By Guest Blogger, Victoria Bowmann Ph.D.
www.myrealhealth.com

© 2010 Victoria Bowmann Phd

Click Here to listen to Victoria’s interview with Jennifer at 9:00 am EST on the WomensRadio

When one thinks of “ready, set, go,” images of a track meet come to mind. Runners down on their hands, one foot on a starting block, and the other tucked deep underneath the thigh. When the starting gun fires, off they sprint at tremendous speed. And sometimes, seconds later, the race is finished. A mile race can take minutes, which is still a very short amount of time.

My race to be an author started in 1994. The publisher of a holistic medical journal (www.explorepub.com) had a family member sent to me by a doctor. This 84 year-old gentleman responded extremely well and within days, a long standing problem of constipation resolved. The publisher contacted the doctor and wanted an article explaining my program and why it worked.

Our introduction was made and so my race as a writer began. However, this race was not a 30-second endeavor.

The article was published and followed by a second one 8 months later. This brought an opportunity to present my work at a holistic conference where 45 out of 125 doctors complimented my presentation and the value of my information.

The publisher offered to consider additional articles and we collaborated on topics of interest for her journal.  I was privileged to write numerous articles. These became information sheets to hand to clients, since knowledge leads to compliance and that leads to success.

My race was becoming more than a sprint.

In 2000, a client came to me with Crohn’s disease. She had turned away from medicine because of the complications and side effects of medications. One day, after reading an article I had written, she commented that is was very good. I thanked her and yet she queried further: “Do you know what I do?” (I don’t ask a person’s occupation, so I didn’t know.) She explained: “Well I’m a writer and editor for a leading medical clinic, in gastroenterology. Your writing is very good.”

Her comment held more importance for me and we became friends. She helped direct me to information and ideas to improve my writing style. It was her encouragement that had me attend the Maui Writer’s conference in the fall of 2001. The break-out sessions were amazing and the interviews enlightening. However, my topic was far too personal and my credentials were not what a publisher felt was needed.

My return trip was filled with many emotions: depression, exhaustion, wanting to give up. “Who was I to think I could do this?” went through my mind so many times. But a little nudging deep inside also said: “This is important, give it time.”

Time allows ideas to gel, while my experiences increase. In my practice, the more experience I have, the more difficult the cases become. I have to dig deep to find the combination to help each one. Some cases follow the general plan, however we must always look at the individual.

After resolving a difficult case of C. Difficile for a physician/writer, he reinforced the need for this information to become more widely known. He asked: “SO when are you going to write your book? I have a publisher for you to meet, Saturday, for lunch.” It was an interesting lunch as we explored the numerous aspects of the process. I learned a lot.

And so the marathon began.

Writing in the middle of the night became a favorite for me: no phone calls or interruptions. As each concept unfolded, the right people came forward. Case histories and testimonials to validate the success piled up on my desk. Clients from years back just “seemed” to return. I was able to chart the long-term effects of my work.

Ten months later I turned the manuscript over to the publisher. We discussed the project a week later and I realized he didn’t share my vision or the understanding of the sensitive nature of my work. Nor did he appreciate the light-hearted humor I used to deliver the message.

Later that evening I realized that I needed 100% control over the message. It was my life’s work, and integrity to the work was my goal. As I made a mental commitment to go the extra mile, things began to happen. Associations became friends, offering networking contacts of importance. This is how I found the graphic artist, and the book broker, and the printer, and a PR team. Amazing. The money to support the project showed up too.

My race isn’t over. The marketing phase has just begun.

If I were looking for the end, I would probably just quit. But I’m enjoying the journey. Every day can and does bring new opportunities to say “Yes”.

Special Offer

Free Relaxation CD (value $9.95) with the purchase of her book (You Gotta Have GUTS) $17.95 + $5 S&H. Knowing how to use our minds can help change the habitual mind that contribute to dis-ease. This CD has three tracks: 1) Increase Vital Health, 2) Constipation Resolution and 3) Colitis Relief.  Please mention Your Book Is Your Hook (YBIYH) to receive this offer.

Click Here to listen to Victoria’s interview with Jennifer at 9:00 am EST on the WomensRadio