Author Interview With Lana Borgholthaus
We love to feature debut authors here on the blog. This interview is with Lana Borgholthaus, author of X-Spelled: The Deviated Path (X-Spelled Series Book 1), published in April of 2019.
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
I first realized I wanted to be an author in elementary school. In fifth grade I was chosen and recognized for a “Young Author” award. It sounds silly, but I still have stories I wrote in sixth grade.
What gives you inspiration for your books?
My inspiration for books comes when I blow dry my hair. I also ask a lot of “why” questions that lead me to new stories. For example, I always wondered why the original Princess and the Pea ends with “This is a true story,” or why Rumpelstiltskin wanted a baby, so I came up with reasons why in X-Spelled: The Untold Story of the Princess and the Pea. Symbolism and life lessons also inspire me.
What did you enjoy most about writing this book?
I enjoyed writing Minerva’s character. I see her as a wise mentor, like Mr. Miyagi in The Karate Kid. I also loved helping my character find hope, even after she had to experience loss and heartbreak.
What was the hardest part of writing this book?
The hardest part of writing this book was editing. I love writing, but I’m not particularly fond of editing, even though I know it only makes it better. It just feels more like homework, compared to the first few drafts.
What genres do you like to read in your free time?
I love to read young adult fiction. My favorite series are The Hunger Games and Michael Vey. I also like the Fablehaven and Twilight series. I also LOVE personal development/self help books.
What books have most influenced your life?
I have read a lot of self-help books that have inspired me to reach goals that I never thought were possible. One of my favorite books is The Book of Mormon. That book has changed my life for the better in so many ways.
X-Spelled: The Deviated Path Book Trailer
What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
When I am not writing, I love to present, mentor, and study neuroscience. As a physician assistant, I have been able to help tens of thousands of individuals over nearly two decades. I love to share my knowledge and personal experiences to help others with anxiety, depression, addictions, insomnia, and other conditions.
I wrote my first bestseller, Unstuck and Unstoppable, specifically for my patients. My fictional books also serve as parables where I apply lessons and experiences from the book to our own lives. I have created a “Becoming X-Spelled: Creating Happily Ever Afters Everyday” program to help teens and moms rid themselves of the spells cast upon them, causing them anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and so forth.
I teach them confidence and goal achievement. This is really my deepest desire. I’ve stayed local, doing live presentations, however, I am in the process of creating an online version that will be out soon.
Tell us a little about yourself? Perhaps something not many people know?
I have always been “boy-trapped.” I grew up with three brothers and no sisters, and I currently have three sons and no daughters. I use writing to help me experience the princess and fairytale that I missed out. I create characters that I wish were my daughters, even though sometimes they misbehave.
What’s next for you? What are you working on now?
My next book, that is currently going through edits and final details, is called SOAP. It is an adult fictional dramedy where a single, alcoholic mom, whose son is a singing prodigy, gets in a car accident and kills a 17-year-old boy.
In the meantime, she is in a coma where she receives treatment from Dr. Sol, a soulologist who treats the nonphysical body parts and organs of the soul. Her success in treatment will determine her son’s future.
Her thought demons, the “three evil stooges,” fight to take her down. They know if she completes treatment, it could change the whole world, and they could be eradicated.
