Chrissy Kanne’s anthology, The Transformation of a Wildflower, is full of inspirational reflections on life and aging. Aging is a tough, sometimes sad subject for many people. But, the writings compiled here are sure to shed light on the beauty of aging and life. Life goes on, and life can be fulfilling. Here, we discuss with Chrissy and learn more about her and her writing.
Tell us about your book.
The Transformation of a Wildflower is an anthology of short stories about my journey from childhood to adulthood to menopause. Each story correlates the meaning of wildflowers in relation to the theme of the story. I began writing these stories on my blog about the 2nd phase of life, a couple years ago. As I wrote about my life, I discovered how much I had grown through the pain of maturity and realized that my life was not over. Through the wisdom of wildflowers I was able to face my fears of growing older and return to life’s beauty.
What is the PRIMARY benefit, above all others, that your potential reader will gain from reading this book?
Life lessons through the many changes we face and the growth that comes with pain of maturity. Life goes on, no matter what phase of life you are in. Every season is beautiful and if you hang in there you will bloom again and again. Maturity is the painful process of becoming. Without it, we never bloom.
Hundreds of thousands of books come out every year. Why should someone buy THIS book?
This book has a unique approach in telling life stories through the meaning of wildflowers. It is not a book based on scientific facts about maturity and aging. It is told through the voice of an ordinary woman that everyone can relate to. The stories go through the phases of life up to menopause and the fears of aging. Every story has a positive conclusion that inspires the reader.
Who is your target audience?
Middle aged women and older. Inspiration for aging and finding the beauty in every stage and season of life.
Did your environment or upbringing play a major role in your writing and did you use it to your advantage?
I started writing poetry at age 12. My parents loved my writing and read my poems to friends and family when they came to our house. I was an avid reader at an early age and always wanted to write something to inspire others, the way my writing inspired my parents.
Tell us your most rewarding experience since publishing your work?
The readers of my blog sent me positive letters about the stories I posted each week. Their reaction to what I wrote meant a lot. They related to the stories and were inspired by them. That is the best thing that has happened from writing these stories.
How would you describe your writing style?
Narrative. Inspirational. Personal.
Are your characters pure fiction, or did you draw from people you know?
The characters in these stories are real, although I changed their names. I drew inspiration from the people who taught me and the lessons I learned along the way.
Are you more of a character artist or a plot-driven writer?
Character artist.
What do you hope to accomplish with your book other than selling it?
To inspire women everywhere to live to the fullest no matter what their age. I hope women going through menapause will be inspired after reading my book and realize beauty changes, but never ends. And age doesn’t define us. To bloom you have to grow and the end of one stage is the beginning of another. Like Walt Disney said, “Laughter is timeless. Imagination has no age. And dreams are forever.”
How can our readers get in touch with you?
They can reach me at chrissykanne1@gmail.com.
I’m working on my own author website right now where they will soon be able to reach me as well. I am also creating a Facebook page for me as an author.
Where can our readers purchase your book?
Right now on Amazon.
