Dr. Brenda Shoshanna is an award winning author and playwright with books translated into eighteen different languages. She writes fiction, non-fiction and plays. With her work as a psychologist, as well as her practice of Zen and Judaism, it comes as no surprise that her work is generally philosophically informed. Aside from her writing, she also runs a weekly podcast: Zen Wisdom for Your Everyday Life. Here we have the privilege of asking Dr. Brenda Shoshanna some questions about her writing career and what she’s been working on recently!
What is the hardest part of writing your books?
The hardest part of writing my books is the organization of it. There are so many different possibilities of structuring the material and the way in which it is structured has a great impact upon the overall message of the book. Usually I experiment with different formats. Then I give it some time and decide which format is most related to what I truly want to say.
What songs are most played on your iPod?
I enjoy music from all different nations. Don’t usually play them on my iPod.
Do you have critique partners or beta readers?
Yes, I have two critique readers who’s feedback I value highly. I listen to their response to the material, take time to digest what they’ve said and see how it can improve the work I am offering. Sometimes it’s very clear, other times it takes a while.
What book are you reading now?
I am reading the Zen poems of Ryokan and Stoic Philosophy.
How did you start your writing career?
I have been writing from a very young age, it was natural to me, and also necessary. It helped bring order to what often seemed like a chaotic world. The writing also helped me understand what I was thinking and feeling.
Over the years I just kept writing. My first publication came naturally, during college, in a short story college by Random House of the Best College Fiction of that year. I continued on and had publications of short stories in various publications at that time.
After I became a psychologist and Zen practitioner, my writing included non-fiction which combined both Eastern and Western principles and practices.
I actually don’t feel complete without spending some amount of time each day writing. I love writing in all genres and have received awards in non-fiction, fiction and theater (I’m a produced playwright.)
Tell us about your next release.
I am now working on a collaboration with Jon Mundy, a foremost teacher of The Course In Miracles. The book will be about The Course In Miracles and Zen. It’s a dialogue between us. Jon Mundy and I have offered several workshops on The Course In Miracles and Zen, which have been very well received.
I am also working on a new play, The Doctor’s Appointment, and some short stories, which I have been sending around and receiving wonderful responses to.
As I said, writing keeps me going. I love it.
In your book, what is your favorite chapter?
Chapter 9, The Gift of True Giving.
Please share your favorite quote from your book.
“Everyone You Meet Is Your Teacher In What It Means To Love”
What is the hardest part of writing your books?
In non-fiction, the hardest part for me is organizing the material.
Did you have an author who inspired you to become a writer?
Wallace Stevens, poet
What is your favorite part of the writing process?
Watching the book grow and deepen, day by day. Seeing all that has been unseen now being revealed.
Describe your latest book in 4 words.
Radical approach to love.
Find the Author
The Unshakeable Road to Love (Value Centered Relationships)
The Unshakeable Road to Love (Value Centered Relationships) is based upon Eternal Principles from all world scriptures, including Zen. These tried and true practices guide us to build a foundation in relationships where happiness and well-being are inevitable; and pain, upset and conflict can dissolve on the spot.
A radically different approach to psychology, the material offers a completely new perspective on how to experience fulfillment and what is truly needed in relationships. For example, a foundation of this practice is: To Be Happy, You Do Not Have To Be Loved, You Have To Learn What It Means To Be Loving.
The book explores the difference between Real and Counterfeit Love, showing how all our suffering in relationships is due to being caught in the trap of Counterfeit Love. This is a Book of Practice. It is filled with Turning Points, Pillars of Love, Interventions and many enjoyable exercises which show you how to practice these principles daily, in all our relationships.
Written by a psychologist, Interfaith counselor and long term Zen practitioner, the book combines the practices and principles of both East and West including all the ways to make these teachings real in our everyday lives.
Purchase The Unshakeable Road to Love
BOOK EXCERPT
We are all treasure hunters, looking for the secret to fulfilling relationships. Usually, we believe the secret lies in finding the right person, acquiring the best relationship skills and learning to communicate our needs more clearly. Our relationships are usually dedicated to finding happiness, getting our needs met, being powerful or in charge. Basically, we are using our relationships to feel good about ourselves.
However, despite all our efforts, relationships often become a source of pain and suffering. And when a partner stops meeting our needs, love often turns into rejection. Conflict, anger and loneliness arise endlessly.
When our thoughts are primarily absorbed with what we are needing and receiving, or how to build up our self esteem, we live in a prison without bars. It becomes impossible to truly see the person we are with, or what is really happening. The harder we try to make things right, the more complicated they can become. How can we ever find fulfillment in this manner?
