The Next Big Thing

I've been tagged in The Next Big Thing by fellow writer Caroline Finnerty. I'm instructed to tell you all about my next book by answering these questions and then to tag five other authors about their Next Big Thing. For my tagging, I've chosen a mix of well established authors, newly published authors, and authors yet to be published by a publishing house. I hope this blog will help connect these great writers with their readers, past, present and future. 

What is the working title of your next book?

The Nicholas Note 

Where did the idea come from for the book?

For me, an idea for a book comes from many different sources. The catalyst around which this story is built was a note a neighbour of mine left on the kitchen table for her family. That was in the late seventies and could have been an urban legend. However, many people from the area still remember it today.  

What genre does your book fall under?

Contemporary fiction 

Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?

It’s hard to comment on this at first draft stage. In my previous two books the main character’s physical featured had to be rewritten to fit with the book cover. I’d quite like Owen Wilson for Luke, though. Colin Farrell, I’d write a character for because in fantasyland I’d be on the movie set. You did ask!  

What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?

‘Gone to Russia, back in two weeks,’ but Maddie never did return. 

Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?

This is my third book in my three book publishing deal with Irish publishing house Poolbeg Press. 

How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?

Still writing it! 

What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?

It will be on the lines of my two previous books, with a dysfunctional family drama. Though, I think all families are dysfunctional in their own way so perhaps a better description is modern Irish families. Of course, there will be strong travel theme also. 

Who or What inspired you to write this book?

A legally binding contract...Seriously though, writing to contract is different to writing in blind faith. A contract puts structure on your writing technique. The creative inspiration for this book is my mother. She is fighting cancer, as a result we are sharing an emotional time. Previously, we worked together and our relationship wasn’t always easy. Now that I’m older, and she isn’t the power house she once was, a new bond has formed. I wanted to explore the mother/daughter/sister dynamic through this fiction book, and because of our current circumstances I think I’ll be able to write it with authenticity and raw feeling.    

What else about your book might pique the reader's interest?

Being a research fiend, there’s an insider look at the perfume industry. Although it is not the focus of the book, merely the career of the main character, I think it will make an interesting backdrop. I hope the scenes set abroad will appeal to readers. I studied in Southern California, and I know the area well. There will also be a few chapters set in Asia. I found from my previous books, readers enjoyed the insight in to different cultures. 

My chosen authors are: 

 Mary E Coen - Emerging author 

Kathy Keane - Emerging author 

Gillian Duffy - New author of The L.A. Commandments 

Fiona O'Brien  - Best selling author 

Linda Kavanagh - Best selling author 

SynchroDestiny in Action

Last June a woman read my article in Positive Life magazine, whereby I share my experience of synchronicity. She entered the competition to win my book, The Lingerie Designer, by penning a story of her own. Some time later, she received a parcel in the post. It was my book - she had won the competition and her article would be published in the next edition of Positive Life.

She decided to contact me about my work with The Chopra Centre, and enquire about a workshop I was running in September. She signed up, came to Dublin for the weekend and learnt Primordial Sound Meditation and Ayurvedic Lifestyle, Perfect Health. While on a break from class she wandered into Nourish on Wicklow street, where she saw a copy of Positive life - with her article in print. Her first article and here she was reading it while on The Perfect Health weekend. Well, I'll let her tell you the rest of the story, herself. Below is an email Suzi sent me earlier this week. She is happy that I share it with whoever comes across this blog. It is inspiring in a truly challenging time. I'm looking forward to having Suzi, not only as a student but as a Chopra centre colleague. I'm very proud of her and how she's following her dream through proactive action as oppose to staying stuck in fear. Best of luck on your new path, Suzi - Go For It!

Hi Siobhan, Natalia & Pauline

(if you have any emails for the other ladies we shared perfect health with I am happy if you can send on this email to them.)

Well, I really want to share with you how Seduction of Spirit went in Oct. I have to say it was one of the most incredible experiences of my life.

I was really glad that I had been meditating every day for a few weeks before as the first day of the course when we meditated as a group of 300 was pretty special,

hard to describe with words but very powerful. As the week went on it got better and better, the dawn sessions as the sun came up were magical and I gained a lot of insight into myself over the week.

