Shownotes
Most of the questions I get asked while traveling revolve around my writing process or publishing journey. So, in this episode, I share my life-altering journey, explaining how a personal health challenge led me to discover Ayurveda and inspired me to write books to spread its wisdom. So, whether you dream of writing a book, are busy working on one, or are curious about the writing and publishing process, this episode is a must-listen.
Join me. You may even find the spark to turn your writing ideas into reality!
My Health Struggles
When I was 20, I traveled to India, eager for adventure, but my health was a mess. I dealt with parasites, a weakened immune system, and gut issues and took antibiotics like Flagyl, which wrecked my digestive system. After I returned to India to seek treatment, a doctor in Mysore introduced me to the ancient Ayurvedic healing system.
The Ayurvedic Experience
I underwent Panchakarma, a powerful Ayurvedic detox that included oil rubdowns, milk pours, enemas, and a simple Kitchari diet. The experience was intense but transformative. It gave me a deeper understanding of Ayurveda and sparked my curiosity to learn more.
Combining Yoga and Ayurveda
I spent time teaching yoga and Ayurveda, balancing my time between India and the U.S. I started sharing simple Ayurvedic practices with my students, like tongue scraping and drinking hot water. I also noticed how confused many people were about food, so I wrote a cookbook.
The Everyday Ayurveda Cookbook
When an editor from Shambhala Publications contacted me, I knew it was time to turn my ideas into a book. So, I wrote The Everyday Ayurveda Cookbook. It contains simple, seasonal recipes to help people understand how food can be medicine.
The Publishing Journey
The publishing process was not easy. It involved testing recipes, balancing the Ayurvedic philosophy, and ensuring it was user-friendly and accessible. I worked closely with a designer to create a visually appealing and informative book. The cookbook came out in 2015, and in 2025, I will release a 10th-anniversary edition of The Everyday Ayurveda Cookbook, with new recipes and a foreword by Amadeo Morning Star.
Mind-Body Connection and the Second Book
As I continued working with people, I realized how much the mind influences our health and food choices. That led me to write my second book, Everyday Ayurvedic Cooking for a Calm, Clear Mind, about how Ayurveda can help us create mental calm and clarity, which supports our overall well-being.
Writing in India
When in India, I have more time to write as there are fewer distractions. I get a lot of inspiration in India, especially from local food markets and healthy restaurants.
The Struggles of Writing the Front Matter
Writing the front matter for Calm, Clear Mind took me a year. Writing about the mind is tricky, complex, and often murky. I worked closely with my partner, Rich, who has experience with psychological work, to ensure the language was non-judgmental.
Research and Inspiration from Texts
I could not find many Ayurvedic resources on the mind, so I dug deep into texts like the Bhagavad Gita, which explores the connection between food and the mind. After extensive research, I also found insights from various yogic and Vedic texts that shaped my approach to writing about the mind.
The Challenge of Publishing
Publishing with Shambhala has been a rewarding experience for me. The vulnerability of handing over my work for the first time was a huge emotional challenge, but working with a trustworthy publisher made things easier. I published all four of my books with them because I trust their artistic vision and respect for my work.
The Everyday Ayurveda Guide to Self-Care
My third book, The Everyday Ayurveda Guide to Self-Care, was a home remedy guide that dives into the Ayurvedic understanding of the body, covering tissues and channels, and how to nourish them. It offers targeted remedies for health issues, like digestion or bone health, and includes a comprehensive directory of herbs and spices.
The Financial Realities of Writing
Writing books is not a lucrative endeavor. Authors need to supplement their income with speaking engagements or other work.
Writing About Women's Health
During COVID, I decided to write a book on women's health, focusing on the Ayurvedic approach to menstruation, breast health, and how women move through the world. I wanted to explore the female body from a cosmic perspective, using Ayurvedic principles to explain all the physical, psychological, and energetic health aspects. This book was challenging to write but fulfilling.
My Writing Workflow
I try to shut down other work when writing a book, allowing myself to enter a creative space. The researching, writing, and crafting process of a book excites me, and I have learned with each book I have written. I start with a table of contents and adjust as I go, constantly refining the direction. Research and comparison with other books help me pinpoint what is missing and what I can offer that others have not.
Managing Time and Work Balance
Writing a book takes time and energy, so I plan it carefully. It is hard for me, as stepping away from my regular work means a loss of income.
Starting Your Writing Journey
For those beginning the writing process, I recommend starting with smaller projects, like writing articles or essays, as they can eventually become part of your book. You can publish your projects in blogs, magazines, or platforms like Substack. I also suggest creating a mock proposal or table of contents to clarify your vision for the book. Remember that you do not have to have everything mapped out from the start. Just get started!
Finding Your Ideal Writing Rhythm
Everyone has a different writing flow. I work best with large blocks of time, usually five-hour windows during the day. I never work past 5 p.m. because it can affect my ability to relax. The key is experimenting to find what works best for you.
Writing in Flexible Environments
Writing does not have to happen in a specific space or time. I encourage writers to share their work-in-progress through blogs, social media, or newsletters. That keeps you motivated and on track, helping you to move forward with your book.
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