Today we talk about Be Calm, Be Happy, a book by Kate King published with our publishing house Europe Books.
Europe Books had the pleasure of interviewing the author, Kate King, to get to know her better, when and why she decided to write her autobiographical book Be Calm, Be Happy, as well as the name of the first book she read and what it taught her.
- When and why did you decide to write about your personal life experience?
Years ago, when I worked in Spain, I was a mess. At work I functioned well, but outside of work, you couldn’t take me anywhere – a bar, the cinema, I’d be in tears. I knew I needed help. And, back in England, once a week for two months, I saw a great therapist, Jenny Peel, who turned my life around. And after that I made the journey on my own. I practised affirmations and meditation and read a lot of books, learned the lessons I needed to learn, and put them into practice in my life.Twenty years on, living here in Slovenia, I decided to write about my life experience, in the hope it would help others. I’d received lots of help, and now was the time to pay it forward. But it wasn’t till Covid hit and I was laid off work temporarily, that I started. And once I started, I couldn’t stop.
- What sensations did you feel by ‘reading’ your life on the pages of your book?
At school, my English teacher, Mr Howells, told me I’d write a book one day. It took a while, but he was right, and I’m proud of that. For a long time it felt like my life story was being written by a chimpanzee – no structure, full of seemingly meaningless twists and turns. But ‘reading’ my life in my book let me see that it did have a shape after all, albeit a slightly messy one, but one that was right for me, and from which I learned some lessons. I think my friends would say I’m a pretty good listener, but sometimes it’s nice to feel that you yourself are in the spotlight. And that’s how I feel when I read my book, not just, ‘Hey, look at me, how well I’ve done,’ but ‘Wow, I came through all that. And here I am, still standing.’
- What would you like to hear from your readers?
I’d love to hear about readers’ stories, the challenges they’ve faced and the lessons they’ve learned along the way, how they can look back on their life so far and, despite the muddle, the setbacks and the wrong turns, they can see their story as an essentially good one or, if that’s not how they see it, then I’d like to hear about that too. From readers, young or old, I’d like to know about the issues they’re facing right now, what’s going well or not so well, what they’re happy and proud of, or what’s making them anxious, annoyed or sad. All writers want to hear, ‘You changed my life, mister.’ Ok, I don’t expect to hear that. But if just one thing I’ve written helps just one person, I’d feel the writing had been worthwhile. I’d be so happy if I knew that what I wrote has struck a chord, and has helped readers see themselves and their life differently, and pointed them in the direction of positive change.
- What was the first book you read and what did it teach you?
When l was five, I read the story of Little Chicken Licken, who had heard the world was coming to an end. He packed a suitcase and left home, determined to escape the catastrophe. It seemed a pretty sensible choice to me, though I had a suspicion there was something I wasn’t quite getting. But, a bit later, I could see that really there was little he could do. The world was coming to an end – he might as well go home, eat an ice cream or a chocolate egg. Now I see the story differently. Awful things happen – someone you love dies, you go through a break up or a severe health challenge. It feels like your world is collapsing. But packing your suitcase and going on holiday won’t fix it, nor will an ice cream. Denial won’t work and neither will distraction. You just have to go through it, and let yourself feel your feelings. Accept what has happened, and adapt to the new reality, little by little, as best you can. And time will do the rest. We are way stronger and smarter than Little Chicken Licken.
- Are you planning to write more books you can tell us about?
I’m now writing my second self-help book, a follow-up to Be Calm, Be Happy, which again has illustrations from my own life experience. The Self Care section focuses on being organised and calm, the importance of, at times, taking life easy, and has more ideas on dealing with anger and anxiety. It looks at a variety of open air meditations, and making good decisions for better days and a better life. The Look at It This Way chapter deals with control issues, finding the upside in unwanted situations, looking for the experience behind the difficult behaviour of others and coping with very strong negative feelings. Also I look at what it takes to succeed, how we can redefine success, and make good choices for a better life. ‘ Relationships’ looks at romantic love, (the good, the bad and the complicated), friendship, and parents and children. Finally, I focus on the importance of cheering others, helping and being helped, and being humble, kind and encouraging.
Europe Books thanks the author, Kate King, 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 Be Calm, Be Happy. We wish her the best of luck for her future works.
To you, my readers, I hope this book will provide you with food for thought about your life, the challenges you have faced or are facing, and that it can inspire you to live a better life right now or that is heading towards the right direction.
So, my dear readers, all I have to say is to enjoy your reading!
Your editor!