An Interview with Janet Wilson

Janet is a multi-genre artist and design consultant. She’s a shining example of turning challenges into opportunities. Being creative to the core, her inspiration comes from nature and she’s following the urge within to dwell in the quiet stillness she has come to know. It is here that the words come—expressed through her writing, poetry, photography or art. She knows she is here to make a difference and help others get through the suffering and learn how to soar.

What inspired you to start writing this book?

Last year I crawled out of another deep depression by booking a trip as my “End Game.” I was so stuck, but the trip both opened and stole my heart.

After experiencing life in Nepal and a boarding school in southern India, it was in a hotel room when I knew I still had a purpose here, and I needed to write this book.

I’ve almost died and left this life so many times. I would never end my life, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t want it to be over. Through every depression, injury, illness, lesson and loss I believe that I am here for a reason. My drive to make a difference gets me through again and again.

The reason has to be more than caregiving my family elders. I am not going to abandon them now when they need me the most; but, I cannot wait until they are gone before I step out and be all I am meant to be.

I know others are also stuck in whatever scenario that is sucking them dry. We each have to find our way by understanding, awareness, making choices, and taking care of ourselves first—not last. We need to BE more, not do more! We need to heal, gain our strength, believe in ourselves, learn to love and accept ourselves now—just as we are.

We need each other.

I am me. You are you. We are us, and together we can make a difference.

This is what inspires me to write this book.

Tell us the story of your book’s current title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?

Beckoned to Become

As I started writing, I labeled the files as “UNstuck.” But as the chapters came, one day I heard within myself that I was beckoned to become. And that was it!

Describe your dream book cover.

There is a paper mill in Kathmandu that harvests the water lillies out of the river and makes hand made paper.

I would love to have my photo of a Himalayan blue butterfly fluttering along above its own shadow.

If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?

Well, I have written a song from one of my poems. The main lyrics are done, I just need it mixed with a melody… I need the notes composed. A few months ago, I wrote to and asked Barbra Streisand to do it with me but I haven’t heard back. I’ll follow up and reach out to her again—I know she has been very busy.

There’s also:

“Right Where I Belong” by Natalia & Fearless Soul

“Butterflies” by Kacey Muskgraves

(But I didn’t find my way by someone else loving me and finding me. It’s just me.)

What books are you reading (for research or comfort) as you continue the writing process?

Memoirs from other writers.

I’m trying to understand the market and where I fit in…

Seems like Jamie Kern Lima’s book Worthy is leaving big steps to follow into!

What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?

Other than multiple art and marketing projects as a freelance consultant, I’ve designed and built houses, including the finishing touches of stone tile mosaics, gardens and landscaping.

I’ve been in the film industry, a webmaster, cleaned houses while recovering from a head injury, and played tennis on a U.S. team. I’m currently a sponsored pickleball player and certified to teach.

What few people know: A very long time ago I played classical guitar duets, and I was a high school ambassador to Europe.

Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?

I love to write and I have to express myself. There are too many thoughts and ideas. I hear messages within, and I’m aware of ‘knowing things’—I cannot keep them inside. It gets too loud;I need calm and quiet.

I’m just so sensitive! Nature and someone influences me every day. Kahill Gibran, Rumi, Helen Keller, Maya Angelou…phrases like “practice random acts of kindness,” etc.

Where is your favorite place to write?

Surrounded by nature: either under the big mesquite tree I call ‘the Guardian’ or near a big window where I can see and connect to life around me.

Do you have any writing rituals?

I’ve come to know a quiet stillness within, and after so many years I realize that I rarely leave this space. I just need to be quiet…it just needs to be quiet around me.

From within, I learn, understand and the words come.

What is one thing you hope readers take away from reading your book? How do you envision your perfect reader?

Any and every one who is feeling stuck, exhausted, overwhelmed and struggling is who I am sharing this book with.

Don’t give up. You are not alone. There are steps to take and new opportunities to choose. I can help you find your way. We all have our own way, sometimes we just need some help in finding it!

You too are being beckoned to become.

Are you a writer, too? Submit your manuscript to Atmosphere Press.