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Written by JJ Barnes
I interviewed author and legacy coach Sarah Parkes about her life, what inspires her, and writing her new book, Awakening Legacy.
Tell me a bit about who you are.
I’m a mum of 3, a speaker, author & legacy coach. I help soul led entrepreneurial change makers have a profitable business without sacrificing your family life. My vision is for our children to grow up in a world of possibility where conscious legacy creation is the norm.
I live in Edinburgh with my husband and two daughters.
When did you first WANT to write a book?
I probably wanted to write a book when I was very young, I loved books and remember singing stories just from the picture in the inside cover of the lady bird books.
When my first child was still born I wanted to write about the experience, but didn’t at the time. I became passionate about natural birth and I had the idea to write about my experience of going from stillbirth to home birth. But I haven’t written it yet.
I told a friend 3 or 4 years ago that I wanted to write a book but still didn’t start.
When did you take a step to start writing?
I started writing in June 2021 after I decided and committed to write the book that I have now published.
How long did it take you to complete your first book from the first idea to release?
I had the idea to write a book as a committed goal in December 2020, it took a few months to decide what book it would be. Once the decision was made and the collaborators were called in, it was written within 4 months.
What made you want to write Awakening Legacy?
I had been thinking about legacy and purpose throughout 2020 as I connected with what there is that is bigger than my personal needs and desires that drives what I do. I work with parents a lot which is heavily influenced by what I could see has been passed on to me through my family line. What are the things that we want to keep and what are the familial patterns that I declare stop with me.
Part of my purpose is to support and enable other to share their story, to help awaken their community and bring their gifts to the world. My soul decided to remind me of the beauty and alchemy of collaboration that I have always loved.
What were your biggest challenges with writing Awakening Legacy?
I resisted getting started for a while, and released through the starting how much there was to do. I was limited with what I could include, this was tricky sometimes to choose.
What was your research process for Awakening Legacy?
The stories all came from me and my personal experience, so there wasn’t really any research needed. We had group writing sessions. It was great having that collective energy.
How did you plan the structure of Awakening Legacy?
The structure came from the story. This was a very soul led, intuitive process. Once all the pieces that wanted to be expressed came through, I put them together and the anchor of the Dorothy story was revealed.
Did you get support with editing, and how much editing did Awakening Legacy need?
The unbound press did the editing, which was quite tricky because there are 12 voices and styles in the book. Keeping the style of each piece was very important.
What is the first piece of writing advice you would give to anyone inspired to write a book?
Make the decision and start. In the back of my book I share a simple process for manifesting which you could use.
Can you give me a hint about any further books you’re planning to write?
Right now I am still in the babymoon period with this recent book baby, I have no immediate plans to conceive another just yet.
And, finally, are your proud of your accomplishment? Was it worth the effort?
I am very proud of this book. I love that I am now a published author of a book that can touch many peoples lives and awaken their purpose, their legacy. It also feels incredible to bring other entrepreneurial leaders dreams of writing a book into reality.
Pop all your book, website and social media links here so the readers can find you:
You can connect with me through my website www.sarahparkes.com
To order the book and find out more about the authors visit www.awakeninglegacy.co.uk
Check me out on facebook https://www.facebook.com/sarah.parkes.12
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-parkes-73383b31/
Instagram https://instagram.com/howtotalksokidswilllistenuk
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