This past month, my sixth book was released—and I have
discovered I am still not used to the whole process of launching a new baby
into the world. Besides, there is an extra dose of uncertainty for me in it all
this time around, for two reasons. Firstly, it is my first published work of
non-fiction. So will those who have read any of my previous five novels be
prepared to follow me into the world of non-fiction? And for that matter, will any
of those people who don’t read novels be prepared to try my non-fiction
offering?
But secondly, I wonder if some readers will find my new book
a little too personal and subjective for their tastes. You see, it is entitled Soul Friend: The story of a shared spiritual
journey and is an honest and intimate portrayal of my own journey with my
wise, spiritual mentor and the warm, life-giving relationship that developed
between us during our fifteen years of meeting together. Just as I did in my
novels, I am still telling a story—but this time it is all true! And that makes
me feel very vulnerable indeed.
Yet in another way, I am so excited that this baby of mine has
been launched. Apart from wanting to honour my mentor, who is now almost
eighty-two, I hope by writing my story to inspire those who read it to seek out
a spiritual friendship for themselves or perhaps to provide such a friendship
for another. And I also hope to encourage any who are facing similar issues in
their own lives not to give up but to find the support they need to pursue
their God-given dreams. For any of you who might care to here this spelt out a
little more, here is a brief interview style book trailer for Soul Friend:
How have you found the whole experience of letting one of
your ‘book children’ loose? Has it been a mixture of joy and trepidation for
you as well?
Jo-Anne Berthelsen lives
in Sydney but grew up in Brisbane. She holds degrees in Arts and
Theology and has worked as a high school teacher, editor and secretary, as well
as in local church ministry. Jo-Anne is passionate about touching hearts and
lives through both the written and spoken word. She is the author of five
published novels – Heléna, All the Days of My Life, Laura, Jenna and Heléna’s
Legacy—and one non-fiction work, Soul Friend: the story of a shared spiritual
journey. Her sixth novel, The Inheritance, will be released in 2013. Jo-Anne is
married to a retired minister and has three grown-up children and three
grandchildren. For more information, please visit www.jo-anneberthelsen.com or www.soulfriend.com.au.
Jo-Anne, thanks for sharing your book trailer and I'm looking forward to reading your book in February for the ACRBA blog alliance tour :) In 2014 my first fiction book will be released. I'll be embarking on this new and exciting journey, and praying my book will be a blessing to those who read it.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Narelle! That's so exciting for you and I bet it will be an excellent book too! And I'm looking forward to being part of the ACRBA blog alliance tour soon as well. God bless
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