Author’s Bio:  S​haron J. Burton has actively
served as a visual artist, art curator, poet, podcaster, teaching artist and
creativity coach for 20 years in the DC, Maryland and Virginia areas.  She is the founder of Spark Your
Creative Coaching,
where she works with artists, authors, writers and other creatives to unblock
and reach their creative potential. She also serves as the host of the Spark
Your Creative podcast (SoundCloud) focusing on midlife artists, writers and creatives.

She received her certification in creativity Coaching from
the Creativity Coaching Association. She completed requirements for
the professional certificate in Art Business from New York University. Sharon
is also a certified Meditation Instructor and as a Divine Sleep Yoga Nidra Guide.

Sharon has a visual art studio, writing and creativity
coaching practice based in Southern, Maryland where she has lived for over 20
years. 

Deliah Lawrence:
What inspired you to write your book?

Sharon J. Burton: I was
inspired by my own personal journey to revitalize my creative passion in my
late 30s.  I had to overcome a lot of
self-doubt and criticism to move forward to become a visual artist.  It wasn’t easy but having met and worked with
a variety of artists and other creatives who are moving through a similar
journey, I saw the need to have something for people who are at mid-life and
want to embark on a long overdue creative life.

DL: What
is your writing process?

SJB: My writing process was simple. I worked on several
outlines before finalizing my Table of Contents.  Much of the content for each chapter were
from blogs I wrote during the last few years on a variety of subjects. That
made the writing process much simpler than writing from scratch.  I did some research on some topics and the
use of affirmations to provide a theoretical basis for the book.  I worked on editing them to make them more
book friendly.  I used the content of the
book to survey the artists and creatives I interviewed so that they could
provide the best responses and advice to support the topic.

DL: What
obstacles did you encounter while writing this book?

SJB: COVID-19 was one obstacle that was a
challenge.  Even though I had more time
to write, the uncertainty of the situation threw me off a bit.  Also, the balance of running a coaching
business and a full-time job had its own demands.  When I felt overwhelmed, I tabled the book
project until I felt the inspiration to write again.

DL: If
you were hosting a dinner party which three authors, past or present, would be
your dream guests and why?

SJB: My dream guests would be: 

• Julia Cameron:  Her approach to unblocking creativity has
  always been effective for me.
• Iyanla Vanzant: I find much of her
  work healing and affirming from a spiritual point of view.
• Toni Morrison: Her unique way of
  telling complicated but intriguing stories based on family dynamics has always
  fascinated me since I was thirteen. 

DL: What
tips would you give to aspiring writers?

SJB: I would give them the following
tips:

Know
Your Why: Understand why you want to write and what you want to achieve.

Read Other Books: Read books in your
genre and beyond to understand styles, techniques, and trends. Analyze how
authors structure their work and engage readers.

Start Small and Build: Begin with
short pieces or manageable goals. Over time, expand to larger projects like
novels or nonfiction books.

Develop a Writing Routine:  Set aside dedicated time for writing every day
or week. Consistency builds discipline and momentum. Create a comfortable and
inspiring writing space to help focus.

Embrace Imperfection: Your first
draft doesn’t have to be perfect—it just needs to exist. Revision is where the
magic happens.

Build a Support System: Join writing groups or
communities for feedback, encouragement, and accountability. Consider finding a
mentor or coach to guide you.

Learn About the Publishing Industry
and Process:  Research the pros and cons
of traditional publishing versus self-publishing. Build a basic understanding
of querying agents, writing proposals, or formatting for self-publishing
platforms.

Prioritize Self-Care: Writing can be
emotionally taxing. Take breaks, practice mindfulness, and balance your
creative life with rest and play.

DL: What
are three books you’ll never part with?

SJB: I’ll never part with these three books:

• The
  Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron
• When
  Chicken-Heads Come Home to Roost by Joan Morgan
• How
  Georgia Became O’Keeffe: Lessons on the Art of Living by Karen Karbo 

DL: What
are three fun facts about yourself?

SJB: 1) I have a twin sister
and a younger brother, and we all share the same birthday. 2) I am an avid hiker
and love being in nature on the trail. 3) I am a budding wine connoisseur and
love learning about the wine making process.

DL: Would
you like to share an excerpt from Creative Sparks?

SJB: Sure, here you go:

Are
you seeking a way to express yourself creatively? In your search for your
creative spark, you may discover talents you didn’t realize you possessed, new
activities that bring fun and excitement into your life, and new ways to relax
and rejuvenate.  There is no right or
wrong creative outlet, only the one that fits you and your personality.  Finding what you want to do to express
yourself doesn’t have a deadline either. 
It just takes time to explore and follow your personal whims and
interests.  (From Chapter 3:
Affirmation 3- I Am Open to Exploring My Self-Expression, P. 38)

DL: What
new projects are you currently working on?

SJB: I am working on a few
projects including:

A 6-Week virtual Book Club based on
Creative Sparks for people who want to explore or build on their creative
passions, that will feature readings, journal exercises, and a self-contained
creative community which is scheduled to begin in late February.

A new podcast series entitled
Creative Sparks Unleashed, which will feature book readings and interviews with
artists and creatives that I interviewed for the book.  That will be featured in the Spark Your
Creative Podcast which is hosted on SoundCloud and the video portion will be
hosted on the Spark Your Creative Coaching YouTube page.

DL: Where
can readers learn more about you and purchase your book(s)?

SJB: Readers can get more information here:

• Website:
  https://www.sparkyourcreative.com/book.html
• Amazon
  Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0D3Z29K75/about
• Facebook:
  https://www.facebook.com/SparkYourCreative/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/SparkYourCreative
• Blog: https://www.sparkyourcreative.com/blog
• Book Buy
  Links/Signed Copy: https://www.sparkyourcreative.com/store/p19/Creative_Sparks%3A_21_Affirmations_and_Inspiration_for_Creativity_at_Midlife.html
• Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Creative-Sparks-Affirmations-Inspiration-Creativity/dp/B0D22J7D45 

DL: Thanks so much for being here with us today. I know my
readers will enjoy getting to know you and your work.

SJB: I appreciate the opportunity to be spotlighted. Thank you.

Originally Published on https://vocalexpressions.blogspot.com

Deliah Lawrence Attorney, Author, Blogger, Workshop Facilitator

Deliah Lawrence is a Maryland-based attorney and award-winning author of two romantic suspense novels (Gotta Let It Go and Gotta Get It Back) set in Baltimore. She’s also a blogger and workshop facilitator who writes poetry and short stories.

When Deliah isn’t writing, you can find her reading a book, indulging in her addiction to investigation discovery shows; or painting her yet-to-be exhibited oil artworks of landscapes, portraits or whatever else comes to her creative mind. Constantly on the go, she is also a member of the Black Writers’ Guild of Maryland and Sisters in Crime.