Thursday, December 5, 2013

Interview & Giveaway with Best-Selling Author and Mentor Michelle Cruz Rosado, author of "PURSUING YOUR DESTINY"

For this week's BB Writers Retreat, I thought it would be a wonderful idea to invite Inspirational Speaker, Best-Selling Author and Mentor Michelle Cruz Rosado, co-author of PURSUING YOUR DESTINY.  
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00E6TBR4E/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00E6TBR4E&linkCode=as2&tag=lima07-20
Michelle Cruz Rosado, co-author of PURSUING YOUR DESTINY
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00E6TBR4E/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00E6TBR4E&linkCode=as2&tag=lima07-20
Michelle Cruz Rosado has devoted herself to teaching and mentoring around the world through words of love, hope and perseverance. Rosado's story has been featured on CNN, NBC Nightly News, FOX and BBC.

Lia Mack:  Michelle, thank you so much for speaking with us today. 

Please start us off by telling us why you write.

Michelle Cruz Rosado: I write to communicate from spirit in ways that my mind finds distracting. Writing gives me the opportunity to express myself solely from the depths of my heart and not by the demands of others. I write to inspire others, and in turn inspire themselves.

Writing has been a passion of mine since my early years in high school. My English teachers were extremely supportive of my work and encouraged me to be a writer. I began my writing journey with poetry, then on to articles for the school newspaper.
After the tragedy of September 11 however, I wrote an article entitled, "Will I Recover", a personal account of my escape from Tower 2 when the first plane crashed into Tower 1. The article was released on October 6, 2001 was followed by "The Recovery", in September of 2006. Both articles became the foundation for my co-authored book, "Pursuing Your Destiny" and has motivated me to continue writing through my blog.

Lia Mack:  Can you tell us a little about your book? 

Michelle Cruz Rosado: "Pursuing Your Destiny" is a story of survival and forgiveness. It first describes my experience on September 11, 2001 and takes the reader back in time as two children growing up in different parts of New York. Through the journey, I also describe my spiritual awakening and share ways of how to overcome any adversity one faces.

Lia Mack:  What was the most challenging aspect of writing this particular story? 

Michelle Cruz Rosado: Through weeks of contemplation I decided to share very personal stories of my childhood and as a survivor of domestic abuse. When I realized the book was not about the authors but about the reader, the fear and resistance subsided. It's important for everyone to know that they are never alone, and each of us has the ability to heal.

Lia Mack:  What are you working on now? 

Michelle Cruz Rosado: I'm currently working on a piece for a New York City publication which will be released in December 2013, as well as working on my mentoring/consulting business.

Lia Mack:  What does your typical writing day look like? 

Michelle Cruz Rosado: A typical writing day is in between the emails, calls and research. I always have a Word document open to type whatever comes to me. I could find myself writing from 7:00am to 9:00pm at times, if I'm truly inspired.

Lia Mack:  Can you share a photo of what your writing space looks like? 

Michelle Cruz Rosado: Below :-)

Lia Mack:  Do you read while you write? What are you reading now? 

Michelle Cruz Rosado: If something sways my attention I'll take the time to read it while I'm writing. I'm currently reading Dale Carnegie's classic, "How to Stop Worrying and Start Living." It's helping me calm my inner critic and confidently move forward in my writing.

Lia Mack:  If you could go back in time, what advice would you give yourself if you could speak to the aspiring writer you once were? 

Michelle Cruz Rosado: Nothing can stop you from expressing what you feel, whether it pertains to a traumatic experience or the happiest moment of your life. You have the right to write.
 
Lia Mack:  I like that! "You have the right to write."

Thank you so much for being our guest author today. Where can BB readers go online to find you and your work? 

Michelle Cruz Rosado: My book, speaking, consulting and mentoring services can all be found on my official site, www.MichelleRosado.com.
Michelle Rosado's writing space :)

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