Many of the non-fiction authors who ask me to write a review or conduct an interview write about some really negative topics. And there is a lot of value to reading about these traumatic experiences. But they can really weigh you down.
Author Louise Pistole has taken the opposite route with her motivational book, Discover Your Joy. I enjoyed watching her book launch videos and viewing her promotions on social media and appreciate the positive message that her book preaches.
Check out my interview with Pistole below.
About the author and book
Author links (links will open in a new tab)
Book Title: Discover Your Joy
Genre: Motivational
Discover Your Joy book summary
Discover Your Joy is a daily inspirational book for living an abundant life of happiness and inner peace. A quick inspirational read every morning will have you on your way to discover moments of joy each day. Chock full of encouragement and inspiration, you will learn to seek and experience true joy in your life.
Book excerpt
I am a JOY-fanatic! Ten years ago, my minister spoke on the subject of JOY. He cautioned us to watch for “joy stealers.” His message resonated with me and led me to what became my favorite Bible verse. “Rejoice always.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16 NIV. It has taken me on a journey that makes my mind, my heart, and my soul soar with joy!
Now, I want you to feel the joy that I know. It is a conscious decision to choose joy every day. These daily splashes of inspiration will take you through some of my thoughts and feelings. They are short essays yet have enough motivation to inspire you to have a fabulous day. Each inspiration is packed with uplifting and encouraging words of gratitude, happiness, inner peace and joy.
Each day starts with an affirmation. These statements are positive thoughts that can overcome any negative self-talk. Starting the statements with “I” is a powerful way for you to identify with the statement.
On the first day of each month, there is a simple challenge. Many of the inspirations for that month will relate to the challenge. Then at the end of each month, everything wraps up. Use the Notes page at the end of each month to record your own inspirations and thoughts. Journaling has always been my best friend through great times and tough times. I want you to have a place to write about the good and the not-so-good along your own journey.
Hopefully, these daily inspirations will guide you to discover joy in your own life!
Review excerpt
“Did you love Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood as a child? Each time I hear that soft jazzy piano I am pulled back to sweaters, fish, the trolley, make believe, visiting neighbors, and feelings of joy, love, and friendship. Louise Pistole’s book, Discover Your Joy, brings this feeling right to me. In fact, as I read over the words, I hear that soft piano jazz washes over me, and I have discovered more Joy. I feel we can all use a little more Mr. Rogers in our lives today. Thank you Louise Pistole for writing a beautiful inspirational book.” – April Giauque, Author, Ghost Writer, Developmental Editor, Podcaster, and Founder of Beacon of Light.
Talking Shop
What do you want readers to take away from your book?
I suppose no one is truly happy all day every day. But, joy comes from a deeper connection that you find through living a spiritual life. And even though you may have a rough day, three are always moments of joy that you can hold on to. Everyone is not at a place to actually choose joy every day. Instead, look for those small joyful moments that you can cling to.
What is a fun or strange source of inspiration that ended up in your book?
One of my favorite stories in the book is about a day trip with the grandchildren to a gold mine to pan for gold. It was interesting to see their reaction to the whole site but especially to the process of panning for gold. My young grandson did come home with a piece of gold confirmed by the on-site geologist.
How long did it take to write your book from the day you got the idea to write it to the day you published it?
Wow! Looking back, it was forty years ago when a friend said I should write a book and the seed was planted. The inspiration for my actual book came to me twelve years ago during a message from my minister. I researched and contemplated on the topic of joy for the next ten years. It was two years ago that the opportunity was provided for me to actually write and publish Discover Your Joy.
How long have you considered yourself a writer? Did you have any formal training, or is it something you learned as you went?
I have written poems and rhymes all of my adult life, and even a few business articles along the way. Officially, I began writing for my blog three years ago.
I have had no formal training as a writer other than many English classes through the years. English was always my strongest subject so I felt confident enough to undertake the task of writing a book.
If you don’t make a living exclusively writing, what is your day job? How, in any way, does it relate to your life as a writer?
My 35-year career was in business and finance. Those fields are cut and dry, black and white. There is no room for creativity when crunching historical numbers.
I retired from my career at the same time that I began writing my inspirational book. It is a drastic change of perspective to leave finance behind and embark on a creative journey of writing.
