Author Interview – Tracy Secombe – People Pleaser To Soul Pleaser

On The Table Read, “the best book magazine in the UK“, author and Wellbeing Coach Tracy Secombe talks about what inspired her self help book, People Pleaser To Soul Pleaser – Six Steps to Being Who You are Meant to Be.

Written by JJ Barnes

www.jjbarnes.co.uk

I interviewed Tracy Secombe about her life and career, what inspired her to write her self help book, People Pleaser To Soul Pleaser – Six Steps to Being Who You are Meant to Be, and her creative process.

Tell me a bit about who you are.

I grew up, the eldest of 5 children, in a country town in South Australia to a selfless nurse mother and entrepreneurial father. I was a perfectionist, high achieving “good girl” and ran different businesses from aged 18 including a physiotherapy company for 21 years.

I am married with three children and currently run a coaching business called Soul Pleaser and am part-owner and Wellbeing Coach for Farm Owner’s Academy. I published my first book in July 2022 called From People Pleaser to Soul Pleaser – Six Steps to Being Who You are Meant to Be.

When did you first WANT to write a book?

I have always wanted to write a book for as long as I can remember. I think I was very young when I was reading the Enid Blyton series.

When did you take a step to start writing?

In my early thirties when I was pregnant with my second child, I did a journalism diploma to improve my writing skills. Then in my forties I did a course about how to write fiction and started a science fiction book that I never finished.

In my late forties, when my mother passed away, my grief prompted me to examine the drivers behind my incessant need to succeed which caused me to work all the time and neglect important relationships. I started by writing a course which I taught to hundreds of people over five years. As I witnessed the impact this course had on so many people, I decided to turn the course into a book so that I might help more people.

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

Experts warned me not to reveal the whole story of my course in a book in case it prevented people from doing the coaching course and so I hesitated for a year or so. I went to a retreat with bestselling author Neale Donald Walsch as a gift to myself for my fiftieth birthday and he endorsed the idea, so I started writing that year.

I completed the first draft in nine months and then hesitated on publishing for another two years. Finding the time with a busy coaching business and family was my excuse, but fear of the book not being good enough was the true reason I wasn’t getting on with it.

In January 2022, I got COVID and isolated away from my family for ten days which gave me plenty of time. I stared working with an editor during those days and published six months later.

What made you want to write People Pleaser To Soul Pleaser?

Through the work I have done in my coaching business, I have witnessed profound changes in people’s lives, and I love the idea of being able to share that information with someone on the other side of the world who I will never know; to make a difference to someone’s life without needing any recognition for it.

What were your biggest challenges with writing People Pleaser To Soul Pleaser?

My biggest challenge was writing in short bursts between working and life’s everyday demands. I would just start to get into the flow, and it would be time to stop. I went away for a few days to do a chunk of the writing and found that a lot easier. That would be the dream, to write that way in the future.

What was your research process for People Pleaser To Soul Pleaser?

My research process was my coaching business. I had so many stories to use about the people I have worked with, including my own story. Although I used different names, I shared the stories with everyone included in my book to make sure they approved.

How did you plan the structure of People Pleaser To Soul Pleaser?

The structure of the six steps outlined in my book had already been created when I developed the course. I knew that the shift people experience changes every aspect of their lives and so the first part of the book covered how giving up people pleasing and becoming a soul pleaser would impact relationships, health and career and money.

I also included a chapter about how to know if and when people pleasing is a problem because so many people I have worked with were concerned that they wouldn’t be a nice person if they stopped people pleasing.

Part two outlines the 6 steps to take to make the shift from people pleaser to soul pleaser, and part three paints the picture of what life is like as a soul pleaser.

Did you get support with editing, and how much editing did People Pleaser To Soul Pleaser need?

Yes, I worked with a great editor who works with spiritual self-help authors and so her questions and suggestions were warmly welcomed. Although there wasn’t a lot of editing needed, the editing made was extremely beneficial.

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

Be yourself. Meditate or do something that causes you to feel inspired so that you can tap into that creative energy that will allow the words to spill out on the page in front of you. It is a delicious experience, one that can’t be forced but one that must be repeatedly started.

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

I didn’t think I would ever write another book again immediately after publishing this one. However, I love the idea of writing when I am coaching and speaking less in the future. I have not received the inspiration yet for another book, but I have a feeling that I will, and it will be at the perfect time, just like I feel my latest book was.

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

I am proud of my book, and it was definitely worth the effort. I receive messages daily from people who are benefiting from the words on the pages, and that was my intention, which brings me immeasurable satisfaction.

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

Book: From People Pleaser to Soul Pleaser: Six Steps to Being Who You are Meant to Be – https://www.tracysecombe.com.au/book

Website: https://www.tracysecombe.com.au/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tracy.secombe

Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/soulpleaser

Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/soulpleaser

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soul.pleaser/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6UlD5mI0gOOvjWp2cQdkYw?view_as=public

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-secombe-58979b35/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TracySecombe

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@soul.pleaser

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