In this conversation, Amy talks with Cara Pacific Campbell, the first person who hired her for a book writing mentorship. Cara shares her journey of writing her memoir, which began as a way to process her diagnosis of Lyme disease. They explore the complexities of writing a memoir, the in-depth self-reflection it requires, and how writing has helped Cara transform her understanding of personal and generational trauma.
From Amy:
When Cara Pacific Campbell first inquired about working with me as a 1:1 Book Writing Mentor, she was reluctant, but not because she was my first book writing client per se. She was reluctant because she'd never written a book, especially about such tender topics, but she was determined to write her book because it wouldn't leave her alone. As in, she was still living the experience she was writing about. A lot of people who end up working with me are like that. They have something to say, and it's tender and personal and ongoing. I can teach them to write in their own language while they bear witness to what's going on.
Cara's trust in me meant a lot because I too was starting over, at least wearing the hat of a developmental editor. People had started to approach me for writing guidance even before I retired from teaching high school languages, and I'd been coaching writers since then, and edited some. But Cara was the first person to hire me for a longitudinal book development project.
And I got to recapture what I love best about teaching languages: seeing fluency, awareness, and pride build over time.
People come to me at all different stages of writing. In Cara's case, she couldn't even get started. So that's what we worked on. Time passed while Cara lived into the rest of the story, and now she's nearing publication of her memoir. So I asked her to reminisce with me about what it's like writing a book when you've never been a writer before.
I know that many people out there are wondering how you get started, and if it's all worth it. This is how, and in Cara's opinion: Yes. Yes it is.
Cara Pacific Campbell is an award-winning sales leader, consultant, and author of an upcoming memoir about her battle with Lyme disease and the path to deeper healing. Known for coaching leaders to create thriving, high-performing teams, Cara blends strategy with heart to help people achieve more—without the burnout. Whether she’s teaching reps how to close million-dollar deals or sharing hard-earned life lessons, Cara inspires growth from the inside out.
www.linkedin.com/in/carapacificcampbell