Xlibris Publishing introduces Celeste Barnard, author of My Life As A Diabetic.
About Your Book and Yourself:
Please briefly describe your book
My Life As A Diabetic is about my roller coaster journey of my life as a type 1 diabetic – insulin dependent, and describes the highs and lows of being in hospital for weeks at a time and discovering ways of dealing with the disease. My catch phrase is, “Don’t fight against diabetes because it will get the better of you. Work with it instead.” Not only did the diabetes affect my life, but it also affected my family in a very big way. Although diabetes is a very serious subject, I have also written the book in a light hearted manner in some areas.
Who is the author “behind” the book?
My real name is Celeste Haasbroek, and my pen name is Celeste Barnard. I finished high school in 1978 in South Africa, and after that worked for the Department of Education and Training as a secretary for the Deputy Director-General, and was later on promoted to work in the Ministry of Education and Training for the Minister of Education and Training.
I was also a pre-primary school teacher.
Do you have any particular literary influences that have helped you develop in your genre, subject and style?
English was always my favourite subject at school. I can’t say that I have had any influences that have helped me develop my genre, but my personality has been reflected in the book with being jovial and very active.
What inspired you to write your book, and how long did it take you to finish it?
I have been on a roller coaster journey with having diabetes, and I thought that I should share my story with other diabetics, so that at times when they feel like giving up on themselves, they will realise that they are not alone, and that they can still carry on living their lives as normal, and prevent or slow down any further damage to their bodies. I would also like to make the non-diabetic population aware of the fact that they could end up in the same situation if they do not take care of themselves.
It took me two years to finish writing the book.
What is the one message you would like to convey to your readers?
I want the readers to understand the consequences that can follow as a result of very bad eating habits. I also want them to realise that they are not alone when they are faced with horrific incidences such as ketoacidosis and amputations. I’m also hoping that they will realise the seriousness of the disease, but also want them to understand that they don’t have to feel depressed and labelled. They have got the power to pick themselves up and move forward.
Are you working on a sequel to your book?
The plan is to have a sequel.
Are there any events, marketing ideas or promotions planned for your book?
Book fairs in the USA, London (England), Beijing (China), Frankfort (Germany), Guadalajara (Mexico).
I have had amazing book reviews from Pacific Book Review and US Review of Books w/Eric Hoffer.
I have got the book advertised on social media (Facebook and YouTube). I have also taken the books to three markets.
What was your favorite part of your publishing experience, overall and with Xlibris?
I thoroughly enjoyed working with my Publishing Consultant. She was such a helpful, polite and caring person, and I could always see the smile on her face when I spoke to her on the telephone even with being thousands of kilometres away from where she is.
The other part that I loved so much was when my book had finally been published. It was a great feeling of accomplishment.
Finally, what advice would you give to aspiring authors?
Perseverance and patience is of utmost importance.
Perseverance – It took me 2 years to complete
Patience – When the book gets edited, it is important to remember that yours is not the only book that is being worked on.
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