Author Robyn Wheeler

An Interview with Robyn Wheeler: Author & Reporter

 

Sylvia: Welcome Robyn. Please give our readers an introduction of yourself and a little about your book.

Robyn: Hello Sylvia. I am Robyn Wheeler and 46 years old, live in Texas and am a reporter for a local newspaper. I wrote “Born Mad” after I was diagnosed with a rarely-talked about form of depression known as Dysthymic Disorder. Before my diagnoses, I was suicidal, felt worthless and just tired of living. After my diagnosis, and given the proper medication, my life turned around. Although, I had the same job, husband, house, etc., my attitude and outlook on life changed and therefore brought me peace and happiness.

 

Sylvia: Wow, I am so glad that you recognized something was wrong and took steps in taking control of your health. What inspired you to write your first book?

Robyn: Three weeks after taking medication, I felt better. Three months after taking medication, I felt like a different person. I knew others were out there, like me, suffering from Dysthymia but not knowing there was a name for what they were feeling. I wrote “Born Mad” to help others suffering with this mood disorder and to spread awareness about Dysthymia.

 

Sylvia: Do you see asking for help as a sign of weakness?

Robyn: No. In fact, I see it as the opposite. I see not asking for help as a weakness. I feel more embarrassed about the fact I lived for more than 40 years denying I had a problem, than I do now that I have received help. No one asks for a mental or mood disorder. It isn’t something I wanted or went out of my way to get. My mood disorder affected me as a child, and I’m embarrassed that I didn’t ask for help sooner.

 

Sylvia: I commend you for your bravery in sharing your illness with practically the world in order to help others suffering in silence. Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

Robyn: Yes. I would like readers to know that there is always hope. Never give up, keep trying and don’t stop until you find something that works. Everyone learns in a differently. Some people don’t get along well with medication but have great results with meditation or alternative therapies. Even for those that are suicidal, like I was, there is hope, never give up, keep searching for answers.

 

Sylvia: Do you have any advice for other writers?

Robyn: Write from the heart, tell how you feel and try to inspire others. In “Born Mad”, I admit to feelings and thoughts of suicide and homicide. Give others a clear picture of what you are going through and be honest. That is the only way for others to learn from someone else trials and tribulations.

 

Sylvia: What marketing techniques have you used to sell your books and which ones have been most successful?

Robyn: Marketing techniques I’ve used include blogging, commenting on other sites, paid advertising, word of mouth, book contests and reviews, and guest speaking at local churches, clubs and civic organizations.

 

Sylvia: Why should we buy your book?

Robyn: “Born Mad” isn’t just for those suffering from Dysthymia; it includes many self-help techniques, and information on dealing with someone with a mental illness. “Born Mad” is my story of depression and I believe a good majority of families are touched by depression in some way. It is inspiring and a story of courage and determination.

 

Sylvia: Is there a special place that you prefer when you write?

Robyn: I usually write in my office at the computer. I’m not much for hand writing my work but have on occasion when a computer was not handy and I had thoughts in my head I wanted to remember and expand on.

 

Sylvia: What projects are you currently working on?

Robyn: I am currently working on publishing my second book titled “104 Ways to Starve Your Anger and Feed Your Soul”. Hopefully, it will be published by early 2013. I also write blogs for my web site and guest blog on many web sites about self-help, depression, anxiety and anger.

 

Sylvia: What is your POWER WORD? Why this word?

Robyn: My power word would have to be Surrender. Before I learned to surrender, I angered very easily. I fought against what was instead of accepting what was-the thing I cannot change. When you learn to surrender to the universe and the divine order of all beings on earth, anger is not an issue anymore. One will no longer struggle and resist what is.

 

Sylvia: Thank you Robyn… I admire your bravery in combating your illness!  Please share your social media and book contact information.

Robyn:  Thank you Sylvia.

• Website: http://www.bornmad.org

• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/robyn.wheeler.754.

• Blog: http://bornmadbook.blogspot.com.

• Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/robynwheeler1.