She is an author and a contemporary shamanic counselor who thinks outside the box of mental health issues and offers safe alternative practices.
Q.1 Tell us something about yourself that not many people know.
A. I graduated from an International School in Indonesia.
Q.2 When should we expect your next book? What will it be about?
A. The Weaving of Consciousness. A consolidation of what I have taught over the years offering insight and guidance. It should be out in 2025.
Q.3 When and why did you decide to write Voices Within: A Between Worlds?
A. Like many stories, it lurked within for a long time. I wanted to weave all the elements I am interested in into a tale like no other. When I found the right historical figure to base one of the characters on, I was off and running.
Q.4 What challenges did you face while writing this book?
A. As generally more of a non-fiction writer, learning how to weave everything together was a new learning curve and allowing myself to walk away and let things bubble was hugely important to the flow of what came through.
Q.5 Courage seems to be a recurring theme in the story, particularly in Isabo's willingness to confront the unknown. What message or insight do you hope readers will take away from her journey?
A. That even in the darkest of times one can find resilience and insight.
Q.6 The blurb mentions Isabo's journey of self-discovery and time travel. How did you balance the themes of mental health and historical adventure in the narrative?
A. I feel I weave it quite naturally as this is my main subject of interest.
Q.7 How did you research the historical aspects of the novel, particularly the witch-hunt era in Scotland?
A. I myself am from strong Scottish ancestry on both sides. My mother is Scottish-born. My grandparents are from Glasgow. I have a huge interest in my ancestral homeland and its history and have lived there. In regard to the novel, I researched quite a lot in the archives of the National Library Edinburgh and London and dare I say google.
Q.8 When did you first realize you wanted to become a writer?
A. I think after publishing my first book of nonfiction The Bridge Between Two Worlds (A Shaman's View of Schizophrenia and Acute Sensitivity) was like an inner stamp of acknowledgment that I had finally found my path and my voice.
Q.9 What was one of the most surprising things you learned while writing this book?
A. That the dark and creepy parts were so easy to imagine and write.
Q.10 What is your work schedule like when you’re writing?
A. I juggle my counseling with writing. So, a free morning is like gold and that’s when I love to write the most. If I have a deadline, I like to get it done earlier rather than later and I will move things around to accommodate that.
Q.11 Do you have any quirky or interesting writing habits?
A. I am quirky enough personally!
Q.12 What makes your book stand out from the crowd?
A. There isn’t a story like this out there, that combines, mental health, shamanism, and witches into a tale of resilience
Q.13 How do you know when a story is finished?
A. It feels like it comes to its natural conclusion.
Q.14 Who designed your book cover? What was the selection process?
A. Marc Potts is the cover artist. I have admired his work for a long time. Sleepy Hollow creative team took great direction regarding the design and what I wanted.
Q.15 It is vital to get exposure and target the right readers for your book. Tell us about your marketing campaign.
A. It's quite organic. If I follow the norm, I get lost. So, I beat to my own drum so to speak. I like supporting independent bookstores and events and key places where subjects like shamanism, mental health, and witchcraft lurk.
Q.16 Do you believe in writer’s block? If yes, how do you deal with it?
A. Writing comes and goes, and it feels quite natural in its ebb and flow. If I feel stuck or blocked, I know it’s time to walk away and let things bubble. They always do and then I’m back to writing again.
Q.17 Do you have any advice for aspiring writers who are just starting their journey?
A. Comparison is a terrible thing. Don’t compare yourself. There is no one like you... Learn to type with all fingers, you will be so glad you did!
Q.18 How do your friends or family feel about your book or writing venture in general?
A. Proud, and dare I say a little wary due to the subject matter.
Q.19 Are there any particular authors or books that have influenced your writing style or the creation of your book?
A. Charles De Lint has been a strong influence in the way he can switch between worlds within his stories. I learned that from him, without a doubt.
Q.20 Share the experience of your writing journey so far.
A. As I mentioned before it’s been very therapeutic. I love that you can express yourself in a myriad of ways and get it out of your head! That is certainly what it has been like for me. A journey of expression via the written word, from the first time I wrote in a journal as a kid to today answering these questions.
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Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/woundtracker/
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LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/odette-nightsky-128702b2/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/earthsuitlife/
Website - https://contemporaryshaman.net/
Yea odette, love your work.
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