I even had a personal chat with Deepak one morning when I was going through some stuff that I was unsure about, he is such an incredible man, he was very kind and he listened and spoke to me. He said the exact words I needed to hear.....Let it Be.

I made lots of lovely friends and we are all still in contact through Google Groups and Facebook, by the end of the week, I knew what I needed to do when I got home.

I'm not sure if you remember, but when I found myself sitting amongst you all in Dublin, I was so fed up with my job and could not see a way out as I have been our main source of income for the last 7 years, the last 2 have been challenging as I've worked twice as hard for half the salary and stopped enjoying the job, I felt stuck and had no energy, I could not see a way out.

I noticed that when I started meditating things got better, I was able to get lots more done, felt happier and things just seemed to flow effortlessly......Then I left for San Diego feeling better but with no plan as such.

When I returned, I had a clear idea of what I needed to do next, I spoke to my husband and said I can't do it anymore, I am going to close business and I want to sign up for the Teachers Path at the Chopra University. Poor man! well I 'm the lucky one as ...He is supporting me, so I was able to go for it!

Initially I was thinking of the Meditation and Perfect Health Course and then decided that if I was taking a year off I would fully embrace all 3 aspects so I'm taking the Yoga as well, so I'm training to become a Vedic Master. I'm now waiting for my teachers packs to arrive as I wind down my business. I feel like I've been set free, the tightness across my back is gone and although I'm not sure where this will take me, I know it is what I need to do. I am thinking of it as a way to deepen my experience and then who knows?......there are infinite possibililities!

I am also glad to tell you that both my husband and I are going out to California for the last Synchrodestiny with Deepak in Feb. Its his birthday and I really want him to meet the amazing people that work at the Chopra Centre so when I go there 5 more times in the next 12 months he has met the people and seen the place and will know I'm in good hands. I also think it will be an opportunity of a lifetime for us as a couple.

So ladies, there it is, I would never have thought in a million years that going to Dublin in Sept to learn meditation would have had such a profound effect on my life!....but it has, I continue to meditate twice a day and love it. I hope you are all continuing with your practice and reeping the benefits!

I would love to hear from you, to see how the last few months have been for you and if any of you are thinking of attending any of the Chopra events I would say.....GO FOR IT!

Namaste,

Suzi

An Evening with Siobhan McKenna & Claire Allen

Waterstone Belfast are hosting an evening where myself and Claire will be discussing our experience as writers including some tips on how to get published.

Interesting website

A web site with Ayurvedic remedies for common ailments. It's interesting to see things we can try to compliment mainstream medicines.

DavidJi leads day 6 of the 21 day meditation challenge

I'm loving the Chopra Centre's 21 day meditation challenge. Although I have a regular practice of Primordial Sound Meditation, I'm finding this challenge is reminding me of why I have chosen the life that I have. This meditation focuses on recapitulation. By doing a fast forward to our day, just before we go to sleep, with judgement or feeling we witness the choices we have made. This type of observance naturally leads us to making more nourishing choices for ourselves on a daily bases, which really is all there is. Just this moment. I remember Deepak Chopra talking about this process at Seduction of Spirit. I'm forgotten how powerful it is.

The last Group workshop

On September 17th & 18th next I will hold the last group workshop for the foreseeable future. For four years now I have met wonderful people who have attended our Chopra Centre group workshops, Perfect Health and Primordial Sound Meditation. It was a life enriching experience that saw me move from giving workshops with three attendees to facilitating groups within large national and international organisations, to contributing to TV programmes aired on national television. The Chopra Centre gave me the honour in July of featuring me and my story on their international newsletter. I have also manifested my life long dream of becoming a published author with my book, The Lingerie Designer, in addition to which I was signed up by the publisher to write a further two books. This is the stuff I barely dared to dream of when, frightened and feeling lost I invested my time and money in attending Seduction of Spirit in The Chopra Centre in October 2006. Little did I know what a change that leap of faith would make to my life.

I would love to sit here writing this and tell you that, that is it - life is perfect. I must say it's pretty damn good. My family are happy, I've found love again and despite the world crisis, our spirits are high. However, with my successes has come a huge demand on my time and a need to prioritise. My work in the holistic health field has been geared more and more towards Stress Management. I teach people how to gain control over their stress levels. One of the factors I ask people to look at is, effective management of their time, looking at how much they take on and learning to say no - lovingly of course!

