Showing Up – Becoming the Me I Want To Be by author Christine Wunder Patton is a brilliant and timely book for today’s society as a whole. Although primarily written to empower and prepare young people as they embark on their professional and personal journeys, the author’s invaluable life experiences and extensively researched and thought-filled teachings offered here make it a wise read for all.

Christine Patton has a vibrant energy about her that exudes in every word she imparts in Showing Up. You know she cares, and has been very conscientious in sharing her insights, while always encouraging the reader to dig a little deeper and embrace and act upon what resonates with them.

Enjoy reading about my interview with Christine:

What inspired you to write this book?

Leaving my profession as a lawyer left me questioning who I was and what I was supposed to be doing. I wondered what went so horribly wrong in my career choice. As I set out to satisfy those queries, opportunities, people, and events came my way that helped me learn some fundamental truths about life. I realized all I had to do was ask.

As I gathered more information and knowledge, I began to see that my journey may be relevant to many others who are searching for answers; especially young people who need to find jobs and plan careers.

As I continued to experiment with the new insights and resources that had found their way to me, a plan came to mind to talk to students at school about them. Following a talk I gave to a Leadership class, the teacher gave me a very moving review and suggested I write a book. So I did. Five years later, here it is!

What do you want others to gain from your book?

My dream is that everyone who reads my book comes away with new knowledge and techniques that inspire them to dig deep to find out who they really are, to know what a wondrous creation they are, and how to rock this one life they have to live.

What was your creative process for this project?

I’ve learned that when I am connected with myself, and open for ideas to flow, the best information appears in print. And fortunately, I have also come to know myself very well, and am consciously committed to being in an inspired and motivated state as often as possible. Still, simply speaking, I wrote when I felt inspired to write, and did not when I wasn’t.

Why did you choose the story-telling format you used?

I wanted to make my book as attractive and compelling as possible to encourage readership. Therefore, I broke my ideas into digestible parts called Flight Points (in line with the Dragonfly theme), which are intended to open the reader to a theory or provide increased awareness about a topic, and then inspire further research where there is more interest.

I also knew that something heavy and preachy was definitely NOT going to fly (pun intended), so I tried to be as conversational as I could be.

What’s next for you as an author?

As an author, I already feel something else starting to bubble up . . . but I’ll keep that under wraps for now.

I have many plans for this book including workshops/talks for students and parents, in various formats, to help promote the concepts within. And, ultimately, I plan to open a center for alternative learning called, The TransMax Centre.

Final thoughts:

I’m continuously moved by the projects we have the privilege of working on. It’s exciting to feel what our authors feel, share in their creative and courageous journeys, and elevate our own awareness in the process.

This little book delivers huge value, and in countless ways. You’ll want to keep Showing Up – Becoming the Me I Want To Be close, and refer to often, as you digest all of its meaty content and pearls of wonderful wisdom.

It is now available for pre-order and will be shipping later this month: http://www.icbookstore.ca/showingup

Should you wish to meet the author in person, Chris is one of the featured speakers at a new grassroots event called, Not Your Average Career Fair, on Sat, Oct 17^th, 9am to 4pm, at the Four Points Sheraton in Mississauga. She will also be hosting a formal book launch in her hometown of Cambridge on Thurs, Nov 26^th.

For more of what’s happening at I C Publishing, check out the autumn issue of I C News, and keep the conversation going with us on social media! You can find us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and even sometimes on Google+.

Wishing you meaningful success always,

Sheri and the I C Publishing Team