Pump Up Your Book Chats with Robyn Wheeler – author of “Born Mad”

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After several years of chronic anger, depression and frustration, Robyn Wheeler was diagnosed with a low-grade chronic depression known as Dysthymia. Dysthymia is categorized as a mood disorder and often goes undiagnosed by those suffering from it as well as mental health professionals. Now on medication to help her deal with a mental disorder, Robyn has written a book about her journey, thoughts of suicide and her courage and determination to become “normal”.

Born Mad will shed light on chronic anger, how it festers to the point of wanting to do harm to yourself and others. Robyn will take you through her anger as a small child, her denial as an adult as well as the many technigues and therapies she tried in an attempt to rid herself of chronic anger, hate and anxiety.

Visit her website at www.bornmad.org.

On Born Mad

Q: Can you tell us why you wrote your book?

I wrote my book so others that may be suffering from Dysthymic Disorder may become aware of it. After I was diagnosed with dysthymia I searched for others with the disorders but was unable to find a book written by someone who actually lived with the disease.

Q: Which part of the book was the hardest to write?

My feelings and thoughts about all the events that took place in my life.

Q: Does your book have an underlying message that readers should know about?

To stay determined, never quit and even the toughest times you go through may turn out to be the best thing that ever happened to you.

On Writing

Q: Do you remember when the writing bug hit?

After i was diagnosed and thought someone might benefit from hearing my story.

Q: Do you have a writing tip you’d like to share?

No, not really.

On Family and Home

Q: Would you like to tell us about your home life? Where you live? Family? Pets?

I live with my husband Ron, married in 1998 and my cat zoey on 9 acres in Mabank Tx which is about 1 hour southeast of Dallas. I used to be a wildlife educator and lived with 40 species of animals including snakes, spiders, lizards, small mammals, birds, amphibians and tortoises. I sold my business after 15 years as The Creature Teacher to pursue a career as a writer, author and public speaker.

Q: Where’s your favorite place to write at home?

At the computer usually which is in my office

Q: What do you do to get away from it all?

Go to the movies, exercise, and go to I Can Do It Conferences by Hay house.

On Childhood

Q: Were you the kind of child who always had a book in her/his hand?

No. I read some but not a book worm.

Q: Can you remember your favorite book?

I liked Jonathan Livingston Seagull, the Little House on the Prairie series, The Phantom Tollbooth.

Q: Do you remember writing stories when you were a child?

No I didn’t write much as a kid.

On Book Promotion

Q: What was the first thing you did as far as promoting your book?

Get an account on Facebook and Twitter. Give away copies to family and friends.

Q: Are you familiar with the social networks and do you actively participate?

I don’t participate as much as I should but I do have accounts with Red Room, Goodreads, Linkedin, Digg and the two mentioned above.

Q: How do you think book promotion has changed over the years?

With the internet I’m sure it is easier to reach more people and people all around the world. It probably still takes several years to promote a book though.

On Other Fun Stuff

Q: If you had one wish, what would that be?

I would like to stay in the Poisedon hotel which is 40 feet under the water off the Figi islands.

Q: If you could be anywhere in the world other than where you are right now, where would that place be?

Someplace peaceful, with less traffic, people and smog. Maybe…Hawaii or Australia or I don’t know, I haven’t traveled much.

Q: Your book has just been awarded a Pulitzer. Who would you thank?

My family and friends, my counselors, book publishers and promoters.

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How do you make sales happen for you?

A lot of hard work! I sponsor a lot of on line parties, festivals and contests. Book sales don’t magically happen, believe me. An author has to work hard to earn her readers. And then she has to work hard to keep them by giving them something they’ll enjoy reading. I try hard to make my books worth a reader’s time.

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