Writer Lani Gonzales joins me today to chat about her spiritual self-help book, Rebirth of a Sage.
During her virtual book tour, Lani will be giving away a $20 Amazon or Barnes and Noble (winner’s choice) gift card to a lucky randomly drawn winner. To be entered for your chance to win, use the form below. To increase your chances of winning, feel free to visit her other tour stops and enter there, too!
Bio:
Born in the Philippines, Lani Gonzales immigrated to Virginia, USA, with her family when she was only two years old. Determined to emulate her parents’ discipline and ambition, Lani worked through college and law school and is now a practicing partner in a successful law firm in Tampa, Florida. A world-traveling, volunteering, energy-healing, aspiring hypnotherapist, Lani is committed to using her light as a beacon to help others find theirs.
Welcome, Lani. Please tell us about your current release.
Rebirth of a Sage is my first book. I published Rebirth of a Sage in October 2022. Through a course on self-publishing, I learned that a successful self-published book sells approximately 250 copies within two years. I was surprised and humbled when Rebirth of a Sage sold almost 1,000 copies within the first month.
What inspired you to write this book?
Our secrets keep us sick. Rebirth of a Sage shares the story of how I learned to unbury the traumas of my past and find true healing. After participating in an ayahuasca ceremony, I learned that I am greater than any grief. I wrote Rebirth of a Sage to honor the little girl that I once was who suffered in silence and shame. I wrote Rebirth of a Sage as an offering of my love and my light to those still searching in the darkness.
Excerpt from Rebirth of a Sage:
My chronic illnesses, uncurable by doctors, had vanished. My allergies dissipated. I started and ended each day with meditation and gratitude instead of a handful of medications. My body knew exactly how to heal itself. After decades of relying on doctors who medicated my symptoms, I learned to trust my body, and it finally found the cure.
What exciting project are you working on next?
My next book is called, The Faces of God. There are so many books about famous people. The Obamas, Gandhi, Mother Teresa, Martin Luther King, etc. I’ve travelled the world solo, and the most meaningful life lessons I’ve received were from ordinary people, locals, and strangers that most people would simply pass by. From each person I met through my travels, I saw divinity: I saw God. The Faces of God will tell the stories of “ordinary” people and their divinity within.
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
Since I was 23, I’ve worked as a lawyer. My job consists of extensive writing, but I didn’t consider myself a writer until I began to write Rebirth of a Sage. I considered myself a writer when my writing was not motivated by a paycheck but my passion.
Do you write full-time? If so, what’s your workday like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?
I’m currently a lawyer in Tampa, Florida, and I am currently in school to become a hypnotherapist. I try to find a little bit of time to write each day, even if it’s just a message of inspiration to myself.
What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I love alliteration, and I will use it whenever possible.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to become a pianist, artist, animal keeper and lawyer.
Anything additional you want to share with the readers?
Rebirth of a Sage is not a traditional, step-by-step self-help book. Rebirth of a Sage is simply intended to spread hope. I do not believe that anyone needs a step-by-step guide on how to live and how to heal. Within each of us is every answer and every cure. We need only learn to unbury our afflictions to discover the divine within.
Links:
Website | Instagram | TikTok | Amazon
Thanks for hosting!
Thank you for sharing my story!
This sounds like a really good book to read.
Thank you for sharing your interview, bio and memoir details, I have enjoyed reading about you and your work and I am looking forward to reading your story