Lessons Learned About Life And Love by Vivianne Knebel

 Please welcome Vivianne Knebel author of  Lessons Learned About Life And Love

Vivianne Knebel will be awarding a $10 Amazon GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

Lessons Learned About Life And Love
by Vivianne Knebel

 

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GENRE: Memoir

 

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NOTE: The book is free during the tour.

 

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INTERVIEW:

My traumatic life experiences prompted me to write my first book.

 

My first book “ From Rubble To Champagne”  is about the many challenges I had to overcome growing up in the aftermath of Hitler’s Nazi Germany. By the age of  14, I experienced more trauma than most people will experience in a lifetime. I felt I had a book within me that people need to know and learn from.

 

What elements are necessary components for this genre?

 

I think we ourselves need to become whole, that is looking into our true nature. It is called enlightenment! Only then will our words carry conviction and people will listen. After publishing my first book, I felt with writing I can help many people.

 

My second book “Lessons Learned About Life and Love “, is a book for students of life writing about my own multifaceted life and love story. I distilled my life lessons and how they have been impacted by the teachings of my mentors, the great thinkers, philosophers, and poets. They helped me discover the true secrets of creating a fulfilling and meaningful life amidst tragedy.

 

How did you come up with your idea for your book?

 

I wanted to help people come to terms with the meaning of life. This is a time of great uncertainty. The Coronavirus has brought us to a standstill. It is time for reflection, rest, and restoration. A time for inner expansion. My book will guide people to get to their center and examine their values, in order to find joy and peace.

 

What expertise did you bring to your writing?

 

For years I have been recording notes for myself based on extensive readings before realizing that I can write too. I have studied the wisdom of great thinkers, philosophers, and poets. They helped me make sense of the world.

With time and the right attitude, I walked that long path to self-discovery and self-fulfillment.

 

What would you want your readers to know about you that might not be in your bio?

 

I want readers to know that my mission is to help those that feel defeated and suppressed.

 

As far as your writing goes, what are your future plans?

 

I have written two books in a fairly short time and I am presently occupied with radio, podcasts, magazine, and television interviews, in order to spread my message.

I am hoping for a documentary on my books.

 

Can you give us a sneak peek into your book?

 

My first book “From Rubble To Champagne “ is a chronicle of myself growing up in the aftermath of WW II Berlin, Germany, the challenges that families faced, and how I was a young girl dealing with them. It involves immigration to Canada, marriage, family, and the ultimate fulfillment in the United States. The book demonstrates what we human beings can cope with and accomplish through will and determination. It is a story of love and the human spirit.

 

In my second book “ Lessons Learned About Life And Love”, I share some of the lessons that I learned from the great minds, which I consider my mentors, and weave them into my own life experiences.

 

Living in Peace does not necessarily mean my life is now free of conflict. At age 78 I am being challenged and tested once again. My husband, the love of my life of 57 years is struggling with failing health. “Lessons Learned About Life And Love “, is a rich guide on how to love life and to love the love of one’s life. It depicts my journey which is a testament to the human struggle which we all face and my ultimate triumph in the face of adversity.

 

The greatest value in this book lies in my advice on how to accept and cope with the challenges my husband and I now face. It points out the importance to find good even in adverse situations, being optimistic, positive and holding onto faith. It shows the power of kindness, gratitude, and mindfulness.

 

It shows the power of the mind. We become what we think!

 

I write about the aging process, a time of new beginnings. How to age well rather than merely growing old. At age 70 I came into my own. At an age when most people expect to settle into a quiet life of retirement. I invented myself as a writer.

 

Both books are dedicated to my husband who encouraged me not only to live but to thrive.

 

Do you belong to a critique group? If so how does this help or hinder your writing?

 

I do not belong to a critique group, however, I was reminded how difficult it is to publish a book, and most likely I would not succeed. I take criticism constructively, but I am not easily discouraged. I have always looked for new abilities and realized that there is no effort without error. If you are afraid of failing you have already failed!

 

When did you first decide to submit your work? Please tell us what and who encouraged you to take this big step?

 

My husband was the wind beneath my wings. He believed in my story and encouraged me all the way. One good friend by the name of Walter Green, author of the book “This Is the Moment” read my manuscript and was taken by my story and gave me encouragement. I consider him one of my mentors.

