Meet Aarti Patel, author of Acne: Just Another Four-Letter Word. Aarti is a naturopathic doctor who uses life experiences to help others. Read Aarti's interview below.
How long have you been writing? I've been writing since 2009, although the first project I completed was mostly an illustrated work called "Picture It: Homeopathy." It was a student guide I created while drawing out notes during my med school classes, to help me memorize homeopathic remedy characteristics. It has since become popular among both homeopathy students and those interested in learning about this medicine. In 2010, I started a novel that I still have yet to finish! Since then, I've completed two health titles, "The Art of Health" and my latest book "Acne: Just Another Four-Letter Word."
What is your most recent literary/artistic project? "Acne: Just Another Four-Letter Word" is the first ever mind-body book about acne, to my awareness, and my most recently published book. I myself struggled with acne for years before starting to work with patients as a naturopathic doctor. It may work for some, but dietary changes, supplements, and even pharmaceuticals didn't work for me. I had to start standing up to acne mentally, as if it were a bully, and I noticed it also helped my skin to establish better boundaries with people who were trying to bully me. My skin actually improved from not allowing people to step all over me. I then started applying what I learned with my own skin to patient visits. The impact was noticeable, people were more confident in protecting their skin from acne and recognizing when they felt bullied elsewhere in life too.
What inspires you to write?
I'm slow to get my words out verbally at times, but I notice when I write I hesitate less. I say what I have to say, and that freedom keeps me writing. My audience feels like just one other person I'm talking to at a time, but I'm also hearing myself speak. I think sometimes we ignore our own voices unless we can find a way to bring them out into the open.
Who’s your favorite author and why?
I should be able to name one author, but it's so hard because different ones have inspired me in unique ways. I've loved reading Ayn Rand, Ronald Dahl, Hemingway, Charles Dickens, Agatha Christie, Bryce Courtenay, Stephen King, and some mystery writers. I'm always on the hunt for favorite authors.
What advice can you give to other authors or writers? Keep practicing your craft. Writing leads to more writing, and more writing, and then thinking about more ideas for writing when you're going for a walk or lying in bed at night.
Where can readers go to find out more information about your work? They can visit http://www.d2books.com, my self-publishing and book review website. I'm also on GoodReads at https://www.goodreads.com/apatelnd.