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For years Shannon has been encouraging others to surpass their own expectations of themselves and to use limitless thinking. Her creative vision combined with her enthusiasm provides a unique foundation for Shining Eyes Coaching.

Shannon has worked in the developmental disabilities field since 1995 and has designed and implemented programs for non-profit as well as government agencies. Shannon is author of Living Your Life In Balance: How to Achieve Happiness and Inspire Integrity Within. She is also a speaker and Life Balance Coach. She lives with her husband and baby in Tacoma, Washington.

Thank you Shannon for answering a few questions for us! Please tell us about your latest book Living Your Life In Balance: How to Achieve Happiness and Inspire Integrity Within.

Living Your Life In Balance defines a journey that asks you to lay aside your ego and take a really good look at yourself. Like an onion, imagine peeling back the layers that make you who you are. You eventually discover a nucleus; an inner energy that dwells within you. This is where a constant state of balance exists. This is where any struggling you endure ends and the integrity found at the core of who you are waits to gift you with happiness.
 
For illustration on how someone can overcome and work through their struggles, I share stories of my own obstacles with low self-esteem, self-aversion, and infertility I experienced. As this book was written to be a guide for an internal journey, I work with the reader, layer by layer, helping them to reveal their powerful internal strength and integrity. This is done by revealing they ways in which we define ourselves.
 
By working through the exercises in each chapter, the reader will learn how to:
 
-Clarify where they currently are in life and how they got there
-Visualize who they want to become and the steps to take to become this person
-Develop a connection with their core energy
-Radiate integrity in their personal and professional life
-Achieve ongoing happiness and fulfillment that will bring them through their down times
-Establish life to the fullest and to take the leap to be all that they were born to be

Do you also do speaking engagements, or seminars?
 
Yes. I do keynotes, as well as classroom speaking engagements.

How has your education, profession or background helped you in your writing career? Or conversely, how has you writing success helped you in your  profession?

I have worked with people who experience developmental disabilities for almost 15 years. From being in social services, I have had lots of opportunity for self development and learning about the human will. I believe this foundation allowed me to take a dive into my own issues to reveal what was truly there-potential, integrity and strength.

Is there any aspect to your profession that gets you in touch with your readers directly?

I am available to provide individual coaching on life balance, as well as to present on the book's subject matter.

What will your next project be?

I would like to write other books. My next book will be about my writings in my journal, struggling with infertility. It will take a personal look into the heartache and hope of infertility, adoption, and family building.  

Who inspires you on a personal or business level?

Dr. Wayne Dyer

What type of work is the most rewarding or satisfying for you?

Influential work that allows me to inspire people to see their strength and potential-influence that helps them to reveal themselves at a deeper level. 

What can you recommend for writers who are just getting started and are trying to make a name for themselves?

Just start writing. Write whatever is speaking to you and your heart. And, do not critique the early stages. Let the message be as natural and fluid as can be. When creating your product, do everything the best you can afford: your book cover, website, etc. A poor book cover will kill your efforts.

How did you get started as a writer?

I was laid off in 2004. I felt I had nothing more important to do than to explore my thoughts. I started journaling. These early entries were the beginning of Living Your Life In Balance: How to Achieve Happiness and Inspire Integirty Within.

Which is your favorite book/work published? Is there a favorite?

Anything by Dr. Wayne Dyer. His work and word has influenced me like no other person.

What does a typical work day look like for you?

I have an 8 month old, so early! Usually 6am. Tending and spending time with my son, Cole, is the most important part of my day. During nap time and when Daddy is home, I take some time to focus on promoting my book.

Have you ever had a mentor, or someone who sparked your passion for writing?

I have had many people who have inspired me. Anyone who stands out always searched for the best in me.

Who is your favorite writer/author?

Need I say, again, Dr. Wayne Dyer!  I also love the teachings of Emerson and Oriah Mountain Dreamer.

Finally, a most important question: what was the last song you sang out loud when you were by yourself?  :)

I think it was a tune from one of my son's Fisher-Price toys!

Thank you Shannon! We wish you great success with your future projects and good luck to you and your family!