Being both a mother and a writer means my days are a whirlwind of creation, nurturing, and managing the delightful chaos of life. But what truly defines me isn’t just my dual role as a parent and author—it’s the ever-evolving nature of my artistry. I wear many hats: novelist, songwriter, composer, painter with works on exhibit, and sculptor. These facets of my personality don’t compete; they intertwine, forming the mosaic of who I am. It’s truly the deep feeling I have over time.
Becoming a Recognized Writer: An Endless Journey Where Every Emotion and Experience Has Its Place
But if there’s one art form I’ve practiced consistently since the age of 14, it’s writing. Like many passionate young people, I won short story contests between the ages of 15 and 21. I was published at a fairly young age, but it was a challenging experience: either the publishing house was too large to pay attention to me, or it was too small and neglected communication altogether. It was a lot to handle on my own as a young woman.
Self-publishing is Virtually useless… or almost !
Today, after working with several small independent publishing houses, I’ve returned, for a time, to self-publishing—but only for my books related to therapy and personal development. Why? Because selling these books directly to my clients is far more profitable! No middlemen for works that sell well—it’s a much better calculation for me. However, I fully recognize that in terms of professionalism and reputation, self-publishing is virtually useless… or almost!
Finding The Right Publisher
That’s why I took my time finding the right publisher for me. I sent my new book, L’été Gigi (Gigi’s Summer), to only one publishing house. I had once held a book on the paranormal from this publisher in my hands and was instantly captivated—by the story, the cover, the book’s finish. It was the perfect balance between professional and artisanal, with a touch that let the author’s authentic personality shine through. For me, the chills I feel when holding a book in my hands are a very good sign! It means I can feel the energy the author has poured into their work. You know, after several paranormal experiences and two near-death encounters at ages 30 and 33, I’ve developed a deep certainty that we are not alone. I communicate with my guardian angel, whom I believe I know, and I pay close attention to messages from subtle realms. That said, I’m convinced it’s essential to maintain control and return to a rational mindset from time to time! Regular self-reflection is unavoidable if you believe in all of this.
After six months of waiting while my manuscript went through the selection process, I was fortunate to receive a positive response. Another year passed before my book was officially available through the publisher and its network of associated booksellers. I couldn’t be happier with my choice.
This experience has even renewed the way I see myself as an author. Previously, I had contributed to numerous publications for a major publisher, but was credited only as a “writer.” Today, I truly feel like a full-time author because:
- I earn a living from my books.
- I’m in constant contact with my readers.
- My new book, Gigi’s Summer, genuinely reflects my style, the culmination of 30 years of writing.
- I write every day ! I always have a project on the go!
After exploring every possible genre, I’ve finally found my voice.
A Day in My Creative Life
My mornings begin early. Before the house stirs, I steal those precious quiet moments for myself. Coffee in hand, I sit by my favorite desk—a corner surrounded by my paintings and sketches—and dive into my current project. Whether it’s finishing a chapter of my next novel or jotting down song lyrics, these hours are sacred.
My writing process often feels like a dialogue between my roles as artist and writer. Sometimes, a melody I compose inspires a scene in my novel, or a sculpture I’m shaping gives life to a character in my stories. Art is fluid, and I let it flow where it needs to.
When the house awakens, I switch gears to focus on my family. My children remind me of the beauty of simple things—observing their creativity and curiosity often sparks ideas I hadn’t considered.
Once the kids are at school or occupied, I return to my desk. That’s when the real work happens. I stick to a strict routine: writing for a few hours uninterrupted. It’s here I must thank my editor—a person I not only trust but admire deeply. Their ability to guide my manuscripts without stifling my voice is a rare gift. They transform drafts into masterpieces with a mix of precision and empathy.
Afternoons are often reserved for my other artistic pursuits and my clients. I’m also a therapist. Sculpting, painting, or composing music provides a change of pace and lets my mind wander freely, often solving creative roadblocks in unexpected ways.
The Challenges and Joys
Balancing motherhood and artistry isn’t always seamless. There are days when inspiration feels far away, or when deadlines loom like dark clouds. But every finished work—a book, a song, a painting—is a testament to perseverance and passion.
Being an artist means embracing all the facets of life: the messy, the beautiful, and the in-between. Each role I inhabit feeds the others. Motherhood grounds me, while my art gives me wings.
Questions I’m Often Asked
- How do you find time to create with so much on your plate?
The answer might be this: I was born this way! I’ve always been deeply interested in art, and I was never content to simply observe it. From a very young age, I wanted to create it. Doing everything I do seems complex to people. Some make comments like, “Don’t you ever get tired of doing it all?” or “Why don’t you slow down a bit?”
In reality, there’s no difficulty for me in juggling different activities. Whether it’s seeing clients at my practice, then writing, painting, sculpting, attending a singing class, or recording a new piece of music I’ve composed, it’s simply the way I’ve always lived my life. What feels “abnormal” to me are people who remain inactive!
And no, I don’t have some crazy organizational system. I listen to my mind and body. Sometimes, I’ll write for just ten minutes and then decide that a lying meditation would do me more good. It’s when I listen to myself that I produce my best work—feeling good and connected to the story unfolding within me. So, no effort, just my natural instincts kicking in.
That said, I’m far from being a hyperactive person, as people often say. Those who do very little are often intimidated by those who accomplish a lot. But that’s not your problem. People who criticize this ultra-creative lifestyle actually have a problem with themselves. You just have to let them figure it out!
2. Which of your artistic pursuits do you feel most connected to?
It’s a dynamic I’ve explained many times, often at art fairs where people see my paintings, sculptures, and books and express their surprise. I’ve even had visitors get annoyed, saying things like, “So you think you can do everything!”
The truth is, in France, being a “jack of all trades” is poorly received by some because it doesn’t fit the cultural mindset. For them, as soon as you do more than one thing, you’re somehow “taking away” an activity from others. It’s a narrow mentality that I can’t stand.
For me, art is a palette of techniques: writing texts or books, composing music, writing lyrics, modeling, sculpting, painting—all of it contributes to a single creative force, a wave of inspiration. Some days, I express what’s within me through a pen or keyboard; other days, through my hands shaping clay or a brush on a canvas. None of it is different to me—it’s all part of the same flow.
This journey as a mother and multidisciplinary artist is one of constant discovery. Every day brings new challenges and opportunities to grow. It’s a life full of color, rhythm, and story—a life I wouldn’t trade for anything.
If you’re hesitating to start, just do it! Never listen to others—their opinions about you or your projects—because if you do, you’ll never accomplish anything! Not everyone is kind or supportive. Some people feel that by creating, you’re somehow stopping them from doing the same.
Do it, and above all, keep doing it! That’s my only advice!
