I first met author Tara LaDue on Instagram. She is a beautiful, positive soul, and watching her make her book come to life, has been incredibly inspiring. Came To Believe, A Journey of Trust, Faith and Perseverance is Tara's spiritual memoir and is currently our Book of the Week! Enjoy getting to know Tara with my interview below:
SG (Suitable Gifts): This is your first book, congratulations on such a wonderful accomplishment! When did you first realize you wanted to write?
Tara (Tara LaDue): I always loved writing back in school. I talk about this in the book. Writing was my outlet, and my escape.
SG: Why did you decide to write this book?
Tara: I wrote to help me in my healing journey initially. I wanted to tell my truth with no edits as a way to release pain and shame. Then as I was writing it and telling people about it, I was made aware of how much this book will help others.
SG: Tell us about your book.
Tara: Came to Believe is a Journey of Trust, Faith and Perseverance. It is my spiritual memoir of how I had a shift in perception about my life. It is my healing journey from growing up in a fatherless home, being a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, living with the disease of alcoholism, and the unconditional love between a mother and daughter. By trusting in a power outside of myself, putting my faith in the Angels and the Universe I persevered. This memoir is how I Came to Believe in the power of manifestation and miracles.
SG: Why did you decide to self publish?
Tara: Well, I didn’t win the Hay House writer’s course contract, but I didn’t want that to stop me. I knew my story was important, and realized that publishing a book through a big publisher isn’t the only way. Also, I have learned that through self-publishing you have more control.
SG: Tell us about you.
Tara: Where do I start? I am a Kundalini Yoga Teacher, Sprit Junkie, the best dog mom ever, an Auntie, an awesome daughter, a wonderful friend, a go-getter and I love working on my spiritual development.
SG: Tell us about your social media business.
Tara: I coach spiritual entrepreneurs how to build their social media platforms with integrity and authenticity, I also manage accounts and I wrote a Social Media Guidebook for Spiritual Entrepreneurs of all my tips and tricks that is pretty inexpensive! It can be purchased at gum.co/kwRm
SG: What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
Tara: Kundalini Yoga, walking, Social Media, playing with Chester, my adorable shih tzu.
SG: What was one of the most surprising things you learned creating your book (about the writing process)?
Tara: It brings up a lot of emotions. Also, I learned that I needed to remove distractions! I love to write, but my mind would often wander to other things.
SG: What was one of the most surprising things you learned creating your book (about yourself)?
Tara: I have accomplished a lot! And, I should be very proud of myself.
SG: What is the writing process like?
Tara: I remember Doreen say to write at least 1 page a day. I tried this, but for me I would be on a roll for 3 months and bang out 5 chapters, then I would have to take a break and come back to it. Also, I felt I needed to get things done fast, I learned mid-way through to slow it down! Don’t rush, so I can write from the heart.
SG: What advice do you have for other writers?
Tara: Begin. Start now! Slow and steady wins the race after you begin. Be gentle on yourself, and remember self-care as you write. A lot of stuff comes up so it important to have a support system.
SG: Who inspires you?
Tara: So many people! Going through my Instagram newsfeed and seeing what everyone has accomplished. My mom inspired this book. I wanted to tell a story of healing between a mother and daughter. Gabby Bernstein has been a big influence on my journey. My Spirit Junkie sisters and brothers.
SG: I watched you on Instagram manifest this book, can you share a little bit about how?
Tara: I am a big manifestor and this book has a lot of manifesting stories and ways to manifest in it! So, I’ll let everyone read it to find out!
SG: How did writing your story heal you?
Tara: As I put my thoughts to paper, the tears shed, the shame dissipated. As I put my stories to paper, I smiled and laughed and realized I accomplished a lot of amazing stuff! It was all healing.
SG: Do you view writing as a type of spiritual practice?
Tara: Yes, In Alanon I was suggested to write 5 things I was grateful for a day. This causes a complete shift in energy. This is when I first realized writing caused spiritual growth.
SG: Do you have a ritual or spiritual practice before you write?
Tara: I ask my Higher Power to write through me. I have my larimar crystal that helps to write from the heart and my moonstone crystals near me. I burn incense and meditate first.
SG: Did you feel that you were divinely supported while you were writing your book?
Tara: Absolutely. My angels held my hand and hugged my little girl all along the way.
SG: What was the most challenging part of your book to write about?
Tara: The chapter where I talk about my childhood trauma of being a survivor of incest. It was the hardest for me to begin, but once I put my fingers to the keyboard it just flowed out of me.
SG: What was the most joyful part of your book to write about?
Tara: The healing with my Mom and I, but also the idea of finding your tribe and how I did it.
SG: How long did it take you to write your book?
Tara: The writing took a year and a half, but I started my social media platform for it 2 years ago.
SG: Did you write every day? For how long?
Tara: Not every day. I wrote when I felt moved to write and I wrote for as long as I knew it was coming from my heart.
SG: What authors do you like to read?
Tara: My girl, Gabby Bernstein. Marianne Williamson. Wayne Dyer. Caroline Myss.
SG: What books have had a strong influence on you or your writing?
Tara: All of Gabby Bernstein’s books. Also, Rebecca Campbell’s books. Doreen Virtue is really who made me feel like I could do it!
SG: What’s next?
Tara: Wow! I really want to enjoy the accomplishment of this book, Came to Believe. I already have my second book which will be titled, “You Are Only As Sick As Your Secrets,” which will be about my healing journey from childhood sexual abuse through Alanon, Kundalini Yoga, therapy, EMDR and EFT.
Thank you Tara for taking the time to share about your new book, your writing process, and your life. It is an honor to know you, and I am so thrilled that so many others will get to know you too, and will be helped by your book!
For more information:
To buy Tara's book or Kindle version: Came To Believe
Tara's website: http://www.taraladue.com
Alanon – 12 step program from the friends and family of alcoholics www.al-anon.org
EFT, Emotional Freedom Technique www.thetappingsolution.com
EMDR, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing www.emdr.com
In Gratitude & Love,
Kerri Mulhern
www.suitablegifts.com
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