I have always enjoyed writing short stories and finally found the opportunity and time to dedicate myself to writing my first book! Moving forward from my experience of writing Post Traumatic De-stress, I believe I will continue to write more books and want to explore different genres to expand my reading audience.
- What inspired you to start a writing career?
I started writing my book with the focus of producing a product, not of producing myself as an author! Of course, the two go hand in hand. Now, I acknowledge my efforts and accomplishment of becoming a published author and feel motivated to continue my writing career with a more focused view rather than a personal hobby.
- Is this your first book? If not, can you tell us about your first book?
Post Traumatic De-Stress is the first book I have written and have had published. I framed the content and the character from a few of my half-finished diaries and drew upon insights of loss experience, to formulate the tone of the book and to create the feeling of a loss journey.
I researched the topics of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, suicide and bereavement. I took my learnings from my research to build the core of the character, so that it spoke in depth of feeling as well as descriptive experiences.
I purposely wrote the book in the first person in order to create rapport with the reader immediately. I have applied conversational language to describe the loss feelings, etc so the reader can easily relate with the story and not feel like they are reading a reference text book.
I believe the character of the book could be of any gender, age, race or creed. I did this on purpose because loss impacts everyone and anyone. I also did not describe any loss events to avoid the reader valuing their own loss lesser or greater than that of the character's. The critical message of the book is that 'it's not the loss event that matters but how you manage the impact of that loss event for the rest of your life'.
- Why did you choose this genre?
Based from lived experiences, I think this genre chose me! Being a Loss Survivor, I manage the effects of loss every day and so it felt like a natural continuation of my daily routine to write a book about sustaining self-awareness and applying self support techniques.
- Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?
Absolutely believe in your art (i.e. believe in your story and how you have written it). I found that through my belief and passion in my product, I am empowered me to promote my book to others. I always say to myself that 'my book is my work of art; it may not suit everyone but it's written from my heart'.
Title: Post Traumatic De-Stress
Author: Pat Joce
Genre: Healing, Spritiualism, Mind Body & Spirit, Non-Fiction
Post Traumatic De-stress is a self-support tool for those impacted from a loss event. The book is written from the perspective of a Loss Survivor and it is not a medical reference. The unique feature of this book is that it is presented as a personal journal of a Loss Survivor and allows for the reader to journalise their own loss journey. The character of the Loss Survivor is fictitious however the journal entries of this character are based on true accounts of loss experience. The content of the book focuses on the particular phases of life after a loss event, which include: • Understanding loss • Knowing and monitoring your loss thoughts and feelings • Using support strategies to manage your loss thoughts and feelings • Communicating your loss story • Managing life after loss • Loss realisation and awareness The book promotes is the critical importance for the Loss Survivor to seek professional medical advice as soon as possible after experiencing a traumatic event.
Author BioPat Joce is the Founder of LADRA™, an organisation which provides non-medical loss awareness support to those impacted from a loss event. LADRA is an acronym which stands for Loss, Anger, Depression, Realisation, Awareness and represents the different stages of a loss journey. The concept of LADRA is about sharing loss survival stories and reflections with other Loss Survivors. LADRA does not focus on the details of a loss event but focuses on the impact that loss event has on a person. The mission of LADRA is that no-one needs to ever walk their loss journey alone.
Pat was motivated to write this book after volunteering in the ‘Mud Army’ in the 2011 QLD flood clean-up. When she saw the look of despair on the faces of those whose possessions had been washed away, she could recall her own despair after experiencing traumatic events that impacted her life. Pat has managed the effects of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, PTSD, for over 16 years and with the professional support from her local GP and psychologists, she has developed her own set of support strategies to assist her.
Visit the website, www.LADRA.com.au and the Twitter account #MyLADRA to access the collection of Loss Survivor stories and reflections.
Book blurb: Post Traumatic De-stress is a self-support tool for those impacted from a loss event. The book is written from the perspective of a Loss Survivor and it is not a medical reference.
The unique feature of this book is that it is presented as a personal journal of a Loss Survivor and allows for the reader to journalise their own loss journey. The character of the Loss Survivor is fictitious however the journal entries of this character are based on true accounts of loss experience.
The content of the book focuses on the particular phases of life after a loss event, which include:
- Understanding loss
- Knowing and monitoring your loss thoughts and feelings
- Using support strategies to manage your loss thoughts and feelings
- Communicating your loss story
- Managing life after loss
- Loss realisation and awareness
Links
Author Website: http://www.patjoce.com/
LADRA website: http://www.LADRA.com.au
Amazon (eBook)
Amazon (paperback)