 

Another acquaintance by the name of Tom Gegax, author of, “ Winning in the Game of Life and The Big Book of Small Business told me that I have something of value to be published.

Stephen Metcalfe is another friend who is the author of “ The Tragic Age and “The Practical Navigator”. He is a playwright  and was instrumental in the movie “Pretty Woman”

He believed my story could possibly be turned into a mini-series.

The encouragement of these people gave me hope and a dream.

 

Do you outline your books or just start writing?

 

I Outline my books.

 

How do you maintain your creativity?

 

I always believe in possibilities. I open my heart and see beauty everywhere.

 

Who is your favorite character in the book? Can you tell us why?

 

My husband is my favorite character in my books. He always believed in me and encouraged me to learn and grow. He enabled me to become the strongest link from once being the weakest. It is amazing how one person can turn your life around.

 

My book is a true love story! In my book “Lessons Learned About Life And Love “ I share the personal tragedy of my husband's failing health in a testimonial to my love and commitment to his recovery. My life philosophy provides the reader with many life lessons.

BLURB:

 

In her second book "Lessons Learned About Life and Love", Vivianne shares some of the lessons she has learned from writers and thinkers such as Dr. Wayne Dyer and Dr. Viktor Frankl, weaving them into her own experiences in a compelling guide to living, loving and thriving in old age. Her insights offer proof that great wisdom is not gained only from the classroom or the lecture hall, and that one need not look far to understand the secrets to living well. From anecdotes about her everyday rituals to memories from her world travels, Vivianne captures the profound and often surprising moments of enlightenment that can be found right in front of us, if we only know where- and how-to look.

 

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EXCERPT:

 

My book "Lessons Learned About Life And Love" is about my life experiences and how they were impacted by my mentors the philosophers and poets, who helped me make sense of the world. I applied their wisdom and it worked to help me gain the inner dignity of living a fully loved life. How I have come to love life, that same life which I had once sought to end at age 17. I learned early on how cruel life can be but also felt inspired by the beauty and love that always awaits all of us. The trials of my early life left their mark on me and I found a way to overcome the adversities of the world I was able to build a new life for myself, dealing with immigration and walking that long path of self-discovery and self-fulfillment.  But that does not mean that I left all adversities behind me. We are in a constant cycle of ups and downs.

 

In my book, I write about my latest challenge having to face my husband's severe illnesses. How it was almost touching and go. With positive hope and optimism, one can still find joy and meaning in life and how it can create miracles. This book is a guide to seek meaning even amidst tragedy. I write about the greatest power of love. Nurturing and a sense of responsibility are facets of love. Awareness of service is a state of mind that expresses love. With my unwavering hope, positivity, and devotion I hope to inspire my husband to hold on to that same faith and hope to overcome this latest challenge.

 

I want to give people the message to always hold onto hope, positivity, and faith, to stay determined, and to persevere. I guide people to cope with challenges in flexible ways. Challenges make us resilient and resilience breeds purpose. That is how we grow!

 

 

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

Born an illegitimate child in the wake of WWII in Berlin, Nazi Germany to a single mother, Vivianne Knebel’s options were limited and her future looked bleak. She experienced poverty, cold, and hunger, and was even driven to the point of committing suicide. To seek out a better life, Vivianne immigrated to Canada as a teenager, but her misfortunes did not end there. However, in response to a miraculous intervention, she decided to preserve her life and keep moving forward.

 

After this incident, Vivianne met a fellow German immigrant, Wiland, who eventually became her husband. But even more than that, he became a catalyst for change in her life. His belief in her is what helped her see the true, immeasurable value of her life. She went on to play a key role in Wiland’s business venture and together they built a better future for each other. 

 

Since then, Vivianne has run a marathon, learned to pilot a plane, and even beat cancer. She’s found a greater sense of spirituality and wants to share her story with the world, to remind people that there is always a reason to keep moving forward. 

 

Website: https://vivianneknebel.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/knebelauthor

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Vivianne-Knebel-100504868342880/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vivianneknebelauthor/

Tumblr: https://vivianneknebelauthor.tumblr.com/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20376391.Vivianne_Knebel

 

Amazon Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/Lessons-Learned-About-Life-Love/dp/0578976005/

 

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GIVEAWAY INFORMATION and RAFFLECOPTER CODE

 

Vivianne Knebel will be awarding a $10 Amazon GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

 

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/28e4345f4097