Meet RWISA Author, Natalie Ducey

Published on by Jan Sikes

author-picture-natalie-ducey

It is my pleasure to bring to you this author who is a member of the RAVE WRITER’S INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF AUTHORS  (RWISA)

Let’s see what Natalie has to share with us today.

  • How long have you been writing?

Writing is my passion and my saving grace, as I discovered in 2014. In January 2014, at the age of 39, I embraced the stillness and, without judgement or fear, listened to my soul. I really listened. The truth is … I was tired. The sheer weight of the compilation of my heart’s journey was about to break me. The vast remnants of loss, sorrow, and regret suddenly chose to show their presence after I thought I had nestled them away in a place where they could no longer touch me. I felt everything with such acuity, it was as if I stepped back in time. My mind knew I couldn’t dwell there, but my heart was so eager to stay. So, I began to write. It was my saving grace; as the words flowed so did my healing.

  • How many books have you authored? Please give us up to 3 titles?

In February 2015, I published my first book of poetry The Heart’s Journey Home. It is a collection of poems that capture the essence of the fragility and the resiliency of our hearts – the brilliant beauty of life’s journey.

  • Do you have a writing schedule?

Ideas come to me during the day, but it’s usually late in the evening, when the day settles, that the words flow and poems emerge. I think finding what works for you and then committing to writing every day is key for all writers. Quite simply, writers must write.

  • If you could spend a day picking the brain of one author, who would that be? Why?

I would love to spend a day with Maya Angelou. Her soulful spirit and fierce determination to defy the odds has inspired me deeply. She left a profound legacy as an author, poet, historian, songwriter, playwright, dancer, stage and screen producer, director, performer, singer, and civil rights activist.

She said, “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” In my late 30’s, the profound truth of her words resonated deep within and gave rise to my writing journey. She was a remarkable woman, indeed.

  • As an author, where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I aspire to be a writer of poetry that truly resonates with people around the world. With a BA in Psychology, I have had the privilege of working in the counselling field for approximately 15 years. Through my work and personal journey, I have witnessed the remarkable power of the human spirit. I strongly believe that we are connected by similar and relatable experiences, and through my poetry I try to capture the brilliant beauty of life’s journey.

It is my goal to publish two more books of poetry, and through my words continue to offer some measure of hope and solace to others.

  • What is the ONE tool that has been the most beneficial tool in the marketing of your books?

I joined Rave Reviews Book Club in August 2015 and can honestly say, as an author, it has been the best decision I have ever made. After publishing my book of poetry, I quickly learned that writing was the easy part, connecting it to readers was something entirely different. But I love a challenge and love learning new things, so I developed a Facebook page, then entered the world of Twitter. That is when everything changed: I discovered RRBC. RRBC is not like any other book club; it truly is a community of authors supporting authors.

The talent within the club is extraordinary and the level of peer support is undeniably inspiring. By observing and engaging with fellow members, I learned how to effectively use social media (particularly Twitter). The truth is, I rarely promote my book on Twitter because the incredibly supportive RRBC members do shout-outs all the time. In return, I promote fellow members and just love it! This is the kind of support fostered in the community of RRBC.

  • Name one writer that you know of, member or non-member of RRBC, who you feel should be added to the RWISA Roster of elite members? Why?

Mae Clair is an extraordinarily gifted writer. After reading Eclipse Lake, I became an instant fan of her writing style. I’ve since read two more books and can honestly say I see bestseller headlines in her future. In addition to her talent, her support for fellow authors is tremendous and inspiring. Without hesitation, I can say she should be added to the RWISA Roster of elite members.

  • If you had promised your fans a book by a certain date only to find that your book wasn’t the best it could be, would you go ahead and publish your book just to meet that self-imposed deadline and deliver as promised, or, would you disappoint your fans and shelve the book until it was absolutely ready? No matter your reason, please explain why?

If my book wasn’t polished to perfection I simply would not release it into the world.  As writers, I believe it’s our duty to honour the craft of writing. Producing poor quality work to meet a deadline is a disservice to the craft, the industry as a whole, and most definitely the readers who expect and deserve a product they can ultimately enjoy.

  • In your opinion, what makes a book “a great book?”

