I had the great pleasure recently of narrating a fantastic
book from Pinnacle Book Achievement Award winner, author Dianna Bellerose, I
asked her to join me in an interview so we can learn more about her and this
moving story. First, a short synopsis of “Fire and Ice”;
Dianna, thank you so much for
joining me today, can you explain to the people who don’t know you a little
about yourself?
“First
of all thank you so much Rebecca for being so kind to have me as your guest,
very kind of you I am born and raised in Europe, my parents were working people
struggling to make two ends meet. I was not born with a silver spoon in my
mouth. Most of my childhood, I spend with my grandparents who were the most
wonderful, heartwarming people. I learned a lot from them, and I cannot have
words to thank them for helping me become the person I am today.”
Can you give me a synopsis of what your book Fire and Ice is
about?
“In Fire and Ice, Nancy, a naïve but
resourceful, kindhearted woman, marries her high school sweetheart. As a
working wife and mother, Nancy perseveres, despite having an abusive, alcoholic
husband.”
Is this book based on personal experience?
“Well Rebecca, thank you for this
question, a lot of people do ask me this question because my editor made it
like a narrative, but it is not from my life experiences personally. There is a
reality involved in my book taken from life's encounters. In all of the fiction
novels there is a chunk of truth, but it cannot be different. My book is a
result of my calling, the voice inside my head which made me write it.”
What made you want to write this book?
“I think I answered your question
patricianly, but I feel that I was meant to write this book. This voice is a
proof of this which did not give me peace. There were other signs which I was
seeing on a daily bases which triggered the whole process from writing until
publishing of my book. I did not have to think about title and the main
characters, everything was falling to place.”
How difficult was it for you emotionally, to write a book
about domestic violence?
“It was not easy for me to cope
during the whole process because I consider myself companioned person. I get
involved in other people's pain very easy, and I am taking it as a personal
thing. There were times when I had to stop and even cry. It was not easy task,
but I was able to do the job I have been chosen to do.”
What kind of message do you want people to take away from
reading your book?
“First of all and most important
thing is that no one should prefer someone else before him/herself. When you
love yourself first, you set standards for the other person. We all know that
love is a magical thing and that what life is all about, but there should be
boundaries. Never, never put yourself second and ignore what you God has given
you to do with your life. Always believe in yourself, know your value and do
not discount yourself for anyone, no matter what. If you do not follow these
simple rules, the outcome could be devastating. There is a power in each one of
us to overcome everything that gets on the way, but we do not have to tolerate
unhealthy relationship.”
As an advocate for ending domestic abuse, what advice can
you give others who may want to join in this cause?
“Love this question Rebecca, please,
please if you know someone who experience abuse and domestic violence, just tell
them to leave as soon as possible. It is not worth it to endure it, and it
could destroy person’s soul, self-esteem and love for life. Love does not have
to hurt if it is real. Tell them to love themselves and give support as much as
you can. Let's make this world a wonderful place to live, free of drama and
suffer. Your actions count, do not think for a minute that you cannot make a
change.”
What advice do you give to men and women who find themselves
in an abusive relationship?
“For men and women in a abusive
relationship Rebecca, I have this advice, find help if you do not know what to
do as soon as possible. Do not let yourself to continue being exposed to
violence and do it now. The sooner the better, it is your life after all.”
Do you have a message of hope or encouragement for families
in turmoil?
“My advice for these families is to
start taking charge of the situation right away. Most of the time communication
can do miracles, people get carried away because of job, relative's involvement
and other factors. Please talk to your partner, tell them how you feel. This is
a good way to know if you are on the same page with your spouse and if both are
willing to work on having a healthy relationship. Please, do not allow yourself
to be influenced by anyone, listen to yourself and your partner only.
Nobody knows what is going on in your marriage, but you and your partner.
Always be open to listen, be sensitive and do not try to get your way by
manipulation. If you really love your partner in life, you will always find a
way to work things out for the benefit of both of you.”
Do you have any other books in the works?
“I will be glad to share that I work
on my second fiction novel, it is second part of Fire and Ice. It is going to
be a surprise, so I do not want to tell more than that.”
What made you want to translate “Fire and Ice” into an
audiobook?
“Nowadays, people are very busy, and
I thought that an audio book would be a great thing.”
Where can people find your book Fire and Ice?
“My book is available on all major
online book sellers’ websites, Amazon, B&N and thankfully to you on Audible.com
and iTunes.”
Dianna, as someone who read your book, and had the
opportunity to work with you to bring the audiobook to life, I think this has a powerful message, I hope it reaches peoples hearts and minds, and am honored to
work with you on it.
Thanks for sharing your time and this wonderful book with
us. Any last thoughts?
“Rebecca, I want to thank you for your
support and opportunity to have interview with you. I feel grateful for
the wonderful job you did with my book. Congratulations on your
professional job and the ability to make the heros of my book come alive. I
wish you all the best and thank you for your kindness.
My last thoughts are that no matter how
hard life is, what kind of obstacles you are forced to overcome, YOU have the
power to do it. Never give up, no matter what and do not allow your bad
experiences to define you. You are wonderful and loving person and nothing can
change that.”
Best
wishes, Dianna Bellerose
Thank you Dianna, and I look forward to you new book when it
comes out.
For all of you out there that wish to download the audiobook
version of “Fire and Ice” by Dianna Bellerose, follow these links to Audible,
Amazon and ITunes.
For more on the author and to follow her blog and her continuing
struggle to end domestic violence please visit her here.
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