Writer Davis K. Brimberg, PhD is chatting with me about her new book, Teachings from the Gatekeeper: A Memoir and Journey into Parapsychology.
Bio:
In addition to being an author, I am a licensed clinical psychologist in private practice and former college professor. For years, I also served as a volunteer Handler/Educator of owls.
Welcome, Davis. Please tell us about your current release.
My book guides the reader through the fascinating world of the paranormal. I translate academic research from major institutions and Nobel laureates into readable, page-turning prose for the general audience. I weave in heartfelt personal anecdotes as teaching examples and paint a moving picture of how the paranormal touches us all. Some of the topics I explore include: psychic abilities, ESP, clairaudience, claircognizance, precognitive dreams, premonitions, near-death experiences, reincarnation, synchronicities and other theories by Carl Jung, déjà vu, and why owls have been revered and feared throughout history. I also teach the reader about owl handling.
What inspired you to write this book?
I originally wanted to teach a course in parapsychology. While I was looking into how to pitch this class to the local university, I looked into potential textbooks to assign. I did not like any of them and decided I would write my own book instead. I have personally had a large volume of parapsychological experiences and so, I added my stories into the book to help the reader see how these episodes appear in real life.
What exciting project are you working on next?
I am currently writing my second book. It teaches the reader how to improve their intuition.
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
Years ago, I wrote a monthly column for a magazine. After I received my first paycheck, I decided that I could officially call myself a writer.
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 am a clinical psychologist in private practice. I write when I am not seeing clients which can occur at all hours of the day. Inspiration comes to me at unexpected times. Since writing my books, I have been losing sleep, but it’s been worth it!
What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I wrote my first book seven days a week for one year. The entire process never felt like work to me in the traditional sense. I felt as if Ihad to write the book. I loved the experience so much that soon after I released my first book, I began writing my second.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
When I was a child, one of the professions I spoke about was becoming a writer. Ironically, I never mentioned wanting to become a psychologist!