 My experience and connection with every book differs for various reasons. The books that I’ll never part with are those that ultimately transformed me. The writing is brilliant, eloquent, poignant and commands and earns my attention. For example, To Kill a Mocking Bird is my favourite book because of the brilliant, eloquent writing first, the plot second. These are books that I take my time reading and ingest every word. I’m not in a hurry to finish them.

Then, there are other books that I simply can’t put down because the author has masterfully captivated me with a story that is plot driven with well-developed characters.

I would define both types as great books, they just affect me differently.

  • If you received a review of your book which stated that there were editing & proofing “issues,” what’s the first thing you would do? And the second?

This is something I would never dismiss. It would be a shame to do so.

It’s our duty to produce polished work; but, we are human, editors are human, and mistakes may get by a thorough screening process. Regardless, we can always make necessary changes/edits after publication. To dismiss a comment that addresses editing issues would be a shame and, consequently, stain our work and reputation in the industry.

What is the one piece of advice that you could share that would be most valuable for those aspiring to not only be writers, but those aspiring to be great writers?

“We can’t do it alone.”

One piece of advice that I’d like to share with those aspiring to not only be writers, but those aspiring to be great writers is to join a supportive writing community, such as Rave Reviews Book Club or any writing group or club that offers support, engagement, and guidance. We can’t do it alone. Writing is such a solitary process that we need to connect with others, to interact, engage, exchange ideas and learn from each other.

As I said before, joining Rave Reviews Book Club was the best decision I have ever made as a writer. But here’s the key piece: you have to interact and engage.

The talent within RRBC is extraordinary and the level of peer support is undeniably inspiring. By observing and engaging with fellow members, I learned how to effectively use social media and discovered the wonderful world of blogging.  I’m ecstatic to say I host fellow authors on my blog now. There is a strong community framework within the world of blogging. It’s all a learning process, but a fun one. A lot of what I’ve learned is directly linked to my interaction with fellow writers.  I immersed myself into the wealth of knowledge that exists within RRBC. I believe, wholeheartedly, that I’m learning from the best, and I’m elated to say so.

I’ve met so many talented authors and have the privilege of reading and reviewing their work. It continues to be a remarkable journey of learning, friendship, and gratitude.

If you’re not a member already, I highly recommend joining. It’s not like any other book club; it truly is a community of authors supporting authors. But if RRBC isn’t for you, find another writing support group, a place for interaction and learning. Please don’t try to do it alone.

hearts-journey

Book and Contact links…

The Heart’s Journey Home  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ZO1KJDI/

Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/myheartspoetry/

Website/Blog https://natalieducey.wordpress.com/home/

Twitter https://twitter.com/NatalieDucey @NatalieDucey

Thank you for supporting our RWISA (RAVE WRITERS-INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF AUTHORS) Members!  Please follow and support the entire tour by visiting 4WillsPub.

 

73 thoughts on “Meet RWISA Author, Natalie Ducey”

  3. Lovely interview. I’ve enjoyed getting to know a bit more about you, Natalie. I just bought my copy of your book and am looking forward to reading it soon.

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  4. I loved the post as much as I loved your book! I feel so grateful, thru experience, to know that being alone & feeling lonely are two completely different things. With that said, your comment about writing being such a solitary process resonated strongly, & even tho is an incredibly wonderful thing, something that scares so many….the fear of alone-ness, what a beautiful balance thing to know when ready & wanting to emerge from the solitude…there is solidarity w/others who relate, support, & assist! I love your picture…cheers to you Natalie (i’m drinking a glass of wine myself as I toast your poetry).

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    1. Natalie has such a gift for expressing through words. This is a beautiful heartfelt comment. Thank you so much and yes, I too, toast Natalie’s poetry with a glass of wine! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!

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  6. Natalie, it’s great to get to know more about you and your writing journey. I love your piece on not doing it alone 🙂
    Jan, thank you for hosting Natalie 🙂

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  8. Natalie, it was great to have the opportunity to get to know you better on Jan’s blog today. Maya Angelou and Harper Lee are favorites of mine. I’ve enjoyed reading bits and pieces of your poetry posts on social media, now I’m off to download a copy of “The Heart’s Journey Home.” Cheers and best wishes! 🙂

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  11. Lovely interview, Natalie. “The Heart’s Journey Home” is a very moving collection of poems. Sound advice in your piece – “We Can’t Do it Alone.” Joining a supportive writing community like Rave Reviews Book Club should be a must for INDIE writers.

