Saturday, March 24, 2012

Alyssa Reyans Author of Letters From A Bipolar Mother

I'm so excited for today's post because I have Alyssa Reyans here--one of the sweetest authors I've ever had the pleasure of meeting.  Not only is she sweet, she's an inspiring writer.

Isn't this cool?!
I love her author photo.
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Get ready for a real treat.
Here is the author of Letters From a Bipolar Mother.
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First I’d like to thank my gracious host, Elisa, for having me here today and letting me run rampant all over her blog. I never quite know what to say when I do these guest posts.
    Do I talk about myself? No, that seems too snobbish.
    Do I talk about the book I’m actually here to promote? No, that seems to crass.
    What do I talk about?
    This is the conversation that happens between me and my brain as I type and delete the words that appear and disappear across my computer screen. I never really thought things through to this point when I clicked the publish button. I never thought about actually having to get out there and share myself beyond what I’d already done within the confines of the white shiny pages.
    But that’s what writing is about, exposing one’s nakedness to the world. It’s the underwear dream every middle schooler has at least once in their life. Except it’s not a dream. It’s real and a reality I willingly put myself into it. Which makes me wonder why? Why do I put myself out there, naked and exposed, for everyone to see?
    It’s a question I’ve asked myself often and depending on the day of the week the answer changes. Some days it’s a part of my healing process. A part of how I mend the battle scars etched across my being. Then there are the days it’s for others. For their unseen scars and unshed tears. Somedays it’s just because I’m angry. Angry I didn’t get a choice to be who or what I wanted to be but instead have been handed a life I didn’t want and am left to figure out how to navigate it, but then after the anger passes I realize even though this isn’t the life I would have chosen and it’s not necessarily the life I wanted, it’s still a pretty awesome life.
    I mean it’s led me here to sharing with you all and on the blog of a super awesome lady. That isn’t something I probably would have been able to do all by myself if I had been given full control. I’d probably still be in the little po dunk trailer park I was born in. Instead I’ve traveled the world, sat on beaches with water so clear you could see the ocean floor and taste the sea salt in the air. Once I stopped fighting the life I was given and began to embrace it, I realized there wasn’t much I couldn’t do. Some people call it “crazy, I prefer to think of it as a super power. Kinda like invisibility only ten times more awesome. It’s all about perspective. You can either be embarrassed or strut your stuff. Just be sure you’re wearing the right day of the week’s underwear and the rest will work itself out.

    As a special thanks to Elisa and all of you for having me. I’m having a giveaway on my blog. A signed paperback copy of my book, Letters From A Bipolar Mother and a $10 Amazon gift card. To enter just visit my blog and enter via the rafflecopter.

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    To visit Alyssa's fantastic blog, please go HERE.

20 comments:

  1. Some very interesting thoughts, Alyssa. Personally I think you have a very positive attitude. If life hands you lemons...make some kickin lemonade.

    As for the putting ourselves out there naked part. Well I can't speak for everyone, but I think us fiction writers have a bit of exhibitionist in us. So I can only imagine what's running through the non-fiction writers' heads. :)

    Thanks for an awesome guest post!

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  2. Thanks Elisa for having me.

    @Rick, lol well I can't speak for others but for myself it's a very good thing no one can hear or see what runs through mine on most days.

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    1. I'm so glad you came to my blog. Your honesty and fun writing style really captured my interest even from the beginning :0)

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  3. Like you take on it and yeah I think we all think about what the heck to talk about when we post or guest post or whatever else. But the nakedness can go away fast it you just act like a crazy person, seems to work for me..haha

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  4. Funny - I gave a sermon at my church a year ago about living with bipolar disorder, and started it by saying that I felt like I was standing in front of everyone naked.
    For me, being out is about being a voice for all the people who aren't and all the people whom society works so hard to ignore. If I make it about other people instead of just me, it gets a lot easier.

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  5. I just cannot get I Dream of Jeanie out of my head now.
    No offense to Alyssa. ~Mary

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  6. @Pat, thanks I'm glad it's not only me who feels that way. "public speaking" has never been my thing. I never knew I could get "stage fright" over the internet but it's so possible lol

    @Brigid, you are so right. I've received so many emails from people and because of the experiences I've had due to my actions and illness I really wanted to share with others. I can't thank enough the wonderful people who've allowed me to be able to come and share my story with everyone. It's truly been an amazing experience.

    @FrankandMary ok I'm lost. Why does it remind of "I Dream of Jennie" I'm dying to know.

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  7. What a wonderful post, it sounds like you are well-travelled too :)

    Elisa, when does Sword of Senack come to Canada?

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    1. I think it's available in Canada through Amazon. I hope you'll love it ;)
      Here's the link: http://www.amazon.com/The-Sword-Senack-EC-Stilson/dp/1461180694/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1332712042&sr=8-2

      -Elisa

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  8. I was curious about Alyssa's book, so I just popped over to Kindle. I read a sample & bought it. Interesting subject matter & an easy to read writing style. WELL DONE!!

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  9. I think it is brave and wonderful when people write about the struggles in their lives. I'll go over to your blog, Alyssa.

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  10. @Catherine thanks :)

    @fishducky I've heard so much about you from Jenn thanks for the support

    @Belle thank you It's my life for all it's good and bad and it's taken a long time to get to where I am today. If I can help make someone else's journey a little bit easier by sharing mine then it's worth it.

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  11. Great post! This author seems to be just as amazing as you say E. Thanks for sharing her with us.

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  12. Looks like something to check out. I like the honest tone :)

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  13. Loved the guest post. Your positive attitude was inspirational and I thank you.

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  14. Great post and attitude! Life is not always fair or kind, but it's the people who overcome those obstacles who impress me and overwhelm me with their spirit. You sound like one of those people!

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  15. I think it's amazing how you're always trying to help other authors out. You really are sweet! Hope you had an amazing weekend.

    P.S. I like her picture too. It's attractive and mysterious!

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  16. Nice to meet you Alyssa. I think if more folks took your attitude to heart, the world would be a much better and motivated place.

    Off to take a peek at your site now...

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  17. I think raising children makes all mothers bi-polar from the stress!

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