In this episode of the Pursuing Uncomfortable podcast, guest Liv Arnold shares her journey as a writer and how she incorporates her personal experiences into her romance novels. Taking inspiration from her own battles with anxiety, Liv discusses how writing has become a powerful outlet for creativity and personal growth. Join us as we delve into the world of romance writing and discover the captivating stories behind Liv's books.
Liv Arnold, a talented romance writer from Melbourne, Australia, describes her journey in the writing industry. She shares her excitement about getting her first book published in 2018 and how it motivated her to continue creating captivating stories for her readers.
Liv introduces her acclaimed series, "Investor in You," explaining its focus on the romance genre intertwined with financial crime elements. She dives into the plotlines and characters of her books, highlighting the unique perspectives of her female characters in typically male-dominated fields.
Liv opens up about her personal experiences with anxiety and how she draws from them to develop authentic characters. She discusses how she incorporated her own anxiety symptoms into one of her main male characters who suffers from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Liv's portrayal allows readers to relate to the character's challenges and highlights the importance of mental health awareness.
Delving deeper, Liv shares how writing has become a form of therapy for her in coping with her anxiety. She discusses her journey with anxiety medication and the limited relief it provided. Writing offered her an escape into fictional worlds and the ability to create characters that resonated with her personal experiences.
Liv mentions the societal stigma surrounding men's mental health and the struggle they face in seeking help. She addresses the importance of shedding light on these issues and creating relatable characters who navigate through their own mental health journeys. Liv's work is not only entertaining but also serves as a medium to initiate vital discussions.
To ensure authenticity, Liv shares her approach to incorporating real-life experiences into her writing. Collaborating with professionals in various fields, such as IT and data analytics, allowed her to expand her knowledge and accurately portray her characters' roles. This commitment to in-depth research enables Liv to create multifaceted and believable stories.
Liv reveals her personal growth journey, mentioning the Wim Hof method, a practice that combines breathing exercises, meditation, and cold water therapy. She emphasizes the benefits of pushing oneself physically, explaining how this correlates with training the mind to overcome anxieties and build resilience in challenging situations. Liv's dedication to personal growth extends beyond her writing and serves as an inspiration to listeners.
Exploring Liv's characters, we discover the lessons they teach about resilience, facing fears, and seeking help. Liv's male character's journey in finding effective coping mechanisms, including cognitive behavioral therapy and counseling, serves as a reminder that one must take that first step towards healing.
In this episode of the Pursuing Uncomfortable podcast, Liv Arnold sheds light on how writing has been a catalyst for personal growth and a form of therapy in her battle against anxiety. Through her romance novels, Liv intertwines engaging stories with important real-life issues, striving to create relatable characters who inspire discussions about mental health. Her commitment to research and collaboration allows her to craft compelling narratives that captivate readers. Liv's journey is a testament to how pursuing uncomfortable can lead to personal transformation and positive change.
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