The Long Way Around details your experiences growing up in a Mormon household marked by abuse and addiction and the challenges you have overcome over the course of your life. Why was this an important book for you to write? 

Writing requires a clear mind, so I would spend some time meditating before I wrote. Since I was in my late 60’s when I began writing, I had to regress decades to remember some of the events and specifics, and more importantly the feelings associated with the events. I had shared some of my stories briefly with a friend or two and they would say, “You need to write about that”, so I did.

I appreciated the candid nature with which you told your story. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?

As I began writing, I decided that I should focus on the positive nature and write a motivational and inspirational piece that might help others with the challenges of life. As I have said, it took me four years and a bucket of tears to write this book.It was basically facing and dealing with the depression I had experienced over the years.

What is a misconception you believe many people have about growing up in a Mormon household? 

Tara Westover wrote “Educated”, a memoir. Whe shares her Mormon story as well. I think that there is a lot of abusive households in every religion and Mormonism is no exception. Typically when I think of organized religion I think of the Sunday teachings of forgiveness and brotherly love that seems only to apply to Sunday. Monday through Saturday those philosophies are forgotten, as well as the ten commandments.

What is one thing you hope readers take away from The Long Way Around?

You can become the person you want to be, just as I have. The only thing stopping you is YOU!

Bruce Lee said the most important thing in life is to know yourself. Meditation is critical to do that!

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