Hello and welcome to my blog, Author Interviews. My name is Fiona Mcvie.

Let’s get you introduced to everyone, shall we? Tell us your name. What is your age?

Jennifer Griffin, Aries, Year of the Dog, age 47

Fiona: Where are you from?

Baltimore, Maryland, USA

Fiona: A little about your self (ie,  your education, family life, etc.).

I have a Minor in German, B.S. in Pschology, and Masters in Counseling Psychology with a minor in Organizational Developemnt, yet my true credentials in my life as a mom to 4 lifeschooled, homebirthed children and married to a wonderful school teacher.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

My newest book, Understanding Morning Sickness as a Gift, is a #1 New Release and is soon to be reviewed in Midwifery Today.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I began writing six years ago in November of 2011 during National Novel Writing Month with a commitment of just 30 minutes a day during that month. Then I picked up writing again the following November, committing to just 30 minutes a day and pub;lished the book in 2016. I always wrote for at least 30 minutes, and sometimes, when the writing came easily, I kept writing for an hour.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

Not until after I published my first article in Elephant Journal. I had already self-published a book, but somehow did not consider myself a writer and now I cannot believe I ever did anything elese.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

My second daughter screamed non-stop for almost 3 years. She finally stopped crying and transformed from the most difficult child ever to the most peaceful, easy-going one, after our family accepted that she was expressing my husband’s unexpressed feelings, and he learned how to authentically express his feelings.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title? .

The titles of my books are to support the idea of transforming adversity into gifts. My first book, Understanding Your Child as a Spiritual Gift, http://mybook.to/spiritualgiftxo,  is about how tantrums are manifestations of a parent’s unexpressed feelings and “a gift waiting to be opened,” not a behavior to be controlled. Within the behavior is an opportunity and reminder for the parent to express themselves authentically. This book came out of my experience with my constantly screaming second child and with the application of this theory, she is now such a sweet and grounded child. The second book, Understanding Morning Sickness as a Gift, http://mybook.to/HG, is also an inspiring healing guide focused on my trials with severe morning sickness, called hyperemesis gravidarum, and how by examining my perfectionism and unresolved illness, I was able to overcome this bewildering and debilitating condition.

Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style? Is there anything about your style or genre that you find particularly challenging?

I like to write raw, honest accounts of our inner and often unseen worlds and how that creates challenges when not authentically expressed, while providing DIY healing techniques that anyone can you at home to transform their adversities. My books are a combination of a memoir/healing guide.

Fiona: How much of the book is realistic and are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

My books are all non-fiction about my life and life of parents around me.

Fiona: To craft your works, do you have to travel? Before or during the process?

No, I used to travel a lot before kids and think it has opened my mind tremendously and influences my writing. Now I am very happy to write from home and stay very local. I am the happiest when I am less than five miles from home.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

My husband

Fiona: Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

Adversity is a gift and that empowering yourself to heal with DIY techniques is so important.

Fiona: Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?Who is your favorite writer, and what is it about their work that really strikes you?

I love that Kurt Vonnegut and Douglas Coupland tell you who they are in their writings and share their inner process. John Green is my favourite young adult writer because he captures the inner minds of teenage boys and creates such engaging female characters.

Fiona: Outside of family members, name one entity that supported your commitment to become a published author.

My editor Louise Ash has been an amazing resource, giving endless support and building my confidence.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

Yes, I see it as my next career as I finish raising my children.

Fiona: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

I would change the front and back covers of my first book. No pressing changes for my second book.

Fiona: Did you learn anything during the writing of your recent book?

How writing from your soul is so much easier.

Fiona: If your book was made into a film, who would you like to play the lead?

Since I do not watch much television or film, this is a hard question to answer.

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

Just commit to writing a certain amount each day for a specific time period-just 30 minutes a day for 30 days can produce a lot.

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

Find what your souls is screaming to do.

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

Of Water and the Spirit by Malidromo Patrice Some, Summerhill by A.S. Neill,with my kids Eleven Birthdays by Wendy Mass and Tiger Rising by Katie DiCamillo

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

No, but I used to take out stacks every Saturday at the library because my parents allowed me to get as many as I wanted. I do remember my first term paper was on the Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger. I recently reread it and was surprised how much I still loved it. I think this may be because I feel so connected to my teenage years these days as I raise my two teenage daughters and somewhat relive the wonder of those raw and intimate times.

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

My oldest daughter’s impersonations and humor. I cry out of joy/touching moments the most.

Fiona: Is there one person, past or present, you would love to meet? Why?

I would love to hangout with my grandma more. We were born on the same day, and she died before I had any children and I would love for her to meet them.

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

Urban farming and figuring out how to DIY as much as possible.

Fiona: What TV shows/films do you enjoy watching?

I do not enjoy films or TV in general and take a few years to watch a T.V. show. I did enjoy Parenthood and sometimes watch the Isralei show Srugim.

Fiona: Favorite foods, colors, music?

Sprouted walnuts with currants, raspberry kombucha, purple and 70’s and 80’s music.

Fiona: Imagine a future where you no longer write. What would you do?

Relax in hot springs and laugh with my grandchildren.

Fiona: What do you want written on your head stone?

Embrace your Child as a Gift and Find What Your Soul is Screaming to Do.

Fiona: Do you have a blog or website readers can visit for updates, events and special offers?

http://spiritualgiftinstitute.com

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Jennifer-Griffin/e/B01N5SK8VA/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1