top of page
​
_edited_edited.jpg)
Michelle Dorothy Riksman on writing inner riches
Author Interview
Q1. How did the idea
of writing a book arise?
While reading a book about loss, the author suggested a way to cope: "Write a book." I didn't waver from it because I knew I had a story to tell, a story that, in benefiting me, might help other grieving daughters.
Q4. Did you take notes?
On the shower screen, while mowing, peeling carrots,
even during dinner over my serviette. I used anything capable of being written on, day or night. Pocket-sized notepads are my main
go-to.
Q2. How did you write the book?
Time saw me realise the architecture of the book. Beyond that, if I was reflecting, I wrote in stages. Otherwise, I told the story
in real time as my
grieving process unfolded.
Q5. Where did your writing take place?
Aside from unusual places like Sydney’s domain car park in the backseat while my partner attended a work engagement, most of the writing took
place at home with my late
cat, Levi, no more than a
few feet from me.
Q3. Do you find writing about your feelings easy?
People on the autism spectrum can feel so profoundly that we are
often overwhelmed by our emotions and cannot function through them.
For me, writing is my
way in and my way out.
Q6. How long did it take
to write the book?
Six years. The book evolved as I evolved.
Q7. What did your partner think of your writing regimen?
If Sonia were a tree, she’d be a weeping willow, well-grounded but able to bend in the wind.
That’s my way of conveying
how supportive she is.
Q8. Did you read many books about grief?
Some. I searched for books
on the loss of a mother that expressed the pain
along with the love I was
feeling. When I couldn't
find one, I wrote the
book I needed to read.
Q9. Since launching inner
riches, what has affected
you most?
How the book has been received. To me, no feeling outshines
helping another.
"It's exactly what I need to read. I've got Alexithymia, and you describe all the feelings in a beautiful and heartfelt manner. It's relatable. What a talent you have with words. Thank you. This book is helping me as a person and as an autie with feeling - issues."
R Davis
AS James
'It's been almost 11 years since my mum left my side. This book has helped me to realise that I have spent too long trying to learn how to live without her that I had stopped honouring my powerful and deep connection to her. I had put away her things so I could "move on" but now all I want to do is surround myself with everything that connects me to her. I miss her terribly, and had lost myself by trying to find out who I am without her. I am who I am because of her, with or without her by my side....I am proud to be my mother's daughter. I am not motherless. I have experienced Mother-loss. It has left a deep and gaping wound on my heart, but from now on I will honour her, and fill the void, by living the life she would wish for me.'
_edited.png)
AS James
R Davis
_edited_edited_j.jpg)
bottom of page