It’s A Book Thing Presents: An Interview with Mary Muduuli, author of The Book Of Hope: How Women Rise Up, Take Charge and Win in Retirement
Author’s
Bio: Mary dedicated over four decades to
development economics, with pivotal roles at institutions like the World Bank
and the African Development Bank. Her journey from Uganda to North America has
been marked by academic and professional pursuits and underscored by a
commitment to grab opportunities, seek excellence and meaningful
contributions to society.
Now,
in her golden years, she champions women’s economic empowerment to achieve
“Hope for a Better Future” for all and younger living for the
retired. She has authored two books in Retirement, including The Book
Of Hope (published) and Silver Linings (an audio), focusing on self-help, Growth and success in a challenging
world. She received the 2023 Lynn Quille Award for Economic Empowerment,
by the Focus On Women Magazine (USA). Mary helps women to find their purpose
and navigate life with confidence, without feeling helpless and overwhelmed by
the crazy world and events in their lives.
Deliah Lawrence: What inspired you to write your book?
Mary Muduuli: The observations
throughout my career about the crazy world we live in today, full of fatalism
(threats to life and property – some man-made like war, conflict, genocide,
climate emergency and others natural like fires, droughts, hurricanes, floods,
epidemics, etc.), sense of hopelessness to change life
realities;
The injustices, torture,
assault and inequalities particularly against women, rooted in a male dominated
world, cultural norms, traditions and practices;
Achievements by women
around the world, warriors working as agents of change, for themselves and to
impact others;
My strong belief that
women, based on women’s gifts and roles and society’s expectations, have
capability and a special calling to give “Hope for Better” to humanity; and
My own story, which
proved to me that it is possible to reduce Stress, Depression and hopelessness
when we follow certain strategies and use certain tools.
DL:
What elements do you think make a compelling story?
MM:
I believe the following elements make a compelling story:
- Story
resonating with society’s issues or realities. - Real
people life examples as part of your research. - Offering
practical strategies, tools and or solutions. - Depicting
writer’s own vulnerability, experience and achievements. - Short
for comfortable reading and contains a generous touch of humor.
DL:
What obstacles did you encounter while writing the book?
MM:
I encountered the following obstacles while writing my book:
- Getting
started and dealing with procrastination. - Multitasking
and juggling family schedules, home chores and book writing. - Content
research work and finding real people to interview for real life stories
and convincing them to be named. - Prioritizing
materials to include and aiming to perfect drafts. - Finding
financing. - Complying
with publisher’s red tape and guidelines. - Working
with virtual editors.
DL:
If you could choose a superpower, what would it be and why?
MM:
Flight as a superpower because there are times when I want to Travel the world
but cannot due to time and financial constraints, but always wish I could just
get there. I am well-travelled, been to over 40 countries, but there are
parts of this world, especially in Latin America, Eastern Europe and Asia
I really wish to see in my life.
DL:
If you were hosting a dinner party, which three authors, present or past, would
be your dream guests and why?
MM: 1) Helen Keller – I am so fascinated by her
ability to write despite her disability. 2) Michelle Obama – She is such a
powerful writer and so inspiring. 3) Wangari Maathai – Her African woman
spirit and strong political activism, fighting for the environment is
entertaining.
DL:
What tips would you give to aspiring writers?
MM:
I would give them the following tips:
- Throw
out ideas but settle for relevant audience(s), their pain/need and what
you offer them. - Determine
title to keep you focused. - Get
started and keep going, do not procrastinate. - Don’t
aim at perfecting drafts and create your own content. - Make
your book easy to read and illustrated. - Determine
how to use the book for impacting society, as many will not read it. - Decide
on marketing strategy early.
DL:
What is your favorite line from a book?
MM:
My favorite line by Dr. Maya Angelou:
“No matter how miserable a hand we have been dealt, we have the power to
create our own destinies and to determine our future.“
DL:
What are three fun facts about yourself?
MM:
1) I love listening to different types of music and dancing, sometimes by
myself. 2) I enjoy comedy and laughter very much. 3) I love cooking, often
spicy, sometimes making up recipes on the fly, just as I make the dish.
DL:
What new projects are you currently working on?
MM:
As an Executive Contributor, I write articles in the UK
based Rich Woman Magazine, Monday editions, in an effort to impact retirement
styles of its readers, championing the concept of “living younger.”
DL:
Where can readers learn more about you?
MM:
Readers can get more information here:
- My
page: https://www.thebookofhope.ca - Amazon
(Kindle): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B098ZZSJZK?ref_=pe_3052080_276849420 - Facebook:
https://www.Facebook.com/Mary.Muduuli.7 - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marymuduuli/
- LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-c-muduuli-3285731a2/ - Book
Buy Link: http://tinyurl.com/2p9d3bwn
DL: Thanks so much for being here with us today. I know
my readers will enjoy getting to know you and your work.
MM: Thank you!
Originally Published on https://vocalexpressions.blogspot.com
