I'm thrilled today to have Gloria Loring as my special guest, as part of the WOW Author Blog Tour. Gloria is author of Coincidence is God's Way of Remaining Anonymous.
Gloria
is the recording artist of the #1 hit song Friends and Lovers;
co-composer of television theme songs Diff’rent Strokes and Facts
Of Life; an audience favorite as “Liz Chandler” on Days Of Our
Lives; spokesperson for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation;
the author of five books benefitting people with diabetes; a keynote
speaker for corporations and non-profits; and one of few artists to sing two
nominated songs on the Academy Awards.
Gloria has taken time from her busy schedule to answer some of my questions about writing, and she's shared insight on her incredible journey as a writer, an actress, and a mother.
DV: Your spiritual autobiography Coincidence Is God’s Way of Remaining Anonymous is thought-provoking and inspiring. What inspired you to write it? And who inspires you?
GL: The stories themselves inspired me,
compounded by Albert Einstein’s perspective that “coincidence is God’s way of
remaining anonymous.” And then I read in Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way
that we must share the gifts we’ve been given. And even though I felt I must, I
put off writing for years due to uncertainty as to how I would achieve a “real
book” out of my stories. It was a gradual process of excitement, immersion,
retreat, contemplation, recommitment, and then finally, twelve years after I’d
begun, completion!
DV: The Artist's Way is such an inspiring book for writers and other artists, and it is so true about sharing our gifts. The story about finding a card titled “Expect a
Miracle” in your dressing room is fascinating, especially how it led you to
help raise a million dollars for diabetes research. Will you please elaborate
on it?
DV: You are right; it is important to recognize we are not alone. Talk about perseverance! It took twelve years to
write Coincidence is God’s Way of Remaining Anonymous. Why did it take so long?
And what would you do differently if you started writing it now?
GL: Before this book, my writing was either
in the area of living with diabetes (six books) or songwriting. Now that I have
gathered confidence in my ability to express the esoteric in practical ways, I
think I’m ready for my next book!
DV: I agree! I’m impressed by the variety of references listed
in your Bibliography and the wonderful quotes included in your book. What can
you tell other writers about your writing and research processes?
GL: Research for my book was like a treasure
hunt. Once I started, each piece I found egged me on. I think the most
important aspect of writing is an enormous enthusiasm for the subject matter.
DV: That's an apt analogy about research being like a treasure hunt. While coincidence is the centerpiece of Coincidence is God’s Way of Remaining
Anonymous, after reading your book, one word that comes to mind is wisdom.
What can you say about the role wisdom has played on your spiritual journey?
GL: We stand on the shoulders of the great
beings who have done the deep work. We can read and study, and then try living
by their teachings. We can observe how that changes our perspective and our
practical experience of each day. Wisdom is everywhere, in all traditions. We
have the opportunity to find which way of wisdom is most helpful to us.
DV: That is very true. You have met so many famous and fascinating
people, including President Ronald Reagan. I love the story about dinner at the
White House. Of all the famous people you’ve met, is there one who stands out
from all others?
GL: Jimmy Stewart. I had watched his movies as a child and always loved his gentle ways. I became so tongue-tied in his presence, I could hardly put a sentence together.
DV: I love Jimmy Stewart! I can't imagine what it would have been like to meet him in person. Next question: Growing up, what books influenced you? Who are some of your favorite authors now?
GL: By the
time I was twelve, I had read the entire Laura Ingalls Wilder Little House on the Prairie series.
Twice. I love historical books by David McCullough, anything by Pat Conroy or
Jodi Piccoult, historical novels like Loving
Frank, The Paris Wife, and memoirs
that sing of truth and recovery like Angela’s
Ashes. Our book club,
“Women, Words and Wine,” has introduced me to some wondrous books
I might not have read otherwise - Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand, Cutting for
Stone, Sarah’s Key.
DV: I love the glimpse into your life through the
photographs in your book, and the cover photo of you is lovely. While this
question isn’t related to writing, I have to ask: What’s your beauty secret?
DV: What is the best way for readers to find out about your books, CDs, author events, or personal appearances?
GL: My site, Facebook and Twitter:
DV: What
are you working on now, and what’s next for Gloria Loring?
DV: That sounds like fun--and very exciting! Last question: Anything final thoughts or words of wisdom you’d
like to add?
DV: You are so welcome, and thanks so much for stopping by Donna's Book Pub. To all my readers: Feel free to leave questions or comments, and if you're looking for an inspiring book, check out Gloria's book, Coincidence is God's Way of Remaining Anonymous.
