Author Interview – Shelley-Ann Healey – The Rainbow Experience

Written by JJ Barnes

www.jjbarnes.co.uk

I interviwewed Shelley-Ann Healey about her work, her motivation, and the creative process behind her new children’s book, The Rainbow Experience.

Tell me a bit about who you are.

Shelley-Ann Healey, I am 44 years old and live with my partner and 3 children in a small village outside Avebury, Wiltshire. UK. I trained as an Angelic Reiki Master in 2010 at the Academy of Angelic Healing in Harrow, North London. I wrote and published The Rainbow Experience based around my experiences with my son who at the time was non-verbal and undergoing assessments for Autism. I decided to observe life through the eyes of the child and through intuition and connecting with him spiritually, I began to learn a different way of learning and teaching. He was saying more in other ways even though he was unable to talk at that time.

When did you first WANT to write a book?

In 2016, after losing our family home and going through financial difficulty I needed to put my focus into something, which initially, the idea was to start a blog for parents. I changed my mind as it felt like there was more to it than just blog posts and each chapter was formed.

When did you take a step to start writing?

Not long after deciding the book had to be created in some way, I gathered information about how to create the book with little to no financial backing and it just flowed from there, I felt it was too important to share regardless of not having the finances to assist professionally. I did it anyway.

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

2 years in total. The book was first published via Amazon in May 2018.

What made you want to write The Rainbow Experience?

I felt a need to explore other perceptions; understanding them, and healing from experiences I’ve had, potentially inspiring and empowering others who have also walked similar pathways. I also thought about the possibility many other parents who were navigating life with an autistic child may need insight into other ways of getting to know their child beyond what they see on the surface.

What were your biggest challenges with writing The Rainbow Experience?

Not having the funds to get help in the final stages of publishing

What was your research process for The Rainbow Experience?

I was inspired by others who had done the same as I became aware of how easy it was to self-publish. I asked lots of questions to already published Authors before committing to the process of publishing.

How did you plan the structure of The Rainbow Experience?

I used Kindle based reading material of how to use create space to layout the pages, for instance, which was the best font to use and sizing of words. I asked an artist friend to get involved with the illustration of the front cover, which are my son’s actual wellington boots he wore when he was 3 and had another friend help with formatting this to fit the size of my book.

Did you get support with editing, and how much editing did The Rainbow Experience need?

I had no support with editing, I proof-read the book myself on 3 separate occasions, and edited it as I read until I was satisfied it could be published.

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

Just take each step, one at a time. Don’t look too far ahead to the end result otherwise it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the process. Ask questions from anyone else you know who has done it and get some tips from them.

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

Yes, it is named Reflections based on my journey with healing through ancestral trauma and how those cycles can show up in our lives energetically and how we can clear them spiritually to help the mental, emotional and physical body in a positive way. This also helps in breaking that cycle for the generations to come.

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

Absolutely! I see this as a massive achievement and worth every hour of the work I put into it. When reading back some of the chapters, I read it now and it feels like it was not me writing it, even though I remember the subject matter it was based on, I have forgotten most of the content and even find it useful to look back at pages from time to time. It is still helpful to me 3 years later. It is one thing to help other people and have an impact, but how often do we apply our intuitive knowledge and wisdom to our own lives?

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

www.elemental-expressions.co.uk

https://www.instagram.com/elemental.expressions/