Piper Willoughby is an ordinary human, whose journey of self-discovery has led her through a great transformation, allowing her to connect with the very essence of who she is, and letting her light shine brightly in the universe. As an intensely private person, she has adopted a pen name, which lends her an elemental fluidity within the twin flame community.
1) First, I want to thank you Piper for doing this interview with me! When did you know that writing is what you were called to do? What is it about being a writer that you love the most?
Although I’ve kept a journal since I was young, it wasn’t until my spiritual awakening that my writing became cathartic for me, a way to heal… so I just kept writing and then this book came out of me… I didn’t plan on “becoming” a writer… I didn’t really write the book, the book wrote me.
2) Can you tell us a little about your book(s) and where our readers can find out more about them and you? What was your inspiration behind writing your book?
So far I’ve published one book, and am editing the 2nd one, with a 3rd in the works as well. The books are about the twin flame journey, how they are your catalyst for change, and what it really takes to dig deep within oneself. The inspiration for the books was to show others that it can be done, and what it takes to get there – (yet written like a novel, not a self-help book) I see so many other people having this twin flame experience and they are in so much pain over it… I wanted them to know there is a way to get through it.
I can be found on
Instagram – Author Piper Willoughby
https://www.facebook.com/piper.willoughby
http://www.piperwilloughby.com/
3) What has been your most significant achievement as a writer thus far? What projects are you currently working on? Where do you see yourself within your career in the next five years?
The most significant achievement for me as a writer has been to actually publish the book! In that writing is an art, and when an artist shows their work it’s a lot like baring your soul to the world… it’s scary because you don’t know how it’ll be accepted… so that’s when you realize that the right people who need it will find it… and that it doesn’t matter what other people think anyway.
Within the next five years I want to be done with the story of Alex and Annie and spend most of my time painting.
4) What does your writing routine look like? Do you have a schedule for when you write? Do you outline your novels? How long does it generally take you to finish a novel?
I have very little of a routine. I try and stay in my flow. When I’m in it I write or edit all day long everyday and try and block out all the other things that want attention in my life – phone calls, appointments, socializing – it pretty much all goes – or then I’m just out and I’m typing on my phone at stop lights and waiting in lines, or talking into it while I’m driving only to get home and often not be able to make sense out of the talk to text translation (lol). Sometimes this flow doesn’t come to me for months, and then I just realize it’s not time… it can’t be forced. That’s why it’s hard for writers to have deadlines… And no, I don’t outline novels as I’m writing from my heart everyday and that just gets turned in to a book.
5) What’s the first book you ever read that really touched you emotionally and moved you? Who is your favorite author and what was your favorite book of theirs? What book are you currently reading?
First book I was really moved by – The Road Less Traveled by M. Scott Peck, 1979. Favorite Author – Paul Coelho, Book – The Alchemist.
I am currently not reading. It’s weird. I’ve always been an avid reader. About 5 years ago I stopped being able to read any kind of books… then I realized… it was because I was writing, so I suppose 2 things – 1, other people’s words may influence my own too much, and 2, I am always writing in my head – like even if I’m not putting pen to paper I am formulating ideas – this takes up gobs of time that I used to fill with reading.
6) How have you dealt with rejection within your writing career? What are your thoughts about how the publishing industry is drastically changing when it comes to traditional and self-publishing?
Rejection – well, people are either going to like or not – doesn’t really matter to me… Although, some of my friends in the spiritual community felt that by using a pen name I wasn’t standing in my truth, and I sort of felt that was a rejection of me. But I am standing in my truth more than ever before, and it doesn’t mean I need to be public about it. The topic is “out there” the journey is “weird”, not many people will understand the nature of the connection within the twin flame journey, so it’s not for everybody. I am a very private person, I am not looking for accolades or recognition, I am more interested in protecting my family and hoping that the message will get to those who need it.
I think being able to self-publish is fantastic… it means that more people are telling their stories… But it’s still a hug money making industry and very difficult to earn a buck when self-publishing. I only earn 10% of the sale of a book.
7) Do you believe that there is ever a point in life where it’s too late for an aspiring writer to become successful in this industry? Do you feel a late start would hinder their chances?
I don’t even consider age… if you’re a writer you write…. it’s a calling. I’m 57. I just published my first book last year. Age has NOTHING to do with it. Follow you passions, that’s the answer… and second question – well, first of all define “success”… a late start has nothing to do with it. There is no such thing as a late start… it’s about creativity and desire and passion.
8) So many writers say that they hate reading their own work? Do you, after editing, sit and read your own book(s)?
I neither love nor hate reading my own work. Sometimes I read a passage and thing – wow, I wrote that? I love it! Other times I cringe – and wish I could take the book off the shelf to make it better.
9) I feel like writing is a remarkable tool to help people not only express themselves, but also to cope emotionally and mentally. I know for me I write to be and feel more authentic. What unique quality is there about you, about your art, that you feel represents your authenticity? How does writing help you to be more empowered in your purpose?
For me writing is a way to process my emotions and help make sense of the way I’m feeling, where it’s coming from, and the release of it. This makes me more empowered not specifically in my “purpose” but in the navigation of my life.
Write 2 Be Magazine 