Today we talk about Positive spiral: a simple self-care list, a book by Ana Planinc published with our publishing house Europe Books.
Europe Books had the pleasure of interviewing the author Ana Planinc, to get to know her better, what was the moment that led her to the writing of her book Positive spiral: a simple self-care list, as well as if she has experimented herself the list of advices she gives in her book and on which occasions.
Below you can find our interview. Take a seat and enjoy your reading!!!
- Is there a particular moment in your life that led you to the writing of your book? What was that?
Actually, yes, there was such a moment. It came after my second child was born. At that time, I decided to stay at home with my two children. I wanted to spend more time with them. It felt that I could be a better mother, a better person, if only I try to be more present, more active. I spent more time reading. Whatever I could get my hands on really, and I took notes all the time. The process of reading and collecting these nuggets of wisdom was great, I had a lot of fun. With time notes about wellbeing accumulated and the themes started to repeat themselves. I thought this might be of some use to others as well. So why not turn those notes into a little encyclopaedia coloured with personal experiences. Fast forward two years and the book, a collection of tips for children and their parents is here.
- What characteristics should your audience have to appreciate your book?
Initially the book was written for families with young children. It was a product of me trying to better understand what it means to be a mother, what is expected of me and how I understand my role as a mother. In the process, I learned a lot. Although my personal experience triggered the making of this book, the content is far more universal and I believe, probably like any author, that my book can offer something to anyone looking for ideas on how to live a better life. Nowadays most families are extremely busy, so the book explains each concept in a chapter that can be read in a few minutes. I want my book to encourage families to talk to each other, to play together, and to be present and open, if only for a few moments. In my opinion, conversation is very important when it comes to forming our views and thoughts. So, the book was done in a way to facilitate that, to act as a starting point for conversation. The illustrations are aimed at younger children, the stories at older children and the additional texts in the frames at their parents.
- Have you experimented yourself the list of advice you give in your book and on which occasions?
Yes, of course, I have tried and am still trying to live what I preach. Although, I have to admit that unfortunately I am not always successful. The problem nowadays is that, although we know a lot about well-being, we do not have the time or the strength to practice it. As everyone I sometimes have a bad day, I am not in a mood or I am simply lazy. Of course, my book is not meant to teach what is right and what is wrong, on the contrary, it is meant to encourage readers to have a conversation with those they care about, as well as to challenge themselves from time to time. I hope for the book to be an encouragement to the reader to persist on the path of active learning, presence, self-discovery, and self-awareness. It helps me to move forward, to ask questions, such as: who am I, what I want to do in my life, how to become a better person … Children are copying our behaviours, so it is even more important to make the effort when it comes to good habits.
- How would you describe your writing style?
My style is definitely very simple, probably for two reasons. The first reason is that I wrote the book in a foreign language. I wished I had written one book in English, probably because I live in Brussels, not in Slovenia. People around me do not understand Slovenian, so I decided to try to write a book in English. But to write a book in English was a big challenge for me. So, therefore, I decided to write a book using a simple style. In my next book, which will be in Slovenian, I am paying more attention to my writing style, actually, I am enjoying the intonation and rhythm of the text. The second reason is, of course, that the book is also aimed at children. Young children can already read the stories in my book themselves, so therefore the style is very simple.
- Are you working on a new writing project?
Yes, of course, I’m working on the next project. Reading, writing and photography have somehow become part of me. Through projects I am progressively discovering myself and the world around me. When working I am learning and at the same time I am growing in my awareness. Now it would be very hard for me to stop writing and making photographs. Here I would like to add that I am extremely grateful for the opportunity and the time I have. I am also grateful to all the authors who worked before me, for their legacy, for their wonderful literature and works of art. Every work is an inspiration to me and helps me to progress in my projects. I believe every work is a contribution, so therefore I create, because I believe we have to contribute. My works are always a combination of text and photographs. In my next project, I am discovering what emigration is, as an immigrant myself. I am trying to create a portrait of a Slovenian living in Brussels.
Europe Books thanks the author Ana Planinc, once again for taking the time and answering our questions. We are really pleased to have walked alongside her on the editorial path that led to the publication of her book Positive spiral: a simple self-care list. We wish her the best of luck for her future works.
To you, my dear reader, I wish that this book stimulates and encourages you to talk within the family, to talk about yourselves, to ask questions, to play, to have fun and to comfort yourselves whenever you want or feel that the time is right. I also hope that the illustrations are pleasantly appreciated by younger children.
So, my dear reader, all I have to say is to enjoy this very interesting and encouraging reading!
Your editor!