Today, I am interviewing debut author and woman-empowerer, Shivon Gunalan. Shivon’s passion is helping women find their voice and reach their full potential. Her journey inspired her to write “A Divine Connection,” which is available now. Read Shivon’s interview to learn more about her inspiration and also her advice for surviving quarantine.

WHAT MAKES YOU GET OUT OF BED IN THE MORNING?

The possibility of adventure, and what good things lie await for me to receive.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BEGIN WRITING?

I have always loved to write. The plot for my divine connection started as a dream and I wanted readers to have a love story that offers hope.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR WRITING PROCESS? DO YOU PLOT, PANTS, OR “PLANTS”?

I would describe it as “pants”. I usually have an idea, and I build on that by introducing the right characters into the story.

wERE THERE ANY EVENTS SURROUNDING YOUR INSPIRATION FOR “a dIVINE cONNECTION?”

It was during lockdown and a single woman, I was trying to meet new ppl. But I felt so drawn to a story in the bible that created chance encounters. That was my inspiration.

IS WRITING YOUR PRIMARY INCOME, OR DO YOU HAVE ANOTHER CAREER?

Writing is for passion. I have a full time job.

dO you have passions outside of writing?

Yes. I am a strong advocate of empowering women and creating a new generation leaders. I blog and do youtube interviews in line to this.

What do you like to read?

I love to read leadership and motivational books.

What is the best advice you received?

You can go as high as you want if you dare to dream big.

Do you have any advice for coping with COVID/quarantine?

Use the time wisely to follow your passion. Cherish the people you love.

If you could receive an answer to one question, what would that question be?

How have I impacted your life?

For more information on Shivon’s work, check out her social media at the links below and don’t forget to support her by purchasing her works.

Shivon’s Novel: https://amazon.com/Divine-Connection-hearts-connected-power-ebook/dp/B08CR8JJQ5/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=shivon+gunalan&qid=1596800775&sr=8-1

Shivon’s Website: https://shivongunalan.com/

Shivon’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShivonGunalan/

Shivon’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shivongunalan/

Shivon’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/ShivonAaria

Shivon’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8AWtbgLR8BAGIqHPZVob3A?view_as=subscriber

Quality 4/5 ⸙ Readability 3/5 ⸙ Entertainment 4/5 ⸙ Concept 5/5 ⸙ Character 5/5 ⸙ Recommend 5/5

12 Rules for Life offers a mix of advice and philosophy for those who desire to make a positive change in their lives. Using his background in psychology and experience from his clinical practice, Dr. Peterson offers a psychological and philosophical glimpse into human behavior, how people are often the cause of their own misery, and what they can do to change it.

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12 Rules for Life delivers meticulous advice without the preachiness so often inflicted upon readers in self-help books. Contrary to the word “rules” in the title, Dr. Peterson does not tell the reader what to do or how to live, but rather notes the causes of unhappiness and what the reader can do to change their behavior, thus creating a happier, more fulfilling life for them.

While there are some great takeaways from Dr. Peterson’s book, it is quite drawn out. His writing is comparable to the way he speaks. He first establishes an understanding with the audience using analogies, and oftentimes biblical teachings, to achieve common ground before he applies the rule to a specific scenario. This roundabout way ensures a complete understanding of what was meant and what Dr. Peterson hoped to achieve with his point, but it oftentimes makes for a long and boring read. My advice is to read this book in chunks. Read a section at a time (not an entire rule at once) and then put it aside. This isn’t a one-sitting book. Dr. Peterson gives the reader plenty to mull over. Read it carefully, take notes, and reflect.

QRECCR Review Breakdown (see https://cmrushi.wordpress.com/2020/06/20/qreccr-book-rating-system/ for rating system.)

QUALITY 4/5

• Structure 5/5
• Fluff 4/5
• Errors 5/5

Readability 3/5

• Pacing 4/5
• Wording 3/5
• Clarity 3/5

Entertainment 4/5

• Entertaining 4/5

Concept 4/5

• Quality 5/5
• Novelty 5/5
• Interesting 5/5

Character 5/5

• Investment 5/5
• Sympathize 5/5
• Likability 5/5

Recommend 5/5

• Recommended
• Must-read for late teens/young adults
• Great reminders for adults

This is definitely a recommend. The content in this book is outstanding. Dr. Peterson offers great insight as to why people are unhappy and the simple steps they can take to improve their lives. The only reason I rate this book a 4/5 is that while the points are well-established, it does drag on for quite a bit and the awkward wording can make it difficult to read.

Tag: Religion

Author Interview: Shivon Gunalan