Interview with Elizabeth Walker, Author of The Tablet of My Heart

Elizabeth Walker is the author of the memoir, The Tablet of My Heart. We interviewed her to find out more about her latest book and her life as a published author.

Thank you for this interview, Elizabeth. Can you tell us briefly what your latest book, The Tablet of My Heart, is all about?

Of course! The Tablet of My Heart began as an idea to publish poetic entries from the journal of a victim of sexual child abuse. My childhood journal. As I worked on the project it turned into more as I found myself narrating the poetry and explaining the actual events that they were written in reference to. By the time the manuscript was finished it flowed like a river that effectively told the entire story, rather than just bits and pieces of it like a journal or book of poetry would. The excerpts from the journal punctuate the story and really capture the raw emotion of the incidents. They sort of let the reader in the back door to observe, like only a journal can – while the narration holds the reader´s interest like only a story teller can. The story begins with loss, child abuse and neglect – but most importantly it ends in healing and victory over devastation and circumstance.

Can you tell us what (or who) was the inspiration behind your book?

My children were the inspiration behind this book. My sons were dealing with a great loss, as was I, at the absence of their father. He was involved heavily in cocaine and had very little contact with them. His addiction ended our 10 year marriage and caused a great emptiness where his relationship with his sons was concerned. The boys and I moved, I picked up two jobs to make ends meet, and my time with them became less during a time when they needed me more. They were devestated. I knew that telling them that this pain would not last forever would have about as much impact as telling a two-year-old to sit still, so I decided instead to show them. I started sharing my childhood story with them. I shared my pain and I shared my healing. I wanted them to see that emotional and spiritual healing were more than just words. If they could see my story of loss and abuse, then they would become aware of my healing as well and, though our stories were different, maybe they could find hope for their healing through my healing. Bigger ideas began to come alive as I went through my childhood journal and I decided, what better way could there be to show them how to heal, then to show them that helping others heal, brings healing. I wished that I was able to contribute to a foundation supporting the treatment and prevention of child abuse but my hands were financially tied. That is when I decided to publish the journal and give of the proceeds to a foundation that helps abused children: Childhelp USA.

Is this your first published book and if so, can you tell us your experiences in finding a publisher for it?

The Tablet of My Heart is my first published book and I did not submit my manuscript to a traditional publishing company. I decided during the manuscript preparation that no time should be wasted in an agent´s basket. I was on a mission. My heart wanted this book in print as soon as humanly possibly so I went around traditional publishing. I finished my manuscript, polished it and sent it off to a print on demand publisher. I looked into several different P.O.D. publishing companies and decided to go with Xulon Press. I felt that they would best help me to accomplish my goal.

How has Xulon Press been to work with?

I have enjoyed it a lot actually. It was comfortable to have so much control over the content. As I said before, I had a very specific purpose for the book, It was comforting to know that purpose wouldn´t get diluted by editing and logistics. The difficulties have been in promoting the book without the name of a big publishing company behind it.

Do you have an agent?

I do not have an agent. Because of the route that I chose to take in publishing The Tablet of My Heart, I didn´t try to find an agent. I will likely be submitting my next manuscript to agents though – so ask me again on my next time around. :0)

Can you tell us how long it took you to write your book and also how long it took from the time Xulon press sent the contract and the time it was released?

It took me about a year to take the manuscript from the idea to completion. It changed form a couple of times in the making, and of course, My sons are good at keeping me busy as well. Xulon press is faster than a traditional publisher is, so it only took about 8 weeks from the time of submission to publication. It was wonderful receiving the actual published work so soon.

Do you have any words of inspiration for other writers who would like to be wearing your shoes?

While I didn´t exactly deal with rejection in publishing this book, I have dealt with plenty of rejection trying to sell and promote it, being that it is a "self published" title. I have had more than a few let downs and at times have felt like I am butting my head into a wall. On the flip side, I have had some truly inspiring breakthroughs; Barnes and noble agreed to stock my book on shelves in select stores, Jana Kasza (her freedom radio) had me on her radio show to share my inspirational story of healing with her audience, A woman named Roberta from a home for abused and pregnant girls IN ROMAINIA distributed my story to the girls that she is helping to counsel, and more things have happened – and even more are to come. So, I can tell you from the experiences that I have had in trying to get this book into influential hands……If and when rejection comes, whether it be in finding a publisher or in finding an audience…charge at it full tilt as though it´s a red flag and you´re the only one in the room with horns, leave it (rejection) behind you in your dust – believe me the doors to the stadium will eventually open. Yes, they will.

I understand that you are on a virtual book tour with Pump Up Your Book Promotion in May. Can you tell us all why you chose a virtual book tour to promote your book online?

Of course! Dorothy with Pump up Your Book Promotion has far more online connections than I do – or that I have time to make :0) honestly, I´m kind of an internet moron so I needed help in a big way! She has been kind and helpful and I look forward to having her help me along on another one when my next book is complete. The Internet is full of people who are looking for stuff to talk about and talking about every new thing they find…I´d like to whisper in their ears about my little book and it´s big purpose to support the treatment and prevention of child abuse.

What´s next for you?

Well, a lot of things! In June I will be opening the doors of my own little business ThisLittleLightOfmine.Biz – which will also be a contribution to bringing awareness to the subject of child abuse, and the treatment and prevention of the same. I am also working hard and looking forward to completing the manuscript that I am currently working on by the end of 2009.

Thank you for this interview, Elizabeth. Can you tell us how we can find out more about you and your new book?

Please check my website often, that´s www.Tabletofmyheart.net. I will be posting news there! Don´t forget to leave me your own review of The Tablet of My Heart while you´re there. I love to hear what people think about it. Thanks so very much for having me!!