Now, I have to walk my own talk. I learned to use the Law of Attraction effectively and the Universe delivered in abundance – thank you. When I was intently focused on finishing my manuscript, then on edits, then on the book tour and TV appearances, I let some other essential things in my life slide, like going for long hikes that I so enjoyed. Meeting up with friends for hours of chat and laughs. I let my career focus take over and as a result I started to feel mentally fatigued, I gained weight - all the things I know how to avoid - if I take my own advise. So, now I've looked at what I need to do to regain that balance and I realise somethings got to give. My mother is a widow, elderly and living with Lymphoma, I have two children whom I love more than life it's self, great friends, a loving partner and of course not to forget bobby - the dog we rescued fifteen years ago, who now needs lots of TLC as he approaches his twilight time. I want to apply my knowledge for optimal health and spend as much of my free time as possible with those I love rather than looking back and wishing I did, while I could. To allow me to do this, I have decided to finish facilitating public group workshops. I will continue to provide Primordial Sound Meditation on a private bases and so that you are not effected by the amount of commitments I have, I will continue to offer private tuition at group rates. I will also continue with Stress Management and Ayurvedic Lifestyle consultations.

Even writing this post feels like a relief, now that the decision is made. Yes, I'm a little sad but life moves on and as Deepak says "Good luck is opportunity meet with preparedness." Taking too much on, running ragged doesn't serve us, our families or are higher good. Plus we are pretty much sure those opportunities will present themselves but we won't be prepared.

If you like to join me on my last public group workshop, it takes place in Dublin City Centre September 17th & 18th 2011. Primordial Sound Meditation instruction can also be organised over this weekend at an extremely competitive rate. For more details of the courses, which will be combined on this weekend email me siobhan@perfectheath.ie or visit my web pages on Facebook, Perfect Health Ireland or www.choprateachers.com/siobhan. Namaste Siobhan

Heal Foods Website

Great website for those interested in how foods effects our overall well being

New Courses

Today more than ever we are seeking ways to reinvent ourselves. We are questioning what is next for us, how we can be happier, healthier and better equipped to manage stress and overcome lifes hurdles. Yet many of us are cash strapped and time poor. Or else we are fearful of parting with our hard earned cash. With this in mind I have written programmes based on my Chopra and Life Skills training that will teach you how to harness the power of intention, manage stress and live a more balanced life. These one day workshops are an introduction to core Chopra Centre teachings as thought in Perfect Health and Primordial Sound Meditation and are ideal for people who want to 'test the waters' first. You will learn basic meditation. Breathing techniques to calm the mind, reduce anxiety and awaken creativity. We will also work on how to reframe your thoughts to bring positive changes into your life. Many people don't know how to use affirmations and the power of positive thinking effectively because they have never been shown how as a result the affirmations become ineffectual.

This is the ideal workshop for anyone who is feeling stuck in a rut, unsure where their life is going or who wants to get a better handle on their relationships and stress levels.

The programme was written for large organisations concerned about employee wellbeing, morale and general health and is available for the first time to the general public this coming August

Harnessing the power of intention - you can do it too

Becoming an Author

Have you thought about writing a book? Here, Chopra Certified Instructor, Siobhan McKenna, shares her story

The launch

Fast forward to 14 minutes to see my main bit. Although The whole show is very interesting watching.

Stress Management and much more

Manifesting a Life Time Dream

Fit to be Tried

Article on Perfect Health's Stress Management Techniques in the Irish Idependent

New Year - New You

For those of you setting personal goals for 2011 - well done. There are four things that will help make your goals a reality. So, give yourself the best possible chance of achieving your goals by ensuring they tick the following boxes....

Your goals should be -

1. Positive
e.g: Rather than saying 'I'm going to get rid of all the negative people from my life' put a positive affirmation on the intention by saying something like 'this year, I am open to meeting and welcoming new and positive people into my life'

2. Realistic
e.g: If you currently do not have a political career there would be little point in saying 'This year I'm going to become the Prime Minister' a more realistic goal might be 'this year I'm going to get involved in my local community to bring about positive changes.'

