Overcomers, Inc. – An Interview with Contributing Author Colleen Bain

Colleen Bain, M.A. is a special educator in the state of New Jersey. As a brain trainer, she transforms students into individuals who learn easily and efficiently. Visit http://www.els4kids.com to get your copy of her Free report, How to End Homework Meltdowns in 5 Simple Steps.

1. How did you get started writing?

I got started writing when I was in college. I was considering taking psychology as my minor, so I took tons of classes. I was required to write about different case studies, providing observational insight supported with factual data. I absolutely loved doing this and it came very easily for me. After my undergrad, I pursued my Masters in Special Education, where the majority of courses required observational field work where I created my own case studies as I worked with different classrooms and student populations. I provided reflective and factual writing to support my research.

2. What do you do when you are not writing?

When I am not writing, I am researching and collecting data through my work with my students and their families at Enhanced Learning Skills for Kids, LLC. I am also doing research and networking with my Opsoclonus Myoclonus Families (OMS) through the OMS Support Network. I try to spend as much time as possible with my husband, Tom, my son, Sean, and my daughter, Shannon. We also have two dogs, three cats, two gerbils and bunch of fish! Family is very important to me and my life’s work is centered around helping other families become empowered.

3. What would readers like to know about you?

Readers may like to know that I was born in Brooklyn, NY and moved to farm country (at the time) when I was 13 years old. I love children and animals and my childhood dream was to have 5 or more children, live on a farm filled with animals, especially dogs. Dogs are my favorite animals as they bring such peace to my life. They remind me that my dream is still very much alive. I love connecting with other people and that’s why my I love my business. My type of work is all about the relationship building between myself and families.

I have not fulfilled my dream yet as my first born, Shannon was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma and Opsoclonus Myoclonus Syndrome (OMS). OMS causes injury to the individual’s brain causing cognitive and behavioral issues. This event was a life changing event for me and my family, especially Shannon. As I handed in my chapter to the editor with final revisions, my daughter Shannon was refused further treatment for her disorder. The reason and story behind this situation is the basis of my next book to be published at a later date. Anyway, we have been dealing with doctors across the country in hopes of finding help for her. My research for answers for Shannon has led me to many wonderful discoveries about the how the brain learns that are proving helpful to my students. We are hopeful that the right doctors and answers will find their way to us. My dream is still very much alive and it shared with everyone in my family. We look forward to the day we buy our first ranch.

4. What inspired you to be a contributing author in Overcomers, Inc.?

I was inspired to be a contributing author in Overcomers, Inc. after being told several times by different professionals that I should write a book. I decided to “listen” and take action. Also, I believe the book will bring awareness to many about two important topics. One being OMS and the importance of the medical field to learn more about this to prevent misdiagnosing and brain injury. The second topic is help families recognize there is hope for helping their children progress and learn easily and efficiently. My business, Enhanced Learned Skills for Kids, LLC is proving this every day.

5. Why is the topic of Overcoming important to you?

The topic of Overcoming is very important to me because I have learned how important our thoughts and beliefs are in our everyday success. If a person remains living in the “past” or stuck in hopelessness around a particular crisis, they will not believe they can move forward. They need help in understanding that Overcoming is possible and it’s a process. One that requires you to be still, remember to breathe, connect with your true self (prayer / meditate), listen and then take action. For another person going through a crisis and feeling frozen in fear, the topic of being able to overcome adversity and push through to the other side is extremely helpful to provide guidance, support, wisdom and motivation that anything is possible.

6. Why are you specially qualified to write about this topic?

I am especially qualified to write about the topic of Overcoming because I have survived through a crisis not once but twice as my daughter has come out of remission from her OMS and I am Overcoming on my way to Champion.

7. How many books have you written?

I have not written any other books to date of this nature. I have written a few other technical manuals that were used within Corporate America for Training Purposes.

8. How do you manage to keep yourself focused and on track when you’re writing a book?

Writing a book for me can be a very spiritual experience. However, I tend to balance this with a process. When writing, I learned to do a brainstorming free write for the topic I will be writing. Next, I usually allow myself time to research for fact finding around the topic. Then, I give myself time to organize all the data that has been produced into a type of structured “big picture.” Lastly, I allow myself “x” amount of time to write/type about my subject per day. If I only allow 30 min. for the day, then I literally walk away at 30 minutes and do not return until the next day. Producing the content to fill the pages is the spiritual aspect. Once I have the facts down and a good amount of structure, I allow myself to be connected to my true self, to my spirit and ask for guidance. Sometimes, I can write pages and pages and pages in one sitting when I am “in the zone.”

