Lisa, a former interior designer, started feeling run down and tired all of the time. She was well aware of toxic materials that exist in homes today from her experience as an interior designer. Lisa then began a journey in search of answers. After much research and numerous doctor visits, she came to the conclusion that her house and products within her home were making her sick.

It was through her research that Lisa decided to become a certified Bau-Biologist (building Biology -- A study derived from Germany which encompasses how buildings impact life and the living environment) With her B.A from ASU already under her belt, she decides to incorporate her two passions in life -- interior design and health. After making the necessary adjustments in her home, her health gradually became better and she and her husband Ron decided to help others in their endless efforts to attain optimal health.

What made you want to become a writer?
I became very inspired to write a children's book on the subject of healthy homes and how our home effects one's health for several reasons.  The first being that I suffered illness which was caused from environmental toxins.  It was truly amazing and inspiring to see how, by just changing my environment and choice of products, I was able to experience optimal health for the first time in over 10 years.  Second, through my research, I came across so many technical books on the subject of toxins in the environment.  I realized that a busy parent who didn't have time to research these books needed to hear this message in a fun, lighthearted approach.  And lastly, I wanted children, in some small way, to get this message at an early age and start to ask important questions.
 

Was the journey hard?
The journey was extremely rewarding and challenging.  I did not have ANY help.  I really just dove into this project with no technical background on how to write - only the inspiration and motivation to want to make a positive difference in people's lives.  Some of the major obstacles were of course, the funding.  The book is self published so I was on my own from a financial aspect.  The biggest obstacle has been the marketing.  It is not the case of "write it and they will come."  I have learned that the success of my book is what I choose it to be through perseverance and dedication.

What inspired you to write Green Nest?
My husband and I had just created a "how-to" audio CD called: Learn to Create a Healthy Home!  This was a lot of technical information based on quite a bit of research.  I felt this CD was a great tool for adults, and especially those concerned with their health and the environment.  However, I wanted this message to be fun.  Colors and images ran through my mind and I knew that a children's book needed to be created.  I had been inspired to write MY BODY MY HOUSE by prior children's books that have strong similar messages like: Shell Silverstein's The Giving Tree and Dr. Seuss's The Lorax!

 

Any philosophies or quotes you live by that you would like to share with our readers?
"You must be the change you wish to see in the world."  Mahatma Gandhi.

Any advice for aspiring writers?
 I think you can get carried in different directions in the process of creating a book.  I would recommend sticking to your original purpose and what motivated you to write the book.  This needs to remain the core.! 
  
Where can our readers find our more about your work?
My website Green Nest (www.GreenNest.com) carries both the audio CD and the book: MY BODY MY HOUSE.  It also provides tools, information and products on how to create a healthy, non-toxic home for children and parents..
   __________________________