 12 chapters, each one corresponding to the 12 steps.

Did you get support with editing, and how much editing did Breaking The Circuit need?

I researched the authorship landscape and decided to work with a hybrid publisher called Greenleaf, who has been around for 25 years. They provided a full team of editors at every stage of the process. 

What is the first piece of writing advice you would give to anyone inspired to write a book?

Stop focusing on how big and scary it is. Decide on a small goal you can commit to every day-I’m talking writing for 5 minutes a day for 5 days in a row. Then go from there. And when you feel stuck, just fast forward your life-at the end of it, if you haven’t written a book, how do you feel? Use that urgency to put a system in place to achieve your goal one day at a time.

Can you give me a hint about any further books you’re planning to write?

I am preparing an online course that corresponds to the messages in the book and gives people a practical way, with homework, to change their lives. Other than that, I am letting things unfold more before I commit to what the next book will be about.

And, finally, are your proud of your accomplishment? Was it worth the effort?

Besides having my kids, I have never been more proud of anything in my life. My book is a testament to my strong spirit and my desire to speak the truth, help others, and leave a legacy.

Pop all your book, website and social media links here so the readers can find you:

Kindle: https://amzn.to/3RbOd28

Hardcover: https://amzn.to/4e6aZlO

Apple Books: https://apple.co/3x8VEQE

W: www.drsamanthaharte.com

IG: @drsamanthaharte

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