3. Specific
e.g: 'This year I'm going to lose weight' be more specific. For example, a good alternative would be 'I will drop one dress size by Valentine's day'

4. Measurable
It is a good idea to write down your goals, think about why you want to acheive them, what changes you need to make to help you do so and when you would like to acheive this by (remember to be realistic!) e.g: There is little point in saying 'This year I'm going to learn to speak fluent Spanish' if you do not have any ideas how you may go about this. A measurable goal would be to check out spanish classes in your area (unless you go the full way and intend to move to a Spanish speaking country of course!) and say 'I'm starting Spanish classes and by summer, I will have conversational Spanish.'

Whatever your intentions and desires for the New Year are may I wish you the very best of luck in welcoming them into your life. Have a wonderful, loving, fun filled 2011.

Liver Cleanse

The liver is the largest detoxifying organ of the body. With all the demands placed on our livers to filter the many toxins we accumulate it's a good idea to periodically do a liver flush or cleanse.
Below are recipes for liver flushes to the different body types. Liver flushes can be done once a week for maintentance. If you know your liver is very congested, it's a good idea to follow up a liver flush with a colon cleanse to remove any excess toxins that were dumped into the colon as a result of the liver flush.

Vata & Kapha
Coriander 1/2 tsp
Ginger, fresh 1/2 tsp
Aloe Vera 3 tbs
Lemon, juiced 1
Olive Oil 2 tbs
Orange, fresh 1
Mix in blender and drink first thing in the morning.

Pitta & Kapha
Coriander 1/2 tsp
Milk Thistle 1/4 tsp
Aloe Vera 3 tbs
Lemon, juiced 1
Olive Oil 2 tbs
Apple, fresh 1
Mix in blender and drink first thing in the morning.

Vata & Pitta
Coriander 1/4 tsp
Ginger, fresh thumb size
Aloe Vera, fresh or gel
2 tbs Olive Oil 2 tbs
Cardamom 1/4 tbs
Bluberries handful
Mix in blender and drink first thing in the morning"

Up Coming Events

For the most up to date information on our Primordial Sound Meditation and Perfect Health - Ayurvedic Lifestyle classes. Please visit www..choprateachers.com/siobhan

Spicy Pumpkin Soup

Spicy Pumpkin soup
IngredientsFor 4 persons:


- 25g of butter or ghee

- 1 onion, peeled and chopped

- 1 clove of garlic, peeled and chopped

- 400 g pumpkin flesh (e.g. garden pumpkin or Hokkaido),

- 1 potato, peeled and chopped

- 900 ml vegetable stock
- 75ml of cream

- 1/4 teaspoon curry powder,

- 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger

- pepper and salt,

- 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds,

- a few leaves of coriander.


Preparation

Peel and chop the onion and garlic. Peel, de-seed and dice the pumpkin. Melt the butter and sweat the onions and garlic in the oil, add the curry powder. Add a third of the pumpkin and gently sweat for a few minutes over a gentle heat. Add the rest of the pumpkin, the potatoes and the vegetable stock. Bring to the boil and cook for 15 minutes. Add the cream and liquidise the soup until it is smooth and velvety.
Season with salt and pepper. Add the pumpkin seeds and coriander leaves and serve.

Oh No - Does this mean I've to wear Moses Saddles!

I sometimes find it funny when people think to living an Ayurvedic lifestyle involves locking themselves away from 'the real world' to live like a white bearded guru tucked away in a mountain cave.

If I'm being honest when I first started shifting my awareness to find a deeper meaning to my life, my own reaction was similar and I lived in terror of having to swap my skinny high heels for a practical pair of Moses sandles - it was all about the shoes.

The Perfect Health program teaches ways to optimise your health and well being - how much you want to apply to your life is, of course, entirely your choice. Some people, dive head first into it, others - myself included, adapt a few of the principles at a time. For me, the well-being I felt from just making a few small changes to my daily life encouraged me to continue making more awarness based decisions. What a wonderful feeling it is to take control of your own well being. Wasn't it Einstein who said - 'The Definition of Madness - doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result' .....

Knowledge is a great thing - applying it to our lives is our own choice. The key is to live a balanced healthy life and for me that continues to include 'having the craic' and plenty of belly laughs - and no I'm not living in a cave in Tibet and yes I still wear the high heels - but perhaps just not every day. It's all about balance - stillettos optional.