Q: When did you realize you wanted to be a writer?

A: I experienced a series of major transitions that were emotionally and physically agonizing but abundantly rich in personal growth. I felt an intense longing to share what I had learned, including how to disengage from “delight-deficiency disorder.” My hope was that the learning curve could be more gentle for other people and as short as possible. That passion led to publication of my first paperback book, Transforming Pain Into Power––Making the Most of Your Emotions. The book was printed in multiple editions and four languages and readers verified that the information was unique and valuable. The journey confirmed that being a professional writer was my next step.

Q: How and when did you make this dream a reality?

A: The nudge to write and speak full time escalated. At times, I was driving and had to pull off of the road quickly to record a stream of images and notes that were pouring through my consciousness. This was a blissful state of flow. My Soul was communicating its passion. The next step was to work with the human side of me, to trust my Soul’s call and the process of life without knowing how it would unfold. This was challenging but it produced profound personal transformation. I’m grateful every day that this transition prepared me to assist others with their career challenges and shifts.

Q: What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned so far in your writing career?

A: Marketing can be as much fun as writing if we allow it to also be a creative, inspired process rather than thinking, “It’s the price we have to pay in order to gain the privilege of being paid to follow our hearts.”

Q: What are you working on right now?

A: My latest book, Joy on the Job, was just released. It is a 464-page book based on interviews with entrepreneurs as well as employees and managers in 21 diverse organizations. This was a 10-year quest to discover the secrets of happiness at work. It was an amazing journey with many unexpected twists. All of the over 400 techniques for achieving happiness at work that were discovered were then validated during a series of Joy on the Job Seminars. I have four other books in the layout stage because the 10 years of research produced such a rich harvest that can help people enjoy a fun and fulfilling work life.

Q: Name some authors or books that have influenced your writing life in a positive way.

A: James A. Michener’s ability to paint detailed pictures with words created an immense desire to develop my writing skills. The Biology of Belief by Bruce Lipton helped me expand my awareness of how to expand neural networks and reprogram limiting belief systems so I could trust the process of life more.

Q: What have you recently read or what are you reading right now that you would consider an outstanding work?

A: I like to pick up books that make me stretch my field of awareness like Taking the Quantum Leap by Fred Alan Wolf. I also love reading books designed to help writers grow like The Van Gogh Blues by Eric Maisel.

Q: What excites or ignites your soul?

A: Methods of detaching from limiting belief systems so we can discover more of the joy we all deserve. Developing new neural networks that support positive new ways of being. Sharing techniques with others that support their personal growth. The privilege of facilitating an “Aha!” that radiates through an audience that has felt stuck in an area of life. Assisting with positive change in the business world so that every single one of us can experience our dream job.

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Joy on the Job is the latest of a series of books by Doris Helge, Ph.D. Some have been printed in many languages. Doris is called “The Joy Coach” because her work adds sizzle to an average work day so we no longer have to hunger for happiness at work. Her expertise has been validated by a series of occupational health “Best Practice” awards. She has delivered presentations and training seminars to entrepreneurs, employees, and managers at organizations as diverse as NAWBO, Regence BlueShield, the American College of Occupational and Environmental Health, Royal Bounty International, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Exxon-Mobil, the National Athletic Trainers Association, the University of Texas, the American Association of Occupational Health Nurses, and Vanderbilt University. Doris is a frequent guest on television and radio programs such as CNN, The Today Show, and NPR. She has been a faculty member at three universities and directed two national organizations. Contact doris@joyonthejob.info and visit her at http://www.joyonthejobbook.com/index.htm