“Writing is like making love. Don’t worry about the orgasm, just concentrate on the process.”
~ Isabel Allende

In recent months, I’ve been in the beautiful and messy process of writing a book. I’m not sure if I’ve always dreamt of author, but writing has always been a big part of who I am and how I express myself. I remember secretly crafting little stories and poems on piece of paper from as young as 8 years old. I’d tuck them away safely under my bed and only share them with friends who I trusted.

The experience of writing a book has been interesting. I am discovering that it requires a great deal of patience, confidence and dedication. It isn’t a clear cut process. Ideas constantly evolve, new perspectives creep in and the urge to go back and rewrite different sections is constant. I hate loose ends. I like knowing that I’ve completed what I started and that it can be scratched of my list. Writing short pieces gave me this satisfaction because it is a concise process in which the path was clear and the end was in sight. So book writing has been quiet an adjustment for me.

At the moment, I am happy see things finally taking shape. The exercise has stretched me. It has called on me to trust myself more and to allow the Universe to guide me. It has forced me to connect more to my heart space and to flow with Divine Spirit.

Finding inspiration is important in helping me stay motivated.  When I am stuck in my ego or give power to my fears, things stagnate. When I surrender and go with the flow of creation, then inspiration and guidance always shows up. Nature has been an incredible source of inspiration. I begin most days by meditating under the pale blue sky in my garden. Those moments of stillness always trigger incredible insights and a clear focus.

Another source of inspiration showed up in a book that I discovered a while ago. A few years ago, when I worked as an Environmental Research I began collecting out of print South African books, life histories and memoirs from the 1800s. I’m fascinated with the historical stories that they told. I also wanted to understand what the natural environment looked like when the European settlers arrived before natural habitats were destroyed for development or cleared away for farmland.

One of the books I ordered was called The Hippo Poacher. According to the bookshop information, it was authored by Oliver Walker. Imagine my surprise when the book arrived and I discovered my great-great-grandfather’s name –Domenic Dunn – also appeared on the spine of the book right next to Oliver Walker’s. It was so exciting to discover that he co-authored the book and also assisted with the research for a novel that Oliver Walker wrote about his father.

The unexpected discovery inspired me. Each time I see his name on the spine of the book, I feel motivated by his example. Somehow it makes me feel that if did it then I can too. It always reminds me that I want touch people’s hearts with the words that I share. I want to leave a mark that inspires others, and my future children especially, in the same way that he’s achievement inspired me.

Each one of us has so much to offer the world. I love being reminded of my purpose and of my potential to impact on others with love and inspiration. I am hopeful that I will be able to do this with my book when I eventually complete and publish it. The possibility of it excites me and in my heart it feels that it was meant to be.