At I C Publishing we are passionate about helping others, like new author Anita Heidema, tell their stories and share their experiences and wisdom in life and work. Our interviews are meant to help and encourage other writers, and at the same time celebrate the hard work and courage that goes into birthing the amazing books inside all of us.

In her first book, Vitality Knocks, Anita introduces us to Vitality, a spunky, intuitive woman who speaks candidly about her struggles and accomplishments as a wife, mother and business woman. She takes on the real world on her terms. Then bravely and thoughtfully shares her insights gleaned from the often scary, sometimes gut-wrenching, and always interesting events she finds herself entrenched in.


What inspired you to write this book?

My own life journey has taught me so much. The clients I work with, as a coach in life and business, have helped me realize that we all have similar events knocking on our door, so-to-speak . . . and we need to listen.

It’s so important to gain understanding from these situations so we can move forward and be truly happy in what we want to accomplish and how we want to live. By relating to Vitality the readers can discover new truths and then apply them as they experience their own knocks and challenges.

Some of the circumstances which impact Vitality, especially as she shares about her early years, are horrendous and scary; others are heart-warming and reaffirming. All of them contribute to the woman we come to know intimately, one who is strong and self-assured, resourceful and wonderful.

If we open ourselves up to be taught from each of life’s occasions, good and otherwise, the journey will flow easier. It will be less stressful, and much more fun.


What do you want others to gain from your book?

In all things, we should be able to acquire another point of view or learn another valuable lesson. It’s my wish that the wisdom oozing from the pages of Vitality Knocks will attach itself to her readers and they will be inspired.

I imagine the reader curling up in their favourite space and enjoying this special little book, embracing each and every story and its relevance to them.


What was your creative process for this project?

It’s often difficult to put into words where the stories come from. Sometimes, they find me late at night in those quiet moments. Whether at home or anywhere I go, I always have a journal to mark things down, and it just develops from there.


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

I like fictional books. For me, it provided the creative freedom I needed as a writer, which was extremely helpful when delivering on a more serious subject. As each chapter concludes, there are segments to encourage reflection. It’s fiction with a twist. Plus, Vitality is a cool woman, and she has so much more to share!


What’s next for you as an author?

More books, of course. I thoroughly enjoy the storytelling part of writing. Vitality has my creative juices flowing, and I’m having fun with the launch of this, my first book, on Dec. 1, 2014. My hope is that others will be as excited to follow along, as Vitality’s personality and image continues to be unveiled as the books in the series progress. Yes books – plural!

Note from the publisher: Vitality’s journey is anything but simple, and yet author Anita Heidema has created a strong and vibrant character in Vitality, one who is able to draw us into her world and is unabashed and forthright in the telling of each situation. At the same time, she cleverly uses each experience as a teaching tool to emphasize the essential lessons we all can and need to learn.

Vitality guides us through her thought process, and encourages us to absorb the value from each day and its happenings, and to apply it to our tomorrows. Her instincts and perceptions remind us that time is a priceless commodity. Spending it generously and wisely, with love and respect, with family, friends, and our communities, should be our focus.

Thanks Anita … we eagerly anticipate joining you on the next leg of Vitality’s journey!

You can pre-order your very own copy of Vitality Knocks right here in the I C Bookstore at http://www.icbookstore.ca/vitalityknocks, and when you do you will receive a free Kindle copy on Dec 1st! We will commence shipping of printed books on or before the first week in Dec!

Wishing YOU inspiration and courage in your writing journey always!

Warmest regards and appreciation,

Sheri and the I C Publishing Team

Facebook / LinkedIn / Twitter / Google+

Where applicable, every attempt has been made to cite, give proper acknowledgement, and/or access appropriate permissions for content used in our publications (books, blogs, and social media). For images, if not created in-house, we source via reputable image platforms. In the unlikely event something has been missed, please accept our apology and contact us immediately so we can investigate and/or delete accordingly.