Q&A with one woman on her decision to write her first book at age 72.
At 72, Rosemary Evangelista has decided to write her first book. A former magazine publisher, she is now embarking on a new journey. It’s a decision that will require inner strength and tons of time and energy. Here, she offers insight into her source of courage and motivation to begin.
Question: How long have you wanted to write a book?
For many years (20+ years!).
Why have you decided that it’s finally time to start?
I have decided that I am not going to let any more hurdles stop me - I will figure out a way to do it. I have a dream and a passion, and I will get it done.
What is your motivation for writing this book?
My Passion is helping others, and my friends tell me all the time that I have just the right thing to say to help them get through a challenge or to figure out what they need to do. Helping others brings me joy. Writing a book is another way to help others, only on a larger scale. I hope that what I write will connect with someone and help them realize that they have the power to change their life. As writers, we have the power and the tools to reach out to others to inspire, encourage, and uplift them.
What led to your decision? Why now?
I’m ready to start a new chapter in life. I want to start a business called the REVA Experience where I can dedicate myself to helping others, but I have been stalling because I didn’t know where to start. Returning to writing and letting the writer in me lead is giving me clarity and direction. Deciding to write a book is what is opening up this new path for me. The book is the perfect starting point.
How does it feel to have made the decision to start this new chapter in your life by writing a book?
The excitement and the joy have me completely over the moon. I keep thinking, “Oh My Goodness, I am writing a book.” It is also a bit of a confidence booster for me to know that I can accomplish this goal.
What gives you strength as you embark on this project?
Self-love gives me strength. The book is titled, “A Passage Through Self-Sabotage: A Love Affair With Life Begins with Loving Yourself.” I want to practice what I will be sharing with others. No one can move forward without self-confidence, and you get that with self-love. How can you help someone else or be successful if you have low self-esteem, a fear of success, or a fear of failure? All those fears were running through my head for years. I wondered, “Who am I to think I could write a book?” These fears held me back. But these limitations are no longer going to stop me. I am determined and a little bit stubborn, and I will find a way through these challenges. I am almost there, and I can see the sunshine at the end of the road to success for this book, for this next chapter in my life, and for me.
How do you think it will feel to finish your book?
Thrilling! Exciting! I can hear myself say, “I can’t believe I did it!” It took me nearly 69 years to realize that I have a choice to sit here and be silent or lend a voice to empower myself and others. I choose to stand tall. I’m going to take a deep breath in and just do it!