This week, we're talking with Goretti Rerri about her new book My Box of Chocolates.
Tell us something unexpected about yourself!
I am really shy and get nervous whenever I need to give a public speech!
How did you get into writing?
I do not remember any dramatic moment when I started writing. I just remember that right from when I was a young child, I always liked to write and found it really easy to do. It came naturally to me and still does.
Where did you get the inspiration for your current book?
The inspiration for my current book came from my daughter, Teresa, who was diagnosed with autism just before she turned 4. The diagnosis changed the course of my family, in many significant ways. For me, the diagnosis prompted me to switch careers. With an MBA-Marketing degree, I had worked in a Steel firm as a training officer for many years before my daughter was born. But after the diagnosis, I became more concerned about helping with her educational needs. So I went back to school to obtain another master’s degree in special education. The training in special education would provide me with more know-how to help with her educational needs at home. My decision paid off. Today, Teresa, 30, has learned to read, write and do basic math calculations, skills that many people with autism find daunting. This book is our tear-jerky, thought provoking, eye-opening, humorous, pleasurable and inspiring story about how Teresa learned to read, write and do other basic life functions that we take for granted.
How long did it take you to write this book?
13 years. I started writing it when my daughter was 17 years old in high school, and published it a few months before she turned 30.
Have you got any writing rituals?
I get most of my inspiration in the shower. As soon as I get off the shower, I go straight to get a notepad and jot down the ideas, before I forget. When I am out and about, and ideas come to me, I stop, get a sticky note out of my bag, and jot them down.
How important is marketing and social media for you?
Very important. We are in the age of social media. I do not think anyone who has anything to say can rule out social media. It is absolutely essential.
What advice would you have for other writers?
Write about what you know and what you are passionate about. Then target an audience that shares your interest.
What are you reading now?
A romantic novel by Nicolas Sparks, (The lucky One)
What's your next step?
Currently, I am focused on marketing my current book, “My Box of Chocolates”. In a few months, I plan on working on updating and re-publishing my first book, “Ceremonies and Festivals”.
What are your top 3 books of all time?
1. The bible
2. Ken Follett's “The pillars of the earth”
3. Colleen McCullough's “The Thorn Birds”
Do you read your book reviews?
Absolutely! I want to know how readers feel about my books. Good or bad. There is always something to learn and I am open to learn at all times.
‘My box of chocolates.’ In a nutshell is a book written with love by a lovely mother. Goretti did not give up on her lovely daughter despite all the ups and downs she went through. This child grew up and got all the necessary tools to survive.
Thank you Goretti, the book taught me how to be patient and how to love my children.
Thank you Rose!
Goretti has always been an inspiration. Therefore, her book, My Box of Chocolates was unputdownable for me. It was indeed like a box of chocolates for me as I tried to economize it by reading a chapter every night and slowing down when I thought it was almost over! The book actually chronicles all she has been through in the last thirty years of her life, part of which I witnessed with her in the years I lived in New York. Her strength of character does show through this book. She is a silent achiever who sets her mind on a task and gets it done. For all mothers, this book tells you to never give up on any child. With determination and courage, you can turn your fortunes around by making your child live life as an independent self assured child, irrespective of what life throws at you. She tells us the resources we need are all out there!
Much appreciated Ibironke!