Is this your first book?

Yes, and at first I was very intimidated by the process of picking a subject to write about.  Then I had an epiphany. I realized I could write more than one book!  I have so many ideas in my head and eventually they'll all find their way onto the page.

How did you publish your book?

I weighed many options, read so many articles, and listened to all sorts of podcasts on writing and publishing.  Basically, it came down to whether or not I wanted to be a New York Time's bestseller.  That wasn't my personal goal.  I wrote the book for myself, for my daughters, and for the handful of people who find my writing to be healing.  If it goes beyond that, then it’s a bonus.  So...I opted to self-publish.  It's ultimately more legwork and has different costs associated with it, but you also have the ability to retain more earnings to cover your expenses.

How long did it take you to write your book?

I signed up for a writing program called The Author Incubator.  I go into far more detail in the book, but basically I needed some external accountability.  The program kept me on task with assignments and it actually only took me 3 months to write the book. It was an intense July, August, and September of 2019, but it likely would have taken me 3 years (or forever) had I tried to do it on my own.  Although the writing process was fairly quick, it took me years prior to build up the courage to write, and then all the backend work (cover art, website design, printing, distribution, etc) took several months more.

When will you do your first TED talk?

Whoa, one brave thing at a time!   Although I actually do have visions of standing on stage talking to an audience, for now, I am trying to embrace the journey of becoming a writer and releasing my first book. I do have a my dream of speaking to one person in particular…someday I would like to sit with Oprah under the oaks on Super Soul Sunday.  We can and ought to dream outloud...

What does your ex-husband think of the book?

Max was the very first person that I asked to read the draft manuscript.  I wanted his nod since he is referenced throughout the book.  And it was important that he knew I wrote from scars instead of open wounds.  We sat together as he read it. Once he was finished, he remarked, "I thought you were kinder to me than I thought you'd be."  I smiled.

Are you still a doctor?

Yes, I still practice medicine as an independent contractor.  I spend anywhere from 2-14 days per month providing Anatomic Pathology coverage at two different hospitals.  I love to utilize my brain in a science nerd way.  And then the rest of the time, I relish in using my brain in a creative writer way.  I also adore being a parent of two teenage daughters who are transforming in front of my eyes.  It's perhaps the greatest joy to see them becoming their very own selves.  I'm still discovering myself too, so we're journeying together.  

Read more about Rhonda Lynn

and her journey to becoming an author.