“What If” Scenarios
If you could have one person that you admire, living or dead, read your book, who would it be?
No question, I would definitely want my Daddy to read my book. He was my eternal source of inspiration. Daddy was kind and generous; he always did the right thing; and he taught little children to grow up to love Jesus.
Many of the daily stories in Discover Your Joy are about my Daddy. I wanted to share his love with the world.
A wealthy reader buys 100 copies of your book and tells you to hand them out to anyone you wish. Who do you give them to?
I actually hope I can give away copies of my book to 100 readers. I have two target groups that I believe can especially benefit from reading the daily inspirations. First, are women who are in shelters for domestic abuse, child abuse, or similar situations. I have already connected with three shelters to distribute books.
The other group I would reach out to are healing and holistic centers for women with cancer. I have so many girlfriends that have fought the battle of cancer and I believe they would also find daily inspirations beneficial to their health.
You’re given $10,000 to spend on marketing for your book. How do you spend it?
Woohoo! I would first consult a marketing expert for their insights. Then, I would be off on a book tour especially reaching out to independent book stores for events and signings. These small stores have loyal customers that could, hopefully, become readers of Discover Your Joy.
Your book becomes a best seller. What do you do next?
Discover Your Joy is a best seller so I can now move on to fresh ideas for writing another book. I have several ideas rambling around in my head for a second book once my first book is well on its way to success.
And, I am interested in speaking to women’s groups about choosing joy during the storms of their lives and living a positive life in a negative world.
You have the means to hire a full time assistant to help you with your writing. What tasks do you give them to do?
You are hired! I prefer to write in a lined journal with pen in hand. So the first task of my new assistant is to type all my words in a document on the computer. Then I would like for them to design creative graphics to spread the work on social media, ads, etc. And please, please, please, make sure my newsletter goes out on a regular basis to my loyal followers.
Just For Fun
Your trademark feature.
I’ve always felt like my trademark feature is the red hair that I was born with. Red hair runs in my family and I embrace the color. Growing up with red hair wasn’t particularly fun, but by the time I finished school I had come to appreciate the color.
Some years ago, my grandson had a project to ask people this same question. When I mentioned my hair color, his response was, “No, Mimi, your hair is not your trademark. You handwriting is.” I do write in a fancy script with lots of curls and in his mind, that was what I would be remembered for. Maybe I have two trademarks!
An item from your past that you’d like to have back.
There is no question in my mind on this topic. I think of it often. I go through attics and boxes scouring contents.
I went all the way through the Girl Scout program earning their top rank. Somewhere in my moves, my Girl Scout sash with all my badges and awards was misplaced. I still have dreams of opening a box one day and there it will be.
Favorite place you’ve visited/place you want to visit.
Three years ago, I reunited with my high-school boyfriend after 45 years apart. We were married in a lovely beach ceremony, then off we were on our honeymoon. At least that was the plan. Actually, we had to evacuate our wedding venue two days after the ceremony due to a hurricane. We were set to fly out the following day for our honeymoon in Hawaii. That was also cancelled due to another hurricane.
But all is well that ends well. Our honeymoon to Hawaii was rescheduled and it was a fabulous trip. We loved the beautiful colors of the water, the rain forest, the luaus, the waterfalls, and everything else about this gorgeous state. Be sure to include Hawaii on your own bucket list.
Your favorite book format.
This is a question that I actually posed to my own readers recently. I must say that I agree with most of their thoughts.
My favorite format would have to be paperback. It feels easier to hold to read or tuck in my purse to travel with me.
If there is a book that is a keepsake or coffee table book, I would then choose a hard cover. It’s more for décor than reading though.
And even though audiobooks have become very popular, they’re not for me. I need to hold a book, turn down pages, highlight lines, and write notes.
Your favorite genre to read.
I have always been a reader of non-fiction primarily. Learning and growing were always my objective.
In recent years, I have continued to read non-fiction but with a focus on inspiration and devotions. This is where my heart is and this is where my heart wants to expand.
Pin it!
This book sounds like a really lovely way to enrich one’s morning! The cover is beautiful and I love Louise’s words on taking her grandson panning for gold. I imagine there is a short piece of writing lingering in that experience.
Thanks for sharing!
I love the cover!!! Wishing the author the best!
Coming back from a major life change that was very hard, I need to reevaluate my life & could use help.