9. Do you write to make money, for the love of writing or both?

I write to spread awareness to help families become more empowered so they too can live their life on purpose with passion. I provide families with structure and goals to accomplish this through my business which coaches students and transforms individuals into independent learners. I have discovered that living on purpose with passion is very fulfilling and sometimes as an added bonus, one makes money, too. However, being realistic, I believe both go hand-in-hand.

10. What makes you proud about your involvement with Overcomers, Inc.?

What makes me proud about my involvement with Overcomers, Inc. is that I am a part of many talented professionals. Being a part of this anthology is a very humbling experience for me. It also provides me an opportunity to spread awareness to families through my story and my business.

11. Will you write more books?

Yes, I will be writing more books based on my continuing research around both OMS and how the brain learns.

12. What do you have in the works now?

I have a few projects in the works now. Primarily, my web site was recently transitioned over to Word Press with a forum and other great functionality. This allows for families and professionals to research, discuss and create solutions. I have started giving talks as a professional speaker related to How the Brain Learns. I hope to keep doing this and connecting with many people in person.

13. What does the future hold for you and your books?

The future holds great opportunity and success for me and my books. Through my books, I hope to help families understand about their choices in educating their children. I really hope to begin making an impression with our educational institutions. Our country is in great need for a shift in our educational paradigm. I hope to be a contributor in making this happen.

14. What makes this a book that other people MUST read and WHY?

What makes this a book that other people MUST read is that the book provides hope, guidance, support, wisdom and proven techniques and strategies to get through the toughest challenges in life. People need to read this book to believe and understand that sometimes our greatest challenges turn out to be our greatest opportunities to grow and help others.

15. What people NEED to read this book and WHY?

Everyone needs to read this book at least once because the book offers inspiration to anyone. Being inspired helps us feel loved, energized and secure. Feeling this way helps us get through any tough situation that may be on its way — why not be one step ahead of adversity and welcome it with grace.

16. What sparks your creativity? Any tips to help others spark their own creativity?

What sparks my creativity is being met head on with problems. I am considered by many a brainstorming expert. I absolutely love to problem solve and am very resourceful. The process of brainstorming and problem solving sparks my creativity and uniqueness. I thoroughly enjoy coming up with a new, creative, unique solution to the problem. Some tips for others to spark their own creativity would be answer some questions about themselves. What is your topic that you are trying to be creative with? What do you like to do for fun? Is there a way to bring the two together? Sometimes, listening to motivational speakers will spark one’s creativity, too. Working with friends may also do the same. I have always found that taking time for yourself to become centered and focused always helps in the long run.

17. What do you think motivates people to become authors? What motivated you to get into this unusual industry?

I think the desire to share messages of hope, laughter and desire motivates some people to become authors. Other people, I believe, are born to be authors and enjoy doing so with great passion. I was motivated to get into this unusual industry because of my own passion for writing and desire to spread my messages.

18. Tell me about the most unusual things you have done to promote any books?

This will be my first promotion of my first book. I have a place on my blog (still being created) that is all about my chapter, etc. I also thought that car magnetic signs would be a unique way.

19. If a potential reader thinks that your book wouldn’t interest them, what would you say to convince them to buy? I’m thinking something better than “Its the greatest book ever.” Give me something more specific

In today’s economic environment, I believe when most people state that they are not interested, they are saying they are really concerned about what they are willing to spend their money on – what is the value? I would ask them why they think the book will not interest them? I would try to draw out the customer through conversation and query to find a match and need for the book’s content. For example, if a mom was in front of me and said No thanks I don’t need your book. I would ask the mom to step back and rather think of the present situation – prepare herself for what may lie ahead or even better – think of several friends that could benefit from the book now.

20. What is your final message to our readers?

My final message to the readers is that I believe everything happens for a reason and at the appropriate time. Readers led to our book are led for a reason and are ready for the wisdom, guidance and support within the book. The time is now to begin taking an interest in yourself. We have been raised to always be there for everyone else. I understand as a mom there are times to put your child before yourself. However, I can tell you from direct experience that if you do not take care of yourself than no one will benefit from your help. You are not rested, whole, centered, focused and powerful. This book provides everyone with an opportunity to begin taking the first step in focusing on “You.”

To get your own copy of Overcomers, Inc.,True Stories of Hope, Courage and Inspiring AND enjoy dozens of wonderful gifts with your purchase go to http://overcomersinc.com/booklaunch

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