Interview with Meg Nocero, Author of Butterfly Awakens: A Memoir of Transformation Through Grief

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Butterfly Awakens: A Memoir of Transformation Through Grief?

In April of 2011, not only did I lose my mother to breast cancer, but I also lost my way. I retreated into my closet and did not want to come out and face a world without my mother. I showed up for my responsibilities at work and home, but I fell into a depression and did not want to live anymore. It was a terrifying feeling. My kids were 2 and 8 years old when my mother passed away. I knew that I could not abandon them, but the sadness and disillusionment enveloped me. When I was moving through grief, I promised that I would keep going to share a better story for my life, healing myself and in service to others.

The metamorphosis of the butterfly and the guidance of the lighthouse were symbols that stood foremost in my mind. I chose never to give up, do the hard things that surround transformation, and in the end, embrace my inner beauty—writing all about what unfolded so I could inspire others. I wanted other people to know that there is always light, even in the darkness and that they are more than enough, just be authentic. And to offer hope to those who were where I was when my mother died, I intended to share my story to inspire others to keep going and reach out for help when they need it, never giving up themselves.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Butterfly Awakens: A Memoir of Transformation Through Grief, what would they be?

Meg — Yellow or Something Just Like This

What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

I love Memoir/Inspirational and I love to write Women’s Fiction.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Save the Cat!, Malibu Rising, and Beneath the Veil of Smoke and Ash: A Novel

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

The magical story of how I met Oprah Winfrey in front of 15,000 people in Miami American Airlines Stadium.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

I write when I ride my stationary bike—it calms my mind to receive.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

I have two: ‘Live Life as If it is Rigged in Your Favor’ and ‘Something Wonderful is Always About to Happen’.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

Never give up on the beauty of your dreams—there is always hope if you believe in yourself.

Meg Nocero is the author of the new book Butterfly Awakens: A Memoir of Transformation Through Grief

Connect with Meg Nocero

Facebook

Twitter

Buy The Book