    Thank you for hosting, Jan.

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  12. A lovely interview, Natalie!! I, for one, am glad you joined RRBC! I agree with your kind words about the club. Such a wonderful tool!
    Jan, thanks so much for hosting one of our fab authors. Your support rocks!!! 🙂

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  13. Natalie, that was a wonderful post! I love your poetry, and it was fun getting to know a little more about you.
    Jan, thank you for hosting Natalie and for your constant support of all of us here at #RRBC. You are a treasure. 😀

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  14. Loved the interview! So touching..I could feel Natalies calmness, and now I must read her poetry! Thanks for sharing, Natalie, and Jan, thank you for hosting! 🙂

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  15. Writing is a way of releasing pent-up emotions, Natalie! That is what I got from reading about your journey. I am not a poet. I could never think in strophes, but as a musician, I can feel the emotions. 😀 Have a great day! Thanks Jan for supporting her today.

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    2. Thank you, Joy, very much! Writing was such a cathartic experience…releasing it into the world was terrifying! Remarkable things happen when we embrace our fears. 🙂 I really appreciate your kind words and support!

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  16. It makes perfect sense that you went into psychology. Even through your written words, I can hear a calm, peaceful voice. I read The Heart’s Journey Home and really enjoyed it. I’m so glad that you are a part of RRBC. 🙂

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  17. I absolutely loved reading this Q & A blog. Thank you Jan for hosting Natalie. I found myself in a peaceful place just reading it. The talent and gift that is in Natalie is truly heartwarming. And her humbleness is evident in her thoughtful responses. It is obvious that Natalie is a writer who takes immense responsibility in her craft and represents the writing industry with respect for all writers as a whole. I absolutely love her book, and often find myself being drawn to it whenever I need a gentle reminder of the beauty that is in all of us. Thank you again for sharing.

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  18. Two uber supportive RRBC members in one place! I’m so excited to see Natalie featured on your blog today, Jan. Her poetry is soothing and heartfelt, so restful for the soul. I loved the Heart’s Journey Home and am thrilled to hear she has more books of poetry planned. I can’t wait for the next one!

    What a wonderful interview and awesome words about RRBC. As for Maya Angelou, I have had a framed print with one of her verses in the den where I write for years…”God never leaves me. In my ignorance, I have frequently thought I have left God, but that is altogether impossible.”

    Natalie, I am humbled and honored by your kind words about my writing ability and my books. Thank you for that lovely shout-out. And thanks to the lovely Jan Sikes for hosting today! You’re both awesome! 🙂

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    1. Thank you, Mae. I agree with you completely about Maya Angelou. She has inspired so many. Natalie has that same peaceful quality about her that also inspires. I appreciate you stopping by today and leaving a comment.

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    2. Thanks so very much, Mae! Your kindness and continued support touches me deeply.
      I love that verse as well. She certainly left a graceful, yet remarkably powerful legacy. My favourite poem is “Still I Rise.” Hearing her recite it has a profound affect on me. Oh, the gift of YouTube! 🙂
      Oh my gosh…when I discovered you weren’t a RWISA member it was an instant response! Thanks again for all your support. 🙂

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  20. Natalie, first, thank you so much for crediting RRBC for being part of your journey! This interview was beautiful, and I was calmed just by reading it…as I have felt reading some of your poetry. Maya Angelou seems to have given many of us pause over so many situations in our lives…I know that she has stilled turbulence in my heart, in the past, just from her words. Mar gifted me with several Maya Angelou books this past Christmas, that I have not had the time to “fully” enjoy yet (but, I have stolen bits and pieces, here and there)…what beautiful gifts, right?

    I wish you a great day of support today. You’re being “pushed” by an amazing supporter (Jan Sikes), so, I’ve no doubt you’ll enjoy a success-filled day along the hop!

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  21. Natalie, I enjoyed learning more about you. I think we could be sisters because we share the same views and beliefs about publishing. I like someone who doesn’t rush to finish a book then just put it out there. My books go through four different edits with a new person each time. I want the quality above all. I love your poems and The Heart’s Journey Home is a beautiful book. Great title also! Wishing you much success and happiness.

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  22. Natalie, it was salve to my soul to visit this posting today. Thank you for sharing a bit of your beautiful self through this interview. And, thank you Jan for hosting Natalie.

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