What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Not My Circus?
My journey to becoming an author is a story of resilience, self-discovery, and the transformative power of the almighty pen (or computer nowadays). My name is Delicia Niami, and I recently released the second book in my ResilientAF memoir series, Not My Circus: Triumph Over Abuse, Trauma & Family Secrets. If you had asked me a few years ago if I ever saw myself as a writer, I would have laughed at the idea. Writing wasn’t something I’d ever seriously considered, despite the repeated urgings from various psychics who told me that my story would someday be turned into a movie. Their confidence in my narrative potential was intriguing, but I never felt that I had a positive message to share. My life was filled with the echoes of past traumas, and I didn’t see how sharing those painful memories could benefit anyone. Everything changed when I read The Body Keeps The Score by Bessel van der Kolk. This book was a revelation, offering profound insights into how trauma is stored in the body and how healing was possible. Intrigued and inspired, I attended one of his workshops. It was there that the true turning point in my journey occurred. During the workshop, surrounded by people who had their own stories of struggle and resilience, I realized that my life wasn’t just a series of traumas. I had survived, grown, and emerged as a happy and well-adjusted person. This epiphany was monumental. I saw that I had not only made it through life’s challenges but also found a way to thrive. I did have a positive message to share after all. That transformative weekend, I began writing Kissing Asphalt. For the first time, I felt a need to put my experiences into words, not just as a therapeutic exercise but as a way to inspire and help others. The process was cathartic and empowering, allowing me to revisit my past from a place of strength and hope. Writing this book was a journey in itself, filled with moments of reflection, revelation, and healing. As the pages filled up, I felt a growing sense of purpose. I realized that my story wasn’t just about trauma; it was about resilience, survival, and ultimately, triumph. I wanted to use my story to encourage others to know that we are all ResilientAF and we can all make it through anything that life throws our way. It takes work, but no matter what we have been through we can find joy, and I am living proof of that.
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Not My Circus, what would they be?
“Thank you For Being a Friend” (Golden Girls theme song), and “Eye of The Tiger” by Survivor.
What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
Self-Help and yes, kind of…
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
The Artists Way.
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
I think it was more revelations than scenes since this was my life, some were fun to go back to others were not so much fun!
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
I need quiet.
Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?
Yes, a couple. Smile and Move on and Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about dancing in the rain!
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
We are ALL resilientAF and we can ALL make it through anything life throws our way.
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