by Vivianne Knebel
GENRE: Memoir
BLURB:
In her second book "Lessons Learned About Life and Love", Vivianne shares some of the lessons she has learned from writers and thinkers such as Dr. Wayne Dyer and Dr. Viktor Frankl, weaving them into her own experiences in a compelling guide to living, loving and thriving in old age. Her insights offer proof that great wisdom is not gained only from the classroom or the lecture hall, and that one need not look far to understand the secrets to living well. From anecdotes about her everyday rituals to memories from her world travels, Vivianne captures the profound and often surprising moments of enlightenment that can be found right in front of us, if we only know where- and how-to look.
NOTE: The book is free during the tour.
Buy Link:
Excerpt:
My book "Lessons Learned About Life And Love" is about my life experiences and how they were impacted by my mentors the philosophers and poets, who helped me make sense of the world. I applied their wisdom and it worked to help me gain the inner dignity of living a fully loved life. How I have come to love life, that same life which I had once sought to end at age 17. I learned early on how cruel life can be but also felt inspired by the beauty and love that always awaits all of us. The trials of my early life left their mark on me and I found a way to overcome the adversities of the world I was able to build a new life for myself, dealing with immigration and walking that long path of self-discovery and self-fulfillment. But that does not mean that I left all adversities behind me. We are in a constant cycle of ups and downs.
In my book, I write about my latest challenge having to face my husband's severe illnesses. How it was almost touching and go. With positive hope and optimism, one can still find joy and meaning in life and how it can create miracles. This book is a guide to seek meaning even amidst tragedy. I write about the greatest power of love. Nurturing and a sense of responsibility are facets of love. Awareness of service is a state of mind that expresses love. With my unwavering hope, positivity, and devotion I hope to inspire my husband to hold on to that same faith and hope to overcome this latest challenge.
I want to give people the message to always hold onto hope, positivity, and faith, to stay determined, and to persevere. I guide people to cope with challenges in flexible ways. Challenges make us resilient and resilience breeds purpose. That is how we grow!
Interview with Vivianne Knebel
If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
Since I struggled in school and was condemned dumb by my first-grade teacher, I felt weak with low self-esteem.
I would tell my younger self to always seek new abilities, despite inhibitions.
To be determined and persevere.
What are the most important magazines for writers to subscribe to?
Writer’s Life, Authority Magazine, Readers Digest, The Writer.
What do you owe the real people upon whom you base your characters?
I owe my profound gratitude to my husband of 57 years, who encouraged me to learn and grow. For believing in me. My first book was a token of gratitude for his 80th. birthday.
I am immensely grateful to the teachers in my life, the philosophers and thinkers who shared their wisdom and gave me a chance to apply their wisdom in my life.
In doing so, I am able to experience the peacefulness of a fully lived and loved life.
What is the first book that made you cry?
As a teenager, I subscribed to the Bertelsmann Lesering. A bookclub in Germany.
I ordered books from them to be send to Canada where I had immigrated to.
I was adamant to improve my German language.
I was touched by the book Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier.
Does writing energize or exhaust you?
Writing energizes me. When I write, I put a part of my heart out into the world. There is a complete absence of helplessness or discontent.
Do you try more to be original or to deliver to readers what they want?
In my writing I draw on personal experiences. I am always open and truthful when I write. I want the reader to learn from my experiences. I bear all!
Where did your love of books /storytelling/reading/writing etc come from?
Due to hardship I only had eight years of formal education. I realized to improve my station in life , I will have to read and study. Reading can be a wonderful escape from the harsh realities of the world. Good books make us care, and believe in possibilities.
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Born an illegitimate child in the wake of WWII in Berlin, Nazi Germany to a single mother, Vivianne Knebel’s options were limited and her future looked bleak. She experienced poverty, cold, and hunger, and was even driven to the point of committing suicide. To seek out a better life, Vivianne immigrated to Canada as a teenager, but her misfortunes did not end there. However, in response to a miraculous intervention, she decided to preserve her life and keep moving forward.
After this incident, Vivianne met a fellow German immigrant, Wiland, who eventually became her husband. But even more than that, he became a catalyst for change in her life. His belief in her is what helped her see the true, immeasurable value of her life. She went on to play a key role in Wiland’s business venture and together they built a better future for each other.
Since then, Vivianne has run a marathon, learned to pilot a plane, and even beat cancer. She’s found a greater sense of spirituality and wants to share her story with the world, to remind people that there is always a reason to keep moving forward.
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2 comments:
From author Vivianne Knebel
Thank you Sherry for your interest in "Lessons Learned About Life And Love". It is a guide to live a fully loved and realized life. If your goal is happiness that endures this book is a guide.
Thanks for the great excerpt. The book sounds fascinating.
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