Meet: Laura McCafferty

Co-Author of The Me I Didn't See Volume One of the FoundHer Series

A quick Q&A with co-author, Laura McCafferty, to see what her experience was like in co-authoring a collaborative book and writing for the first time.

Q: What made you want to be a part of a collaborative book?

A: I was excited by the idea of having an actual writing assignment. I'd been exploring myself as a writer for about a year before the book project came along and it seemed like the perfect next step to help me develop my skill and express my voice more broadly.

Q: Since this was your first book writing experience, was it like you thought it would be?

A: The experience was gratifying and thrilling and happy and scary all bundled up together. It taught me lessons I didn't expect to learn and it made me want to continue writing.

Q: What was the best part of writing for you?

A: The best part about writing was expressing myself. I'm someone who has been accustomed to asking questions, hearing what others have to say, inquiring, observing. Writing is my chance to speak for myself, to not wait for the invitation to chime in. It's a way to know myself.

Q: What bit did not you NOT enjoy at all?

A: The social media posting and promotions.

Q: What was most surprising about this experience?

A: It surprised me that writing the shitty first draft was an incredibly valuable exercise in clearing the mental cobwebs. It surprised me that I love line editing as much as I do. It surprised me how often I want to use the words 'delight' and 'lovely' in my writing. It surprised me that in writing about self-trust, I developed more self-trust.

Q: What would have made this book/writing experience a success for you?

A: The big vision for what I set out to write was that it might resonate with someone else and have that person consider their own relationship to self-trust as a necessary and often neglected foundation of their capacity to care for themselves well. And further, that this new understanding might help them take different action in service of their wellbeing. I have heard that my piece resonated deeply with some readers and for that, I feel good and satisfied. For me as a writer, the vision was simply to have a chance to write from my heart, to share my ideas and thoughts courageously. And yes, I feel I did accomplish that.

Q: What was your writing routine/space like?

A: I wrote in my journal first and then transferred bits and bites from that onto my laptop where I could write on the couch, at my desk, overlooking the forest or at the cafe. Writing happened mostly sitting at my desk, after spending more than enough time tidying, organizing and straightening and jotting things down on my grocery list.

Q: What stopped you from writing in the past?

A: Shyness, self-doubt and comparison.

Q: Inquiring minds want to know, what was your bevvie of choice whilst you were writing?

A: Always something warm to wrap my hands around. Dark roast in the morning or a lovely (see?!) tea in the afternoon. A glass of water with slice of lemon is ever-present.

Q: Did you have any writing rituals or habits that you started that helped in the writing process?

A: I was reading Writing Down the Bones while working on the chapter. It helped to inspire me and get me revved up to continue. I would work through some of the exercises and drills in the book to give my creative juices a squeeze.

Q: Writing inevitably inspires more writing. If you were to write again, what would it be based on?

A: I see it being a mash up of all kinds of bits and bobs. A literary secret garden.

Q: Where can we find more of your writing?

A: I have been sending out A Letter From Laura which is an occasional publication with my reflections, insights, and inspirations. It's my way of continuing to be in a writing practice. I truly love it when new people sign up to receive it through my current website: www.inspiredcoach.ca

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